There was plenty of joy and plenty of tears as Mann Scholars, teachers, administrators, friends, family, and community members gathered at the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub May 31 to celebrate the achievements of new, current and graduating Mann Scholars at the annual Mann Scholars Celebration.
“I’ve been fighting for most of my life, and after every success, every goal I reached, and every struggle I overcome, I think that the tears, the prayers, the sacrifices, and the difficult mornings, they’re all worth it,” graduating senior Ziairra Cockrell of Madison Memorial High School told the crowd gathered at the event on The Hub’s fourth floor.
“For all the adults, the parents, the incoming freshmen, the outgoing seniors…. just do your absolute best, because there are people out here rooting for you who want to support you because you deserve it,” Cockrell continued. “When you reach a good place in your life, I want you to celebrate it, relish it, enjoy it, be proud of yourself for getting to that space, but don’t let it be where you stop growing. The world has a lot more to offer us than just that one space you’re in, and I hope you keep searching for it and reaching for it.”
The Mann Scholars Program was created to provide mentoring and educational tools to students from the Madison Metropolitan School District who show potential for academic achievement but face significant challenges to reaching their full potential. Mann Scholars are chosen every year based on their academic promise, their motivation, their financial need, and the willingness of their families to encourage participation in enrichment activities. They are primarily, but not exclusively, students of color.
Joseph Conduah, the Mann Scholars board of directors co-chair, gave the welcome at the Annual Mann Scholars Celebration event.
“This is one of the great celebrations that we get to have every year,” Conduah said. “It’s an opportunity for us to thank the students and congratulate the seniors who are coming through for being part of this program, and to really celebrate their success. And then welcome the new families in the program that are coming in as freshmen.
“I want to give a warm welcome to our community members that are here, the school district and any of our donors that are here and present. We really appreciate you all,” he added. “It really takes a village to have all these students here at this celebration today, and we want to thank you all on behalf of the Mann Educational Opportunity Fund.”
(Photo by David Dahmer)
MMSD Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard was a special speaker at the event.
‘We’re in the season of celebration of excellence and the celebration of youth, but what I’ve seen the past few weeks, as well, with this [greater Madison] community is that it really drives us,” Gothard said. “I’ve been to so many different ceremonies such as this, where the success of our young people doesn’t just happen by itself. Sure, we have strong-minded, self-directed youth, but they also need encouragement, guidance, and most of all, belief — belief that they matter, believe that they’re going somewhere, belief that they can do it, belief that if they fail, they can learn from those mistakes, and then still stay on course. Don’t ever underestimate the impact that that has on our young people.
“It’s really special to be here tonight with you all to make sure that our students know that they’re loved, they’re supported, and that we all collectively have an incredible belief in their future,” Gothard continued. “So, congratulations to all our seniors, and also the new Mann Scholars who will be recognized, and welcome to the family.”
Next, Becky Mann gave Mann Family Reflections. The Mann Educational Opportunity Fund was started more than 30 years ago to honor her parents, Bernard and Kathy Mann, who were strong advocates for high-quality and equitable educational opportunities for all students enrolled in MMSD.
“My mom and dad were strong advocates for education equity and equality, and they demonstrated this during their entire lives,” Mann said. “They wanted to make sure their children, as well as other children in the community, specifically children of color, had fair educational opportunities.
“The conviction of my parents is present in every single student here today. This is why you were chosen. Every student deserves an education that prepares them to fulfill their life goals, achieve a life of purpose, and be continuing community members,” Mann added. “And thanks to the collective work of many in the community, the board members, staff, and donors, we are now celebrating the Mann Scholars. Our God is a God of miracles, and each of you here today is a miracle. Graduates, as you go forward, please put God first in everything you do. Enjoy the ride and bring someone with you.”
(Photo by A. David Dahmer)
Tai’Kiah Phillips, a former Mann Scholar, gave the Mann Scholar Alum Remarks.
“To the incoming freshmen and your families, I would say utilize your resources. It takes the village, and the Mann family is your extended village,” she said. “They are like an extra parent. They’re there for a reason; they saw something in you, and they want to see you succeed. Reach out to them.
“To the graduating seniors, make sure you guys enjoy college, but remember that the hard work doesn’t stop; it actually gets a little bit harder. There’s no one there to hold your hand anymore. You’re a grown-up,” Phillips added. “So just make sure you enjoy college, but also stay about your business, stay on top of it. Again, if you fall short or if you feel like you’re struggling, reach out to the Mann Scholars Program. They’re still in your family beyond your graduation. So make sure that you reach out and make sure that you enjoy the ride.”
Mann Scholars board of directors co-chair Marilyn Ruffin then introduced the new Mann Scholars, which included Daniel Okpara of Hamilton Middle School and Ejaaz Ra-El of Badger Rock Middle School who will be attending Madison West; Jhi’ana Wisdom of Gillespie Middle School, Makiyah Creamer of Toki Middle School, and Laurence Satterfield of Wright Middle School; who will be attending Madison Memorial; and Kayla Smith of Sennett Middle School who will be attending Madison La Follette next fall.
Maia Pearson, coordinator of the Mann Scholars Program, presented the graduating Mann Scholars seniors who will all be moving on to higher education. They included Hezekiah Ward of Madison West High School, Jazzlynn Walker of Madison La Follette High School and Ziairra Cockrell of Madison Memorial High School.
Pearson called the graduating scholars and their parents to the front and gave each parent a graduation sash and a Mann Scholar pin as they were honored.
“These sashes represent the hard work and dedication that each scholar has put in,” Pearson said. “These sashes also represent the hopes and dreams that each scholar will achieve. These pins represent the fact that you are a Mann Scholar and will be forever a part of the Mann Scholar Family, even after graduation. Wear this pin and sash with pride, as you embody the vision of Bernard and Kathy Mann, as well as the widest dreams of our ancestors.”
Hezekiah Ward, who was raised by his single mother after his father passed away, thanked the Mann Scholars Program for all of the opportunities he has had over the last four years.
“Where I come from, I never thought I would be able to do these things, but I was able to with Maia [Pearson]. It’s so amazing the feeling of being able to show my siblings that anything is possible,” he said.
