Black Catholic ministry tracks students’ success

By Sylvia L. White
The Catholic Sun

The Phoenix Diocese’s Office of Black Catholic Ministry inducted four eighth-grade graduates into the scholarship program for the 2006-2007 school year June 10.

“We want them to achieve their highest level,” said Carol Lackey, scholarship committee chair about the recipients. The 19 scholarships awarded help “perpetuate their achievement.”

The office recognized Miguel Thompson and Justin White, juniors and honor students at Brophy College Preparatory, as this year’s outstanding students. LaShuna White, a senior at Xavier College Preparatory received an honorable mention in that category.

Richard Shook, who the Black Catholic ministry recognized as student of the year in 2004 and 2005, graduated from Brophy this year and plans to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee. Shook received a scholarship from Marquette University as well as an OBCM graduate scholarship.

Dominique Doss, a Xavier graduate and former scholarship recipient, attends the University of Portland, Ore.

“When I went to Xavier I had some opportunities that some of my peers did not have,” she said. “I would not have been able to go to Xavier if I did not have outside scholarships.”

Doss will graduate in 2008 with a major in psychology and wants to work with chronically ill children and their families. She is involved in ministry at St. Gregory Parish and in the Portland metro area.

To learn more about Black Catholic Ministry or donating to the scholarship fund, call Kit Marshall at (602) 354-2025 or visit www.diocesephoenix.org/blackcatholicministry.