Lakeshia Ellis Recieves MLK Scholarship

Bridges Student, Lakeshia Ellis was awarded the Coretta Scott King Scholarship at the MLK Dream Weekend Diversity Banquet on Friday, January 16. She will use this $2,000 scholarship at USC Upstate this Fall 2009.

We are very proud of Lakeshia. She is a survivor! She endured great challenges as a young child to succeed as a young adult. She attends Carolina Academy where she is enrolled in dual credit college classes, is on Student Government, and maintains a part-time job. She is in the top ten of her class and is determined to succeed! Congratulations Keshia!

Pictured with her mom, Barbara Ellis:

Video of the award presentation:

Tymeco Gregory: A Leader on the Field and In the Classroom

Bridges student, Tymeco Gregory was one of five offensive lineman selected for the 2008 Associated Press South Carolina All-State High School Football Team. Ty is a Senior at Greer High School and graduated from Bridges in Summer 2008. He was an amazing Bridges student! Ty was on the Bridges Leadership Team and was selected as one of the Co-Valedictorians of Bridges.

The Greenville News published an article on December 23, 2008 about Ty's selection for the All-State Team. Here is an excerpt from the article written by Bob Castello:

Gregory, who played in the North-South all-star game, helped the Yellow Jackets to more than 400 yards rushing per game. Greer coach Will Young called Gregory "one of the finest offensive lineman I've had the pleasure to coach." "He's not only a good football player, but he's a good person and a good student," Young said. "He's probably one of the best all-around kids we've got in the school. If you asked any of our players who our leader was, they'd tell you it's Tymeco Gregory."

We agree! As a student in Bridges to a Brighter Future, Ty carried himself with integrity, superior maturity, and character. He was held in very high regard by the faculty and counselors. Ty was also highly regarded by his Bridges peers. As a result, they selected him for participation on the Bridges leadership team. I worked closely with the leadership team throughout the summer. My respect for Ty grew daily as I witnessed him single-handily manage very difficult situations with maturity and sensibility. For example, the other males on his hall had gotten a little out of hand one night and did not respect the counselors’ directions and discipline procedures. The next night, Ty held a student-only meeting where he requested his fellow hall mates to respect the counselors, follow the rules, and make good decisions. It is very difficult to stand in front of your peers and tell them what to do, especially when you are telling them to “be good.” Ty is exceptional! We can't wait to see how he uses his leadership skills in college and beyond.