2020 Greene Scholars Souvenir Book - Web GSP 2020 Souvenir Book (Web) | Page 10

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Founder’s Message
Debra Watkins, MEd, MS.
Dear GSP Family and Guests,
Welcome to the 18th Annual Science Fair Awards Ceremony of the Dr. Frank S.
Greene Scholars Program (GSP).
When I created the GSP 19 years ago, I had no idea that it would become successful
enough to launch as its own independent organization. In 2016, that became the
reality and I have been thrilled to watch it grow and thrive under the gifted leadership
of Dr. Ayodele Thomas.
Ayodele will be the first one to tell you that the successes are largely attributed to
those parents who work tirelessly to provide some of the most outstanding STEM
programming in the country. It is a huge blessing that my own granddaughter, Imade
Okoh, is now in her sixth year in the GSP and benefiting tremendously from what the
program has to offer.
One of the main reasons why I spun off the GSP as its own organization is so that I
could replicate the model around the country through A Black Education Network
(aben4ace.org). I realize now that there are aspects of the GSP that are quite
replicable, but there will never be another program exactly like it.
That realization makes it even more significant for the children who are blessed to be
in the GSP. Their experiences cannot be duplicated.
As we enter a new decade, 2020 promises to be a banner year for ABEN and the GSP.
I look forward to watching both organizations take their rightful places among the
best Black Led Organizations in the country.
Enjoy this afternoon and our awesome Scholars. Their contributions to society will be
unlike any others!
Sincerely,
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Debra
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DR. FRANK S. GREENE SCHOLARS PROGRAM