2024 MFN View

I have studied at Delaware State University and Wilmington University. I have worked for my current company for over 7 years as currently a Legal Processor. Outside of my day to day my true passion is volunteerism. I currently work as volunteer and Administrative Advisor to my mentors foundation. Her name is Jacklyn Atkins and her foundation is NJ Give A Kid A Dream foundation. This program “offers at-risk youth to boxing, education, and character-building program, to help them gain skills, achieve their dreams, and lead meaningful lives”. This program started in Long Branch, NJ and has grown wings to Atlantic City, Nj and is located at Showboat hotel. I have been apart of this audacious program for the past 3 years, and it has sponsored over a dozen kids for mentorship through the sport of boxing. I am also an amateur boxing judge and referee through USA Boxing. USA Boxing “promotes and grows Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and is used to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence” I most of all enjoy supporting my with my local church, Second Baptist Church, of Atlantic City, Nj. I’m truly thankful for being recognized for this award and strive to make a difference in my community.

Mason Alexander Witherspoon, 9 years old of Pleasantville, NJ is the son of proud parents, Monique' Y. Robinson and Marcus L. Witherspoon, Sr. Mason, a 3rd grader, attending Leeds Avenue School (Pleasantville, NJ) is a Merit Roll student whose favorite subject is math. Mason attends St. James A.M.E. Church, where Rev. Dr. James Coaxum, III is his Pastor. Mason, an active young person in his church, is a part of multiple auxiliaries that include, the Junior Usher's Ministry, Young People's Department (YPD), and Vacation Bible School.

In Mason's leisure time, he loves to spend time with his family, whether it's family vacations out of the country, beach days in the summer or fishing with his Mother. Mason has a special interest in dinosaurs and has an extensive collection and could tell artifacts in specific details of them all. Music runs in Mason's blood so the "ear" to music comes naturally to him. Mason has a beautiful voice and sings on the children's choir at church and has also begun drum lessons.

The future is bright for Mason and with God's protection and guidance from his parents, Mason can do All Things Through Christ which gives him strength.

Please Note. The bio I received has to be shortened to meet your word max. I will have the bio to you this evening. Thank you
Cydnee Phoenix
301-651-1064

Arnelle Lyles is a lifelong resident of Atlantic City. Proud mother of two sons and new grandmother of two beautiful baby girls. Arnelle earned her associates degree in theater from Atlantic Cape Community College and earned her bachelor's in theater performance from Stockton University along with a double minor in literature and African-American studies. Her love of the stage has afforded her the opportunity to perform as far west as Texas, as far east as Greece, and all along the Eastern seaboard. I know is the founder and director of the Paul Prince performing arts workshop a program designed to teach young people the basics of music dance and drama. Arnel is a member of the historical Union Baptist Temple in Atlantic City, where she is a member of the award-winning voices of Hope choir. A lover of Christ, Family, and the arts, Arnelle is humbled by this honor and plans to continue sharing her gift with the world.

Angela Newsom is a member of the Kappa Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and she has been holding Zumba® classes for more than 10 years. One of her many Zumba® certifications includes Zumba® Kids and Kids Junior. Perfect for our younger Zumba® fans! Kids 4 - 6 years old get the chance to socialize with friends and jam to their favorite music. Kids 7 - 11 years old get the chance to be active and jam out to their favorite music. Zumba® Kids classes feature kid-friendly routines based on original Zumba® choreography. We break down the steps, add games, activities, and cultural exploration elements into the class structure. Helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children's lives by making fitness fun. Classes incorporate key childhood development elements like leadership, respect, teamwork, confidence, self-esteem, memory, creativity, coordination, cultural awareness.

I am eternally grateful for this recognition! First of all, it is an honor to serve not only my church, but as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife to my husband of 50 years. I have been a member of Union Baptist Temple for 43 years. My church has been an inspiration in my walk with Christ. It has been a learning experience and delight to be a servant of the Lord. I was a Sunday School Teacher for 35 years, and a member of the Trustee Board. I am currently a Deaconess, Prayer Warrior, Vice President of the Board of Christian Education, and a member of the Mass Choir . Now that I am retired, I still find time to work a part-time job at Atlantic Cape Community College, while also doing what I can to assist the elder saints of my church by praying and encouraging them to hold on to their faith in the Lord. Lastly, for the past seven years, I have been the caregiver to my husband. I am grateful beyond measure for my strength, patience, tranquility, resilience, and perseverance. To God be the glory!

Michelle Washington Wilson, a seasoned, performer, and conference presenter, hails from rural Newtonville, New Jersey. With a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Theater Education from Monmouth University, Michelle’s storytelling journey spans North America and the Caribbean, where she shares captivating tales. A member of the NJ Storytelling Network and The National Association of Black Storytellers, Michelle is committed to preserving and celebrating African American folk traditions and foodways in presentations like “The Food and The Folks of The Great Migration”, and “Multi Cultural Stories From Around The World”. Michelle earned an associate in applied science in Culinary Arts from the Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing, NJ. Chef Michelle is featured in four episodes of “Share Your Foodways,” a collaboration with Rutgers University and Arts Institute of Middlesex County. Well known for her interpretation of Harriet Tubman, Michelle Washington Wilson, presents Storytelling programs at schools, libraries, churches, conferences and family occasions. Michelle is the mother of daughter, Anjel and son, Romare, and the wife of Allen Higgs. Michelle is an active member of Faith Baptist Church, in Pleasantville, New Jersey. Michelle upholds the tradition of having stories to tell, because “everybody has something they do well".

Cali Days is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. Cali attends school in the Hamilton Township School District. Cali enjoys reading, singing and writing short stories. Cali is a soprano in her school's choir as well as her church's choir. Cali fellowships at Second Baptist Church in Atlantic City, N.J. and enjoys Sunday School. Cali also enjoys visiting Sunday School at Mainland Baptist Church where she used to attend Champion Baptist Academy.
Cali loves music and has been playing the piano since the age of 3. She also loves fashion and would like to become a fashion designer. Cali enjoys reading and writing in her journal. She loves stationary and favorite book is Honest June by Tina Wells. Cali volunteers via a community organization by assisting with making care packages for various members of the community. Cali is an A and B student and enjoys Language Arts. Cali also enjoys persuasive writing as well as pending time with her family and family game nights. Cali runs track for the Hamilton Knights and is passionate about the sport. Cali really loves being a part of the the Youth Leadership Institute via Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated ®, Theta Kappa Omega Chapter. She loves learning about public speaking, note taking, and African American women leaders. Cali is a bright young lady with a bright future.

L’Oreal "ElleVintage" Chrisp, is an Activist, Journalist, Poet, youth advocate, sexual assault advocate, motivational speaker, and worship leader from the surrounding southern Jersey homestead. L’Oreal, so affectionately known as Elle, is a lover of people, words, and most importantly Jesus Christ! As a young author and writer, Elle has shown her true versatility and transparency within the walls of her very own testimony. One thing is for sure, L’Oreal is not afraid to share her testimony, in fact she often says to not share is to be selfish because someone else is going through some of the same things and are in need of a breakthrough. L’Oreal was the Hospitality Coordinator and Sous Chef at The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, former president of Revolt Young Adult ministry, apart of Unashamed gospel ministries minister in training at New Shiloh Baptist Church and Community Life Center, community liaison, and mentor for teens. L’Oreal carries a gift of words that is worth listening to and shines on her. L’Oreal began her journey of words at a very young age. In 2005, she began to open up and grace stages and open mics everywhere. It was not long after that she fully became a performance artist. After realizing who this poet was and the power behind her gift, singers, musicians, and poets would seek this young lady’s tale

Wesley is 10 years old and loves to play video games and sports with his friends. He loves to help anyone in need whether they physically need something or if they just need a friend. Wesley has such a sweet soul and will volunteer to take care of the younger kids wherever he is. He takes the role of being a big cousin seriously and tries set a good example for his little cousin, Emerson.

Wesley is eager to help whenever possible. For him, helping at any capacity brings him joy. He is active in church and insists on helping trustees during collection at church. God has bestowed Wesley with a servants heart and compassion for all those around him.

Wesley has expressed many interests in respect to his future path. From now until then, those dreams may change, but his faith and trust in God will remain constant.

Journey Bea Owens is quite the muse. A A/B student in Atlantic City Public schools with a variety of extra curricular interests. She loves being the co captain of her cheerleading team, creating rigorous choreography and empowering her cheer teammates. In 2022 She participated in New York fashion week as a model for local designer, Aston Owens and received rave reviews as being one of the youngest and yet most poised models in the collection. She also loves to swim and in 2023 received 1st place for her back stroke at a swimming scrimmage hosted by AC Public Schools Athletics, organized by Coach Jason Lantz and trained by Whelan Whales trainers from the Brigantine Aquatic Center. Journey loves cosmetology and dance and travels to New York City with her father for professional dance lessons at Alvin Ailey in the midst of her busy schedule. She’s also active in youth ministry at Second Baptist Church’s youth church and praise dance ministry. Her ultimate plan is to pursue cosmetology and dance post high school and attend Howard University one day. She’s believing that her hard work and dedication, cool natured spirit and kindness will afford her many opportunities as she continues to “Trust Her Journey!” Her favorite quote is: the desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise, by Maya Angelou.

Paige Lynn McQueen is an 8th grade student at William Davies Middle School and a member of St. Vincent de Paul church. She is confident, hardworking, a team player, academically focused, cooperative, helpful, and determined to succeed in life.

Paige Lynn has earned straight A’s throughout her academic career, earning placement on the Superintendent’s List and being a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). She is on the Student Council, Band, Media Club, Baking Club, and Choir. In addition, she's a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc YLI program and Girl Scout Troop 19034. Some of her proudest moments have been earning her certifications in CPR and babysitting, volunteering at Pleasantville High with the senior class, volunteering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Paige Lynn is a member of the East Coast Volleyball AAU team.

Harriet Tubman said, Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and passion to reach for the stars to change the world”.

Paige Lynn’s long-term goal is to transition from high school to Stanford University. Her career goal is to become a Dermatopathologist.