here - Daniel Trust Foundation

Student & Teacher
Awards Dinner
with Keynote Speaker
Rohan Murphy
June 18 2014 6pm
Holiday Inn Brideport
1070 Main St Bridgeport CT 06604
Dear Friends,
Welcome to The Daniel Trust Foundation Student & Teacher Awards
Dinner. Thank you so much for joining us this evening to celebrate the
accomplishments of our eight outstanding scholars and teacher honoree,
Dr. John M. Casper, Ph.D.
Our eight Daniel Trust Scholars are brilliant students, whom have, and currently create positive and immense differences in the lives and communities
of many. Although, these students are passionate about a variety of causes,
they all aim high to make this world a better, safer and more accepting place.
Be sure to say hello and congratulate each one of the Scholars for all of
their accomplishments.
Our teacher honoree, Dr. Casper, has positively impacted many students’
lives over the course of the last fourteen years at Bassick High School in
Bridgeport CT, where he teaches both chemistry and physics. Personally,
I am one of the hundreds’ of stu-dents, whom he has greatly influenced
by letting me know that I was better than I conceived myself to be. Even
though the subject matter of Chemistry was oftentimes exceedingly strenuous for me, Dr. Casper assured me that if I consistently studied hard, believed in myself and asked for help when needed, I would make it through.
I ended up conquering the class with an A+.
On top of Dr. Casper’s academic contributions, Dr. Casper has also served
as a coach to both, the boys and girls volleyball teams at Bassick High
School, for the past eight years. Fortunately, I too had the privilege of knowing Dr. Casper as a coach while in High school. As I played Volleyball for all
four years, he helped me develop great leadership skills, self-accountability
and responsibility, and eventually delegated me the position as the team’s
captain. Because of his superb coaching and life values, our team was able
to make it to state during my senior year of high school. When I returned to
Bridgeport earlier this year, after graduating from Southern, he invited me to
coach the team with him. It has been one of the most challenging yet one
of the most rewarding experiences of my life and makes me appreciate Dr.
Casper’s work even that much more. Be sure to congratulate and thank Dr.
Casper for all of his wonderful accomplishments and contributions to the
immediate Bridgeport Public School System and Community.
We are also honored to have Rohan Murphy as our keynote speaker tonight. This young man has inspired countless adults and children all across
the country, as well as all around the world. As you will read in Rohan’s
biography, he lost his legs when he as a young boy but despite not having
legs; he has never used his disability as an excuse to not accomplish his goals
and dreams of being a collegiate and professional wrestler and power lifter.
I am positive that he will inspire you tonight to work harder on your own
aspirations, while overcoming the adversity that presents itself.
Again, thank you for being here tonight to help us salute, celebrate, and
commend, Dr. John Casper Ph.D. and our eight scholars: Diamond Allen,
Micheline Amisi, Henryriana Maxelix, Jocelyn Mendez, Natalie Ortiz, Anmol Tabassum, Keyana Vega, and Eric Zhevel. Your presence and support is
deeply appreciated, and we welcome and thank you for attending our first
annual Student and Teacher Awards Dinner.
Sincerely,
Daniel Trust
Founder & Executive Director
The Daniel Trust
Foundation
The Daniel Trust Foundation, Inc is a non-profit organization that gives advice to teens on how to plan their education, career and day-to-day lives
with meaning and purpose. In addition, the foundation offers scholarships
to students and grants to teachers who show leadership by volunteering
and giving back to causes they are passionate about in their local and or
international communities.You can learn more about our programs by visiting our website at www.DanielTrustFoundation.org.
About Our Founder
Daniel Trust is a Rwandan genocide survivor and youth motivational speaker based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His company, Daniel Trust, LLC is the
primary sponsor of the Daniel Trust Foundation, Inc. Through Daniel Trust
Lectures, our founder speaks at high schools and colleges across the country inspiring and motivating young people of America with his inspirational
stories.To learn more about our founder and the work he does as a professional youth motivational speaker, visit www.DanielTrust.com.
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Program
Registration and Networking
Opening Remarks
Dinner
Student Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker Rohan Murphy
Presentation of Daniel Trust Scholarships
Presentation of The Kathy Silver Award
Closing remarks
Rohan Murphy
Keynote Speaker
Rohan Murphy, who lost his legs at birth, started to wrestle his freshman
year of high school. After a successful high school wrestling career he went
on to wrestle at Penn State University.
In addition to wrestling, Murphy is also an accomplished powerlifter, competing in international competitions all over the world representing the
USA.
Rohan has been featured in publications such as ABC news, Sports Illustrated, and many more. He was even featured in his very own Nike commercial to motivate and inspire people to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.
Now Rohan is a professional motivational speaker. He lived his whole life
motivating people by his actions; he is now motivating the youth of America
by his words. Rohan’s life story is a gripping tale of adversity, dedication, and
living life with a purpose.
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The Daniel Trust
Foundation Scholarship
The Daniel Trust Foundation Scholarship is a 4 year $2,000 scholarship
awarded to a high school senior who has been accepted to an accredited
2-year community college or 4-year university and has contributed greatly
to his/her school, local and/or international community. Whether it is being
active in their high school’s Gay Straight Alliance club, Student Government
Association or by simply showing leadership and volunteering at the local
community food bank, the foundation wants to recognize and support students around the country who are doing their part to change the world for
the better. Qualified students receive $500 per year to help pay for their
college textbook expenses. Learn more about the scholarship program at
DanielTrustFoundation.org.
Diamond Allen
“The Athlete Star”
Diamond Allen is graduating from Central Magnet High School in Bridgeport, CT with a 3.5 GPA. She is the Captain of both the Basketball and Soccer teams, member of National Honor Society, and a student representative
on her School Governance Council.
She will be attending North Carolina Wesleyan College this fall where she
plans on joining the soccer team. She wants to major in Political Science.
She is very passionate about education reform, social change, justice and
hopes to work in the education field when she graduates college. Diamond
loves being an advocate. In 2013, she helped the Bridgeport Board of Education regain its power and control from the city. “I hope to participate further
in “true” education reform in the community in which I live.” she says.
In his letter of recommendation, Eric Guillet, a history teacher at CHS had
this to say about Diamond: “Ms. Allen’s maturity level far exceeds that of
the typical high school student. She carries a quiet, self-assurance that is
hallmark of her character. She works well with her peers often taking the
role as a group leader. In class debates she shines as a dynamic speaker and
motivator for her group.”
Micheline Amisi
“The Executive”
Micheline Amisi is graduating from Archer High School in Lawrenceville, GA
with a 3.9 GPA. She is a Gates Millennium Scholar, a program established in
1999 by a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She
is the President of Tigers of Distinction, and Vice President of her school’s
National Honor Society.
She will be attending North Carolina University, Chapel Hill this fall. She
plans to major in Business with a focus on Marketing Management with a
minor in Communications. She wants to hold a leadership role as an executive officer one day and start her own charity to give back to young people
and education.
Kim King, a guidance counselor at AHS had this to say about Micheline:
“Micheline Amisi exemplifies all attributes of a leader. Her dedication of
service to her community and to her school is endless. Ms. Amisi is never
one to seat idle, and because of such has held every leadership role imaginable, while consistently maintaining academic excellence. Micheline is a rare
find among teenagers, and one that everyone should have the privilege of
meeting.”
Henryriana Maxelix
“The Volunteer Queen”
Henryriana Maxelix is graduating from Bassick High School in Bridgeport,
CT with a 3.6 GPA. Last year, she traveled to Malawi, Africa for a community
service trip with BuildOn and helped build a school from ground up. She
says her friends call her the volunteering queen. She is a member of her
school’s National Honor Society, Teen Leadership Institute and volunteers
to cook for Homes for the Braves and Female Soldiers.
She will be attending Southern Connecticut State University this fall. She
plans to major in Biochemestry with a business minor. She is very passionate
about community service and the medical field. She told us in an interview
that she wants to be an OBGYN in the near future.
James Guildea, a guidance counselor at BHS, had this to say about Henryriana: “Bassick High School and our community have thoroughly enjoyed and
appreciated all the time and effort Henryriana has devoted to our school
community. She has the work ethic and energy to accomplish great things.
Over the years that I have known her, she has displayed the maturity and
responsibility that will maker her a huge success during her college career.”
Jocelyn Mendez
“The Activist”
Jocelyn Mendez is an awesome student from Darien High School where
she is graduating with a 3.7 GPA. She is an ABC (A Better Chance) Scholar,
president of her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Club, member of the
National Honor Society, serves as a Big Sister to 9th graders at DHS, and
is a GLSEN Leadership Award nominee. Jocelyn sings with her school’s top
vocal group, Tudor Singers and performs throughout Connecticut.
She will be attending American University in Washington, DC this fall where
she plans to study Political Science. She wants to be a Politician or Lawyer
one day.
Doug Paulsen, an English teacher at DHS had this to say about Jocelyn:
“Jocelyn Mendez is a remarkable student leader possessing the rare combination of extraordinary capacity for empathy and the calm, logistical ability
to put into action that which she cares about so deeply.” We asked Jocelyn what inspired her to become an activist and advocate for the LGBT
community and this is what she had to say: “I do this for my brother and
I’ve always believed that people, regardless of sexual orientation, should be
treated fairly and justly, which is why the Gay-Straight Alliance has been dear
to my life as a current high school student.”
Natalie Ortiz
“The Scientist”
Natalie Ortiz is graduating from Central High School in Bridgeport, CT with
3.8 GPA. She is a member of her school’s National Honor Society, BuildOn,
Knitting Club, Hostess at her church, Messiah Baptist Church and Vice President of the GAIA (Green Activists Increasing Awareness) Club.
She will be attending Fairfield University this fall. She’s been awarded a full
academic scholarship at Fairfield and plans to major in Astronomy. She is
very passionate about science, education and hopes to become teacher
once she graduates from college.
Laurie DeSantis, a math teacher at CHS had this to say about Natalie:
“When Natalie realizes that other students are struggling with a particular
concept in Math, she always takes the time to explain it to them showing
tremendous patience. I can envision her working tirelessly on various projects or helping others with the same patience she showed in class. Natalie is
an extremely well rounded and poised young woman. She is well prepared
for college having mastered both time management and study skills.”
Anmol Tabassum
“The Peace Maker”
Anmol Tabassum is graduating from Bassick High School in Bridgeport, CT
with a 3.8 GPA. Anmol arrived in the United States from her native country
Pakistan in 2010 and has certainly taken advantage of all the opportunities
available to her here in the States.
In a letter of recommendation sent to us by Bryan Ripley Crandall, Ph.D.,
a professor at Fairfield University, he says “In my opinion, Anmol shares
leadership qualities with Malala Yousafzi, the young woman from Pakistan
who recently stood up to the Taliban”. She is an officer of her school’s
National Honor Society, volunteers for Big Brother/Big Sister, member of
BuildOn and Gear Up.
She will be attending Fairfield University this fall where she plans to major
in Business Management. She is very passionate about humanity. In her own
words she says “I want to be the face of humanity, fight for injustices and
bring peace to the world.” She hopes to one day start an organization that
helps teach young people about social responsibility and help them learn
about their culture.
Keyana Vega
“The Laureate”
Keyana Vega is an amazing student graduating with a 3.7 GPA from Hartford
Culinary Arts Academy in Hartford, CT. She is the founding member of her
school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, member of the Performing
& Visual Arts Program, cooks for school events and is part of the Annual
School Clean Up team.
She will be attending the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut where she plans to major in English and Education this fall.
Andrew R. McElroy, a history teacher at HCAA had this to say about Keyana:
“As a student Keyana is quite remarkable. Not only is she obviously academically head and shoulders above most of her peers, but also she is a thoughtful young woman.” In an essay she sent us, she writes: “Outside of school my
time is spent reading classics written by Shakespeare, Jane Austin, and Edgar
Allan Poe, J.R.R.Tolkien and timely books stemming from many other famous
authors around the world.” She also told us in an interview that she enjoys
reading bilingual Dr. Suese books to her son and loves watching educational
TV programs with him. Keyana hopes and plans to become a teacher once
she graduates from Saint Joseph.
Eric Zhevel
“The Entrepreneur”
Eric Zhevel is graduating from Serra High School in San Diego, CA with
a 3.8 GPA. Eric is a first generation American. His parents emigrated from
Russia. He will be a first generation college student. He is fluent in both
English and Russian. He volunteers with Urban Surf for Kids, is a member
of Club Revolution, Club Elevated, Officer of Circle of Friends, California
Scholarship Federation (Honor Society), a winner of the GearUp Student of
Year Award and Rudy Award, an award he received for his contribution to
his school’s football team.
He will be attending University of California, Berkeley this fall where he
plans to major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He is very passionate
about giving back to people, especially those with a disability. He wants to
start his own business one day and eventually create a charity organization
to give back to his community.
Peggy Jo Holly, M.A., PPSC, had this to say about Eric: “Self motivated and
tenacious, Eric Zhevel has been a highly ambitious student since I met him
as a freshmen four years ago. Eric is an intellectual individual who strives for
excellence, has a great work ethic and serves others. His future is bright and
filled with endless possibilities.”
The
Kathy Silver Award
The Kathy Silver Award was created in honor of high school Arts teacher
Kathy Silver of Bassick High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut for her passion for teaching, caring for her students, and giving back to her community.
This $1000 award recognizes teachers like Mrs. Silver around the country
who truly care for the success of their students and do great things that give
back to the communities in which they serve.​
In addition, this award recognizes teachers who are passionate and contribute to human rights, LGBTQ rights, promote social justice and equality for
all human beings.
Dr. John Casper
Kathy Silver Award Recipient
John Casper grew up as the middle of five siblings in a government sponsored
neighborhood in Middletown, PA. While the family was short on material goods,
it was long on love, encouragement, and the belief that education was the way
out. As a result, all five children graduated college and earned at least one post
graduate degree. John Casper became Dr. Casper by earning a B.S. in chemistry
from the University of Scranton and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of South Carolina.
Following graduation, Dr. Casper did post doctoral research and taught a graduate course in chemical physics at the University of Maryland. He then assumed
an assistant professorship at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now Polytechnic Institute of NYU) where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in chemistry. During this time he mentored four M.S. and four B.S. thesis students.
He then went into industry as a chemist at Shell Development and followed with
a twenty year career as scientist, engineer, manager, and executive at a variety of
companies including IBM, Millipore, and Thermo Instruments.
After his industrial career he did consulting and resumed teaching at several area
colleges. At the encouragement of his daughter (who taught at Central at the
time) he tried high school teaching at New Milford High School and then went
to Bassick. The urban experience that she encouraged him toward has been the
“hardest job I have loved”. Dr. Casper has been teaching chemistry and physics
at Bassick for fourteen years. He has been coaching the girls and boys volleyball
teams for the last eight years. During that time the boys have been to the state
tournament twice, including once to the semi-finals.
When he is not working with his students, Dr. Casper enjoys spending time
with his family: daughter Lauren and husband Steve and grandchildren Liam (8),
Sammy (5) and Caitlin (1); son Chris and wife Sarah and granddaughters Abby
(6) and Samantha (4).
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