2,000 New Scholarship Recipients Receive Their Awards

More than 1,600 parents, children and supporters gathered to celebrate success at the Kimmel Center Tuesday, June 13th. CSFP’s Annual Student Award Ceremony recognized the accomplishments of current and former students of our K-8th grade scholarship program, and officially welcomed our newest 2,000 scholarship students. Among CSFP Board Members and special award winners onstage, ten high school seniors stood proudly before the crowd as their names and the colleges they will be attending this fall were recognized. CSFP Alumna Tatyana Lowry addressed the crowd:

“To each and every student here this morning, I encourage you to remember that success isn’t always easy but it’s worth fighting for. Stay true to yourself and to your dreams. Use the energy you have and put it towards good. Allow yourselves to become well-rounded and don’t be afraid to go beyond your comfort zone.”

These ten seniors represent CSFP’s core belief: that when given access to safe, quality K-8th grade education, children go on to succeed. That belief was echoed time and again by the event speakers. CSFP parents Nicole Newman and Dena Stills-Todd shared their families’ stories, acknowledging that when families are empowered and able to make the right educational decisions for their children, the future of the entire family changes.

The award ceremony recognized the many accomplishments of Evie McNiff, Founder and recently retired 15 year President of the Board. Through her leadership, focus and dedication, CSFP raised more than $65 million and issued 22,500 during that period. Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition was CSFP’s Citizen of the Year and Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company was CSFP’s Corporate Citizen of the Year.

We would like to thank our friends, supporters, and Board Members who took time out of their days to celebrate success with CSFP, in addition to our sponsors: Stradley Ronon, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Citizens Bank, and J&J Snack Foods. Finally, we would like to recognize the dedication and commitment of the thousands of CSFP families who work every day to ensure the best outcomes for their children.

For photos, visit CSFP on Facebook.