Smart is Cool!

I had to post this video. Introducing Kennyi Aouad, who was one of the top competitors in last night’s National Spelling Bee. I loved him because not only is he brilliant, but he does not take life too seriously. You can tell he truly enjoys life and being a child. So many of our young people are quick to share how bad they’re doing in school, yet shy away from telling about excelling and their accomplishments. It’s so important to teach our kids that it’s cool to be smart again! Although this video is from 2007 (not from last night’s competition), I think it shows the essence of Kennyi’s personality! GREAT JOB KENNYI!!!

Three Throwbacks For Thursday #6

“I’ve been gone for a minute, now I’m back with the jump off!”

Hey Everyone!!!

We’ve missed a couple of Thursdays together due to some personal matters that needed my immediate attention.  However, I’m back!!!!  This week’s throwbacks are dedicated to all of those persons getting ready to graduate (or who’ve already done so).  Remember those popular songs that would be played at every graduation the year it came out.  Or even worse, the countless renditions of it.  Well, here are three songs that will forever bring back memories of having to so long (or see you next year) to my schoolmates.  Now I ask, what song(s) do you remember belting out at your childhood (or adulthood) commencement ceremonies???

PS.  I DARE YOU NOT TO SING ALONG!!!

King of My Destiny

On Friday, May 8, 2009, I joined over 300 persons who graduated from Boys and Girls High School (Brooklyn), to reunite and celebrate each other’s accomplishments and successes! During this unforgettable event, I had the privilege of being crowned reunion king. The winners (king and queen) were selected through a voting process, where the nominees had to submit an essay, and the reunion attendees voted based on the writings alone. It was truly a humbling experience, and I wanted to share my essay with you all (below).

At first, I was kind of skeptical about writing this, because I thought that someone more deserving should win. Someone who, during high school, truly walked with the pride of Boys & Girls in their heart; someone who gave their all to graduate, as opposed to me, who pretty much hustled his way through high school. However, I feel my story should at least be heard.

I was not an honor roll student. I was not affiliated with Sophisticated Gents or the debate team. I was not a star athlete, or a member of any social clubs. I didn’t work on the senior year book, or attend any of the senior functions like the prom or senior trip. At graduation, my name wasn’t called for any awards or scholarships. As a matter a fact, the only award I ever received in school was for perfect attendance in the 10th grade. I was cool with my peers, but wasn’t voted most popular or most likely to succeed. On the flip side, I was not involved in drugs, gangs, or any illegal activity. To sum it up, I was regular.

My days (when I actually chose to show up to school) were usually the same routine: arrive late, then sneak into the building (or somehow talk my way out of detention); attend (most of) my classes; tell a few funnies (occasionally get kicked out of class for that); and when that last period bell rang (8th or 9th, depending on your schedule), I was gone! There was no need to deal with The High (school) until the next morning where I would do it all over again.

With my intentional disconnection, how could Mr. Mickens (the principal) know who I was? I was never sent to the principal’s office (just the dean’s office). I also made made a very conscious effort to have limited interaction with the school outside of the staff and students that I had to deal with. Yet, he knew my story. There were two specific incidents that made me realize this. The first was one day when I was being my usual “small” self, Mr. Mickens was walking through the halls with a reporter from the NY Times. I had heard he was there to interview some students, but hadn’t thought twice about it.  Then I see Mr. Mickens escorting an unfamiliar face down the hall.  So I think to myself, “straighten your tie, smile, wave and keep it moving”.  So I tried, but the last part of my plan was intercepted with Mr. Mickens pointing his finger and saying, “You, come with me!”  So much for being small.  He introduced me to the journalist, and suggested that he interview me for his story; me, the regular dude.  I told him my method of staying off of the streets and shared my dreams of becoming a media mogul, which included a talk show that would be a combination of Oprah Winfrey and Arsenio Hall.  Although my story was published (view article here)*, I still remained regular.

The second incident happened at graduation.  My senior year was extremely challenging, or at least I mad it that way, by fooling around and not taking school seriously.  So in the end, I found myself busting my butt to ensure a seat at graduation.  Not sure if my motivation was being able to show off the two piece, off-white suit that I was getting made, or the fear of my mother ripping me a “new one”.  But whatever it was, I made it!  As my name was called, and I approached the stage to give my thanks-for-the-fake-temporary-diploma handshake, I once again thought “straighten up (no tie this time), smile, wave and keep it moving”.  Mr. Mickens, however, grabbed my hand, pulled me close, and whispered “You know you made it by the skin of your teeth”.  WHAT???  How did he know???  I was just regular!!!  He was not supposed to know who I was, but he did.  What I learned in both cases is that even when you think no one is watching, they are.  When you think no one cares, they do.

Now, as I live my life, slowly becoming a true media mogul, the most fulfilling part is the ability to give back.  I volunteer with several youth organizations, and can often be found giving motivational speeches.  I even visit Boys & Girls annually to participate in career day.  I use my life’s story to enlighten and encourage others to follow their dreams; often giving special attention to the regular ones.

*Look for Spry in the 14th paragraph (bottom of page 1), listed as Generaldo Scott.

Three Throwbacks for Thursdays #5

Back to Brooklyn (continued):  Since many of you clearly pointed out that way before the artists that were posted in last week’s throwbacks, there were othe Brooklyn Emcee’s that repped BK hard.  With that being said, here are some “older” school rappers that helped Brookyln find it’s way on the map!

Prom Makeover…

America wants to hear good news…
Celebrity Stylist, Spry Lee Scott and Radio Personality Déjà Vu to the Rescue!

Although the prom is not considered a “need”, it is in many cases, a defining moment in a young lady’s life. Prom is a celebration of academic achievement, the future and friendship, yet there are some young people who don’t have an opportunity to participate in this important rite of passage. Young women in foster care often don’t attend because of things that others may take for granted, like having that special gown that sets them apart from the rest.  This contest gives America an opportunity to let our young people know that even in these trying economic times, they are not forgotten.

In an effort to support and encourage young women in foster care who are reaching the important milestones of finishing school and advancing their education, Déjà Vu (radio personality), Power 105.1 FM and New York City Children’s Services are collecting donated gowns* in the Sista Girlz Prom Dress Drive.  On Saturday, May 9th, Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Spry Lee Scott** joins the team, where the dresses will be handed out to high school seniors.  This day-long event will allow the young women to choose and try on dresses, while receiving fashion and beauty tips from industry professionals.

An opportunity of a lifetime will be given to all of the high school seniors in attendance.  One deserving high school senior will win the opportunity to have her own personal stylist for two days.  The lucky contest winner will win a shopping trip in New York City, where she will hang with Celebrity Fashion Stylist/Fashion Savant, Spry Lee Scott to pick out a new prom dress, and receive personal style tips. This is just the beginning!  To help her get ready, Spry will personally show up on the day of the prom, armed with a team comprised of a Celebrity Hair Stylist and a Celebrity Makeup Artist. Spry & friends will offer a head-to-toe red carpet style makeover, and help this young lady look and feel her best!

To make her day even more special, the lucky winner will receive a celebrity style photo shoot, in the studio of a professional fashion photographer.  After the shoot, she will be whisked away, in her very own private car service, which will take her to the venue, where she will dazzle her school classmates, faculty and friends!

* If you have a new or gently used formal gown (all sizes accepted, including plus sizes), please drop it off at the studios at 32 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013 Tuesday - Friday between noon and 5pm. Deadline for drop-off is May 1.

**About Spry Lee Scott:
Celebrity Fashion Stylist/Fashion Savant, Spry Lee Scott, has been quickly infiltrating the fashion and entertainment industries. With a professional background in modeling, he has taken his creative input, passion, and extreme sense of style to another level, becoming one of the industries most highly respected and sought after fashion stylists! Spry has styled some of today’s top entertainers including Angela and Vanessa Simmons, Mandy Moore, Bow Wow, Neyo, Alesha Renee, April Woodard, and so many more! With television and radio appearances from Access Hollywood to MTV’s Run’s House, his fashion expertise and credibility will soon be considered fashion standard!