June 10, 2010

Minority Achievers Gala Planned June 16^th

WORCESTER– The 11^th annual YMCA Minority Achievers Gala will be Wednesday, June 16, 2010 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Mechanics Hall.

Area businesses and organizations will recognize the student achievers, adult achievers, staff and community members involved in the Minority Achiever program this year, as well as those who have gone through the program during the past 11 years.

Actress and author Victoria Rowell will be the keynote speaker for the program that strives to prepare area young people for higher education and careers.  Rowell is best known for her role as “Drucilla” on The Young and the Restless.

In addition to her famed acting career, Rowell has written an award-winning book and developed a documentary dedicated to the role models in her life.  Both her book, The Women Who Raised Me, and her documentary, The Mentor, talk about the important people in her life who have helped her achieve her success.

Rowell is also the recipient of 12 NAACP Image Awards and in 1990, founded The Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan (RFCPP).  Having been a foster child herself, Rowell works diligently on behalf of foster families.

Since its inception in 1999, the Minority Achievers program has celebrated the talents of 100 Adult Achievers and impacted the lives of more than 500 Worcester students.

“The Minority Achievers Program is a truly collaborative effort between the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, local colleges, corporations, and Worcester public schools,” said David Connell, executive director of Central Community Branch YMCA

“Through positive interaction with our adult role models, local and national college tours, worksite visits, and other financial and college readiness resources, Minority Achievers ensures access for low income and minority students into colleges and universities,” Mr. Connell added.