Fayette NAACP to hold annual dinner
The Fayette County branch of the NAACP will host its 13th annual Human Rights Dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Youghiogheny Western Baptist Association, Uniontown. In keeping with the branch’s past tradition, the organization recognizes individuals that have attained a high level of success in their respective professions and who have been a source of strength and inspiration to this community.
This year, the NAACP will honor the following retired educators from the community: Dorothy Boone, Dorothy Dantzler, Robert Lewis, Jessica Martin, the Rev. Sandra McCain, the Rev. Dewvaul Tracey Jr. and Sandra Tracey.
The organization also will honor two outstanding administrators: the Rev. Dr. Herman Jackson, superintendent of the Jefferson-Morgan School District, and Andrea Michaux.
The keynote speaker for the evening will be Dr. Joyce Royster.
Royster, a native of Gates, has earned a bachelor of science degree in French from California University, with a certificat des etudes from the Sorbonne in Parish, France, and a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University.
In 1990, Royster was awarded the Thanks to Teachers, a national award for recognition of excellence in teaching and the ability to inspire students.
In 1991, she received a teacher-in-residence fellowship from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her secondary principal certifications from the university in 1992, and in 1993, she was named a university scholar and received the Yeager Fellowship Award at Pitt for her outstanding academic achievements. In 1994, she earned her elementary principal’s, assistant superintendent and letter of eligibility certificates from the university.
In 1995, Royster earned a doctorate of education degree, with a major in administration and policy studies, from the university.
Royster also attended Penn State University, Millersville University and Carnegie Mellon University for advanced course work.
She is the principal of Hannah Penn Middle School in York and has started her own educational consulting firm. She also successfully designs and implements multicultural and diversity training seminars and presentations. Recently, she designed a diversity awareness training for use exclusively by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Proceeds from the banquet will be used to directly support the Dr. F.L. Vaughns Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to individuals in need of assistance to continue their education.
The theme for the dinner, “Catch the Vision-Level the Playing Field For All Mankind,” is a direct invitation, NAACP officials said. They noted that they hope Fayette County and the surrounding communities will “get involved and assist us as we strive to make a difference in the lives of the youth.”
Anyone interested in attending the dinner or making a donation to the scholarship fund should call Clinton Anderson at 724-430-0771 or 724-438-3097 or Adrianne Wilson at 724-439-1439.