ADC Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Awards Reception a Great Success:
On Friday, January 29, 2010, ADC Michigan celebrated its 11th Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Awards reception at the ByblosBanquetCenter in Dearborn. The reception, which hosted over 500 guests, was a remarkable event which embraced our rich diversity as we enter 2010 with further determination to advance the cause of Civil Rights in America. Numerous officials, dignitaries, State Representatives & Senators, judges, and city officials participated in the program including: Attorney General Mike Cox; Mayor of Dearborn Jack O’ Reilly; and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, among others who were in attendance.
Mrs. Barbara Levin, wife of U.S. Senator Carl Levin, addressed the audience on his behalf, speaking about the importance of the program. U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, and Wayne County Sheriff, Benny Napoleon, also delivered remarks to the reception’s guests.
A representative for U.S. Congressman John Dingell presented an official flag of the United States of America to Hamad and the ADC Michigan team, which was flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
Special Proclamations and Certificates were also presented by Mayor Karen Majewski, on behalf of the City of Hamtramck, in recognition of Mr. Hamad’s leadership & the ADC’s work and the success of the program, as this year marked the 11th Anniversary of its inception.
Chief Judge Mark Somers, on behalf of the 19th District Court, presented Imad Hamad with a certificate in recognition and appreciation for his dedicated service in promoting access to justice, as Regional Director of ADC.
Bill Gallagher, Reporter for Fox 2 News, served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. ADC Michigan presented Bill with a special plaque of appreciation for his even-handed reporting as a journalist, and his longstanding friendship with ADC through the years.
Tahsine Bazzi, Student Services and Community Liaison for Dearborn Public Schools, was presented with the “Educator of the Year Award” award during this year’s MLK reception, and Henry Ford Community College, under the leadership of its president, Dr. Gail Mee, was awarded the “Diversity in Education” award.
The ADC Michigan Youth Club also presented Tahsine with a special recognition, for his tireless dedication to education and the students he serves. The certificate was presented by Nadeen Hamad, along with members of the ADC Michigan Youth Club at Fordson High School.
ADC Michigan also presented a special certificate of appreciation to Best Buy, in recognition of the Eid Al-Adha greeting that was printed in their advertisement circular last November, and their dedication to inclusion and diversity.
A special presentation was also made to ADC Finance & Development Coordinator, Delia Habhab, for her tireless dedication and work as a staff member with ADC Michigan for over three years.
The event highlighted 12 high school students who received scholarship awards for their winning essay submissions to the ADC Michigan 11th Annual MLK, Jr. Scholarship contest which is open to all Arab and Chaldean American high school seniors in Michigan. Thanks to this year’s MLK Program sponsors, ADC Michigan was able to provide deserving students with scholarships once again:
Partner Sponsors: Ford Motor Company DTE Energy; Gold Sponsors: CVS/Pharmacy, Army National Guard; Silver Sponsors: Comcast Cable, Dearborn Public Schools, Henry Ford Community College, Life for Relief and Development, Oakwood Healthcare System; Advocate Sponsors: ACCESS, Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights- Wayne State University Law School, Mid America Export, Fairlane Town Center, Meijer, U.S. Census Bureau; Supporter Sponsors: American Lebanese Center, Belle Tire, Best Buy, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Islamic Center of Detroit, Haj Ramiz Bazzy & Family, Henry Ford Hospital- Transplant Institute, Huntington Bank, Law Offices of Attorney Nabih Ayad & Associates, P.C., Lebanese International Business Council (LIBC), MGM Grand Detroit, Mr. Tahsine Bazzi and Family, Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
ADC would like to extend a special thank you to all of its sponsors, without whom this year’s MLK Scholarship Program would not have been possible. ADC Michigan also thanks the MLK Essay Review committee, as well as the volunteers who dedicated their time to help make this year’s event a great success.
"We are humbled to deliver this unique program which reinforces Dr. King's legacy among the youth during this unique era of change in America," stated Imad Hamad.
To view photos from this year’s MLK Scholarship Awards Reception, please visit:
