Michael Walton and the Michael Walton Foundation would like to extend a very special thank you to everyone who participated, extended a helping hand and donated to the First Annual Michael Walton Foundation Weekend. This 3 day event inspired and had a huge impact on the lives of teens in Washington, DC and Prince Georges County, Maryland.
Thursday April 2, 2009 kicked off the 3 day weekend with two school visits to Flowers Senior High School and Wise Senior High School. Celebrities and local officials joining Michael with his Speak Out To Reach Out included DJ Heat (DJ WPGC), Queen Aishah (Comedian), DeAngelo Redman (Making the Band - Bad Boy Recording Artist), Marilyn Bland (Presenting Michael with the Proclamation of Michael Walton Day by Prince Georges City Council), Yolanda Mackle (Ms. Belleza Latina 2009), DJ Fillup Banks, Darnerian McCants (recording artist and former NFL Player) and Black Boo (Mambo Sauce).
Friday April 3, 2009 continued with the First Annual Michael Walton Golf Tournament inclusive of a formal luncheon and awards ceremony. Although the weather was quite rainy, the spirits and sportsmanship among those who gave their time brought sunshine and happiness to the cause and foundation overall. Some of the players and those who donated their time included Shaun Walker (Radio One ) Mark Gray (WOL AM Radio Personality) Mark Tillman (former Georgetown Basketball star), Derek Greenfield (MWF), Angela Roisten (MWF) and Kevin Roisten.
Saturday April 4, 2009 was a full day of events kicking off with the sports clinic at Coolidge High School in NW, Washington, DC. Michael Walton and Darnerien McCants (former NFL Player) provided skills training and strength building exercises and techniques to 50 students. Snacks and PowerAde were provided to all of the students, staff and athletes. The afternoon continued with the First Annual Michael Walton Teen Summit. With the hit BET show “Teen Summit” from the 1990’s in mind, Michael gathered a group of individuals to speak openly and directly with a panel of teens about issues which affect them. Panel members included Micheline Bowman (HOST - FOX 5), Michael Walton, Wil "Onix" Lash (VH1 – I Love NY), DJ Flava (DJ WKYS, Social Worker), Jazmine Alexis (Miss Teen DC), Derek Greenfield (Author, Motivational Speaker), Heather Drake (Photographer), Bossman (Rapper/MySpace Recording Artist), Daunett Samuda (Howard University Hospital Nurse/HIV/AIDS specialist), and Irwin Royster (Director for Outreach Services, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Wash, DC). Shanita Williams was awarded the 1st first ever Carla Willis-Morgan Scholarship which will assist Shanita in the purchase of her books and supplies for college.
At the end of the summit, Congresswoman Marilyn Bland was honored with a special award for all of her support of the teens and the Michael Walton Foundation and their efforts.
With a successful first year of weekend events, the Michael Walton foundation is eager to begin planning to the second annual to make it bigger and impact more lives than before. A very special thanks goes towards all of the participants and volunteers not listed above including but not limited to:
Myvoicedc.com, 100 Black Men, YMCA, PowerAde, WOL- AM, MWF Youth Squad, FOX 5, DPR, D.C. Department of Parks of Recreation, American Lung Association of D.C., Sure Shot Photography, Bonita Bolden (HUH Cares), Trena Taylor, Wardine Walton, Neosho Ponder, Friendship Collegiate Academy students, Charles Young , Linda Aarons, Jackie Hill (Dr. Henry Wise High School administrator), Lizette Corro, Demetria Robinson, Derek Greenfield, Howard University track & field. Monique Williams, Tamiko Thomas, Neeta Wooten , Nafeesa Saboor, Glen Hodge and Ramona Barber.
For more information about Michael Walton and the Michael Walton Foundation you can visit:
www.mikewaltonusa.com
www.michaelwaltonfoundation.
www.myspace.com/mikewaltonusa
