The Chairman

As Chairman of the New York City ACT-SO Program, I welcome this opportunity to acknowledge those faithful volunteers, professionals, judges, parents, educators and sponsors who are the core of the program. None of the successes and achievements would have been possible without their continued support, week after week, and the boundless generosity of their time.

It is only through commitment that challenges are met. The NYC ACT-SO program is committed to recognize our young people by working with them to develop their academic and artistic skills and talents, providing them with the opportunity to showcase them as they learn to participate in a competitive and technological world. It is even more critical in today's world environment that young African-American people are provided with the resources and role models to guide and motivate them as they focus on achieving their goals.

I continue to be confident that the ACT-SO can become one of the best youth programs in the city, if not in the country. The program will continue to strive to reach out to more schools, organizations, and businesses to increased student participation, financial support and volunteerism.

I commend and sincerely thank all of our supporters in the New York City community for their participation and dedication. Most of all, I congratulate all the ACT-SO students on their courage and achievements, and I urge you to challenge yourselves and continue to strive for excellence. All this would not be possible without the vision of the late Vernon Jarrett (1918-2004) who, in 1977, introduced ACT-SO to the NAACP and the youth of America. A very special thanks to you, Vernon Jarrett, for your dreams of empowering our young people by rewarding them for their achievements. With the devotion and dedication of the NAACP and ACT-SO, we can continue the pursuit of this dream, thus creating a brighter future for our youths.