CBKE’s Leadership Academy Program Hosts 13th Annual Tie Ceremony

Almost twenty sixth graders participated in the 13th annual Cedarbrook East Leadership Academy Program’s (LAP) high-impact tie ceremony Thursday afternoon with an audience of family, friends and community members. 

Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, responsibility and unity, the LAP is an after-school program for boys of color which aims to eliminate the achievement gap. Group sponsors Larry Brown and Ebon Rogers subscribe to the Frederick Douglass quote, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

The boys entered the cafeteria at CBKE and formed a circle. They were then joined by mentors who helped them tie their blue and gold ties while speaking to them about their aspirations and offering words of encouragement. “Beat the statistics,” “Balance your school work and athletics” and “Hit the books” were some of the words of advice from mentors to the LAP participants. Following, the boys recited the group’s leadership pledge and each took the mic to tell the audience what they aspired to be when they grow up. The boys referenced careers such as sports agent, financial manager, architect, entrepreneur and lawyer, among others. 

Guest mentors at this year’s event included CSD Superintendent Dr. Brian Scriven; David Poindexter, previous LAP sponsor; CSD Board Member Zachary Epps; CBK Principal Craig Metcalfe, township finance officer Melvin PItts; township commissioner Irv Brockington, and many others.

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