The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

Welcome!

Welcome to our 8th Annual Scholarship Luncheon

Welcome to our 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon! On behalf of our Board of Directors, THANK YOU for your unwavering support of the Foundation, and your outstanding support today. Your continued support has allowed us to remain strong during these unprecedented times, and continue our tradition of honoring another banner list of deserving high school seniors. These businesses have shown resilience throughout 2022, and have also taken time to excel in their studies and our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gloria Earley President/CEO

Today’s event will showcase, through our honorees, the embodiment of the goals of our founders and our Foundation: providing an avenue to mentor young men and women from single parent homes. These students have shown a “can-do” spirit and have figured out how to survive and thrive during these unparalleled times, and we honor their resilience. Although many in our community struggle, which is not lost on us, these awardees and our event today give us something to feel good about; to recognize that we should not give up the fight to survive and excel, personally, and educationally. Their win is our collective win. And, their giving spirits, common in our community, underscore the fact that we continue being positive and move forward, no matter the odds.

Thank you for spending your valuable time with us this afternoon, and for your generous support. Sit back and enjoy this inspiring virtual experience as we “Celebrate Resilience”! 

Gloria Earley

President/C.E.O.

The Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Foundation

Programme

Welcome

Sir`Quora Carroll Invocation

Adrianne

Washington Musical Selection

Asa Simpson | Cellist

Foundation Overview

Gloria Earley

Introduction of the Keynote Speaker

Sir`Quora Carroll Keynote Address

Z.F. Taylor

Introduction of Scholarship Recipients

Angelic Dean Scholarship Recipient Remarks

Shyla Adjaye

Jessica Ghee

Announcements

Lisa M. Earley

Musical Selection

Asa Simpson | Cellist

Closing Remarks

Joseph L Earley, Sr. Gloria Earley

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Biography

Who was Joseph L. Earley, Jr.? He was born to Joseph L. Earley, Sr. and Gloria J. Earley on January 11, 1967, in Massillon, Ohio.

Joe was the brother to Brian Earley, Heather Jordan, Jennifer Smith, Lisa Earley, Racina Burke and the father to John Adkins, Aaliyah and Jeremiah Earley. Joseph was “Uncle Joe” to his 10 nieces and nephews. He was affectionately called “Ario” by many of his friends. Joe was a 1985 graduate of McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio. He attended Mansfield Business College and Buff State.

The majority of his adult life was spent in New York. While living in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Joe and a friend established a mentoring program for local youth to get them off the streets. They obtained a building and provided a safe place for youth to gather. The teens were able to study and receive assistance as well as recreational activities such as learning to shoot pool, play chess and other games. He quickly gained support from city officials who bought into the vision. Joe had a passion for mentoring and helping those less fortunate. He believed that knowledge was power and the key to success.

Joseph L. Earley, Jr. was a dedicated, hard worker. He was an entrepreneur, comedian, and a true trail blazer. Joe owned and operated five different clothing stores as well as a restaurant and performed standup comedy. He trained teenagers in salesmanship. Joe taught them how to organize a store, and work the retail business, letting them know that one day they could also own their own business. He enjoyed teaching youth and provoking them to think critically and come up with answers and solutions. Joseph was extremely intelligent. He wanted the best education for his children, and longed for the same for children who were victims of societal woes falling into the “less fortunate” category.

As you can see, Joseph was an awesome person. He cared deeply for others.

Joe was a giver! Through Joe’s dreams, the Foundation was established to reach out particularly to children from single parent homes. The mentorship program will instill values and the desire to obtain education and training beyond high school. On an annual basis, the scholarship program will award a high school graduating student (or students) a scholarship to pursue post-secondary education. ♥

Education is the first step for people to gain the knowledge, critical thinking, empowerment and skills they need to

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

Joseph L. Earley, Jr.

“Education

is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”

– Nelson Mandela

Keynote Speaker

Z. F. Taylor

Z. F. Taylor is a native of New Jersey, and husband to Evangelist Luanda Daniels-Taylor. He is also the Father to four sons William (30), Michael (29), Miles (17) and Xander (15).

Mr. Taylor has been a mentor to over 1,000 youth and young adults in several states. Z.F. is a trainer and consultant who adds abundant value to the team; collaborating to bring forth comprehensive and engaging conversations, training and solutions to the community. He has 30 years of working in public, private and non-profit sectors, spanning from educational domains to court systems. Mr. Taylor has also has seen the tangible outcomes of what happens when a team of mentors, teachers, families, communities and peers work together for the benefit of youth and young adults.

From business owners to high earning scholars, Z.F. has had the opportunity to offer structured support and see amazing results stem from his efforts of being a mentor to these youth/young adults ranging from the ages of 5 to 35. He has witnessed their various levels of success first-hand.

Previous roles include, but aren't limited to, Director of Student Success for Patriot Preparatory Academy (OH), Counselor for The Sunshine Center (KY) for court appointed youth, Executive Director for South Frankfort Community Center (KY), Lead Mentor for Lead the Way Learning Academy (OH), as well as various other roles within the community. ♥

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer”

- Albert Einstein

Getting education isn’t easy, and most students experience challenges during their degrees. The important thing is to believe in yourself and not give up.

Mistress of Ceremonies

Sir`Quora Carroll

Sir`Quora Carroll was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from Groveport Madison High School in 2017, and went to further her education at Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio. During her time at OU, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She graduated as a first-generation college student and received her bachelor’s in marketing. After graduating, she took a leap of faith to pursue her modeling career, getting signed into NV Models and Talent and 10 Management. Ultimately, she will use her sales and marketing background to grow her modeling career and later hopes to have her own modeling agency. Her lifelong goal is to create generational wealth for her family by becoming multifaceted.

Sir`Quora was crowned Miss Ohio USA in May of 2022 and was the first African American to represent Ohio in over 17 years. She went to represent Ohio on the national level at Miss USA and made it to the top five (5). Sir`Quora is the oldest of eight siblings. She says being a role model to them has always been her number one goal, which fueled her love for working with youth. Her platform is the advancement of our youth and young adults, with an emphasis on mental health and self-love. She wanted to use her own life experience to help inspire our youth to show up for themselves unapologetically, but loving and embracing the skin they’re in. ♥

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”

– Mahatma Gandhi

It’s important to seize the day, but always make time to go deeper and wider in your learning.

2023 Scholarship Recipient

Shyla Adjaye

2023 Scholarship Recipient Reynoldsburg High School

My name is Shyla Adjaye, I’m 17 years old, and a senior at Reynoldsburg High School. I come from a family of five including myself; I am the oldest child, and I have four younger siblings. I also have three fur babies. I’m a person who loves to explore all aspects of life. Different genres of music, stories, and movies.

I can say that I have had a beautiful life up until this point. I may not have had the perfect childhood, or the movie-like teenage years, but these past couple of years have shaped my character into the young lady I am today. At a young age, I realized nothing would ever be handed to me on a silver platter.

I strive to become a successful daughter for my mother, a role model to my siblings, and a future mother who is able to provide for her future family without worries. It's important for me to break the cycle of generational trauma that has been repeated and passed down from the older generations.

Currently, I’m striving enroll and graduate from college in 2026-2027, with a degree in Business. I’m not completely sure what career I want to pursue; however, I do have a couple of ideas. I know that one day I’ll be working for myself and desire to be my own boss! It's important to me to help others achieve this goal as well. ♥

– Chinese Proverb

You can have access to professors from

best universities in the world, but you still need to be willing to do the work, even when it’s hard. If you can’t do it alone, remember that asking for help is part of doing the work.

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself”

2023 Scholarship Recipient

Ghee

My name is Jessica Ghee. I was born in Columbus, Ohio. I am a senior at Reynoldsburg High School Summit Campus. I have participated in a few clubs and programs such as concert band and marching band, Reynoldsburg Leo Club, GSA/ The Alliance, Winter Guard, and Girl Scouts.

I'm currently looking to attend Ohio University or the University of Cincinnati after I graduate from high school. I plan on majoring in English for my bachelor's degree, and Secondary Education Language Arts for my master's degree.

A quote I live by is a song lyric from one of my favorite music artists; "Keep your eyes to the skies, never glued to your shoes" - Mac Miller, Small Worlds. ♥

– Chinese Proverb

There

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

“If You are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”

are many ways you can make an impact on the world. But there is no greater impact that you can make than spreading education, and empowering people who’ll empower and teach people, who, in turn, will empower and teach more.

Jessica

2023 Scholarship Recipient Reynoldsburg High School

“My Joey”

Those big brown eyes and big bright smile Would turn your sadness to gladness Whenever he stepped into a room. Laughter was this way to make your day.

With style and swag, He made a fashion statement with flair For this he was known everywhere.

Well read, intelligient, informed, and engaged He was versed and vibrant in speech, Profoundly communicating the prophetic.

His family he loved with a great love, With unmeasured love he lavished his children. With a huge heart of gold he gave, He gave until he could give no more.

With courage, strength, and a smile, He fought a good fight. God said, “Son, you finished your course Now come with me and see My Glory!”

Author ~ Your Mama, E. Gloria “Glo” Laney Earley

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

The Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Foundation

P.O. Box 328624 Columbus, OH 43232 614.397.2019 www.jlejrfoundation.org

Mission Statement

The Foundation will provide an avenue to mentor young men and women from single parent homes.

The Foundation will build strong futures for these young people through establishing healthy value systems. It is the goal of the Foundation to decrease gang activity, violence, drugs, bullying and teen pregnancies.

The Foundation will provide annual scholarship benefits to those students who qualify and meet the criterion of the Foundation’s guidelines.

Patricia Neal Columbus, OH

Augustus & Rita Van Buren Columbus, OH

Eagle Heating and Cooling Pataskala, OH

Carol L. Taylor Columbus, OH

Gloria Stokes Tallahassee, FL

Sylvia Thompson Canton, OH

DeDe & Ivan Miser Blacklick, OH

Sam & Ruth Collins Columbus, OH

Frances F, Jolley Canal Winchester, OH

Geraldine L. Chavis Massillon, OH

Josephine Laney Canton, OH

Sandra & John H. Lucas, Jr. Montgomery, AL

LeAnn Harris Columbus, OH

Corrinn Ekker Columbus, OH

Regina Hollingsworth Columbus, OH

Mrs. Milton Cofield Albany, NY

Beckie Hawks Arlington, VA

Patricia Brown Memphis, TN

Kenny Jones Akron, OH

Shelly Tims Grant Washington, DC

Evelyn Perry Reynoldsburg, OH

Cyndy Bass Columbus, OH

Carletta Griffis-Anderson Columbus, OH

Livia Russell Washington. DC Tricia Sheard Columbus, OH

Imani Smith Virginia Beach, VA

Toni Hicks Stafford, VA Edith Andrade Canton, OH

Adrianne Washington Durham, NC

You are highly appreciated!

CONGRATULATIONS

TO Shyla Adjaye and

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

The 8th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon