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People & Places
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Backpacks & Big Dreams
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BY IZZY QUAGLIAROLI
Duke Energy hosted its sixth annual Day of Champions at the Emily Krzyzewski Center
in August, connecting students and their families with local businesses and universities to inspire and empower our city’s youth. Nearly 250 bags stuffed with school supplies were handed out thanks to the support of generous sponsors like the Durham Chamber of Commerce, Durham Technical Community College and many others. Students participated in various activities and games with athletes from Duke University and North Carolina Central University throughout the day. PDQ provided lunch, which boosted the kids’ energy levels for dancing to the lively music from WNCU 90.7 FM. Organizations like ISLA NC, Durham YMCA, Durham Children’s Initiative, El Centro Hispano, Hayti Heritage Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham & Orange Counties and Student U set up booths around Emily K’s gymnasium to give guidance, and useful information to build on knowledge and studies. Meanwhile, representatives from Kompleks Creative, My Local CFO, M & F Bank and AT&T encouraged the young students to explore various career paths. 5
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durhammag.com
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october/november 2023
1 Makayla Carmichael, Kierra Russell, Sheila Davis, Lori McFadden, Jumeekah Ingram and Amy Claxton of M & F Bank. 2 Catorra Lassiter, Duke University baseball player Wyatt Thompson, Zacchaeus Lassiter, 2, Zakharia Lassiter, 11, Zaria Lassiter, 6, and Duke University baseball players Jackson Emus and Zac Morris. 3 Durham Public Schools Senior Executive Director of Public Affairs Sheena Cooper, Superintendent Pascal Mubenga, Sen. Mike Woodard and Durham County Library Development Officer Sara Stephens. 4 Durham Technical Community College alum Jesus Gomez, Durham Tech International Student Service & Study Abroad Director Patrick Liu and Britney Nava Munoz. 5 Duke Energy’s Indira Everett and Tequila Kearney. 6 Durham Tech nursing student Mariana Martinez and Duke Office of Durham & Community Affairs Senior Education Partnership Coordinator David Stein. 7 ISLA NC Community Advancement Officer Dominique Marie Ospina and Education Programs Manager Cindy Salazar. 8 Emily K Center Senior Director of Program Operations Donovan Livingston and Emily K Center Chief Advancement Officer Sandy York.