The Texarkana Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. held its annual Outstanding Young Men Presentation on Jan. 17 in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church’s Family Life Center. The 31 honorees are high school seniors from area public schools recognized for their academic performance, school and community leadership and character.

Patricia Anthony, chapter president, offered greetings. Chapter members Cheryl Stuart, Vanessa McCraw, M. Michelle Wilson, Taryn Wells, Shirley Dansby and the escorts (mother) of each young man conducted the presentation and official pinning of the young men.

Beverly Webb served as the musician for the event, the Rev. Angela Brewster offered the prayer and Ron Washington was the photographer. Linda Harlston, recording secretary, introduced the members of the Texarkana chapter and other guests who are members of the sorority. Donna Yarber, co-chairman of the event, presented special awards. Rosalind Cursh recognized former OYM who were present, and Marietha Neal introduced 2008/2009 Delta Academy and Delta Gems members.

Elaine Denmon, OYM chairman, rendered words of encouragement and special thanks.

Outstanding Young Men are eligible for scholarships awarded by the sorority at the end of the school year.



Brandon Bernard Baker, son of Bernard and Elizabeth Baker, senior at Liberty-Eylau High School.

Brandon is a member of Sunset Baptist Church. His community involvement includes assisting with the Senior Citizens Luncheon at Hardy Memorial Methodist Church, volunteering at Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and participating in the Liberty-Eylau Independent School District’s paper recycling project. His extracurricular activities include being a member of the Liberty-Eylau varsity football, track and baseball teams. He is also a member of the powerlifting team, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and Spanish Club.

Brandon’s honors include a Character First Award, Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievement in Business Computer Information Systems and the President’s Education Award. He was also a member of the Leopards’ 2006 state football championship team.



Cody Scott Barnes, son of Ronald and Janet Barnes, grandson of Delores and the late Bobby Mayton, senior at Arkansas High School.

Cody is a member of Cathedral Heights Church. He is a member of the church band and assists in the children’s department. His community involvement includes participating in hurricane cleanup efforts, assisting with the Rising Star Scholarship golf tournament, participating in his church’s effort to assist Hurricane Katrina victims and being an assistant coach for a youth basketball team. His extracurricular activities include participating in basketball, golf, track, baseball, weightlifting and Bible quizzes. He has also participated in Skills USA and Nazarene Youth International and was a member of back-to-back district golf championship teams. He plays in the praise band at his church and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Students.

Cody’s honors include National Honor Society, third place in Bible World Quiz Competition, president of Nazarene Youth International and receiving an outstanding student award for American History and excellence awards for piano, guitar and drama.



Colin Christopher Black, son of Kathy Black, senior at Texas High School.

Colin’s community involvement includes volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and being a reading volunteer for younger children. His extracurricular activities include participating in football and track, Key Club, TigerVision, Calculus Club, Texarkana College Talent Search Program, National Honor Society and the NAACP Youth Council.

Colin’s honors include Who’s Who Among American High School Students, 2008 National Society of High School Scholars and invitations to participate in the 2007 People to People Student Ambassador Program, the 2007 National Youth Leaders Conference and the Junior Statesmen Foundation.



Charlie Jarome Broades, son of Rodney and Malisia Broades, senior at Pleasant Grove High School.

Charlie is a member of Christ Nations Church, where he is active in Excell and student ministry. His community involvement includes volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. His extracurricular activities include participating in football, basketball and track.

Charlie’s honors include A/B honor roll, 2005-2007 First Team All-District Football, 2006-2007 All-Northeast Texas football, All-State football Honorable Mention and First Team All-District Basketball.



Tevin Marqez Cherry, son of Tara Kidd, senior at Arkansas High School.

Tevin is a member of Walker Chapel CME Church, where he is Sunday school secretary, president of Christian Youth Fellowship and a member of the youth choir. His community involvement includes volunteering with his church in a food drive for hurricane victims. His extracurricular activities include playing football.

Tevin’s honors include a 2003 Citizenship Award, National Honor Society, Gifted and Talented, Who’s Who Among American High School Students and A/B honor roll.



DeAngelo Marshahn Crawford, son of Tina and Crawford and Sherman Gardner, senior at Arkansas High School.

DeAngelo is a member of Providence No. 1 Baptist Church in Livingston, Texas, and Texarkana. He is an usher, a junior deacon and choir member. His community involvement includes volunteering for church field trips. His extracurricular activities include participating in Livingston High School football, basketball and baseball and Arkansas High School’s Vocational Internship Program.

DeAngelo’s honors include A/B honor roll and perfect attendance.



Christopher Sean Culberson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Artis Culberson Jr., senior at New Boston High School, New Boston, Texas.

Christopher is a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, New Boston. He has served as junior usher and was a member of the 2006 church softball team. His community involvement includes volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and assisting with the New Boston community’s trash pickup project. His extracurricular activities include participating in New Boston High School football and baseball, summer league baseball, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Student Council and Special Olympics.

Christopher’s honors include 2008 Secondnd Team All-District Designated Hitter and All-Tournament Player at the 2008 summer state baseball tournament.



Jawonzski Le’Kel Davis, son of Vanessa Davis and Jeffrey Rhodes, grandson of James and Josie Walker and Albert and Ozell Rhodes, senior at Arkansas High School.

Jawonzski is a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. He is a member of the youth usher board and youth choir. His community involvement includes assisting with a community cleanup program, mowing lawns and volunteering at the Randy Sams Homeless Shelter. His extracurricular activities include participating in Skills USA, Future Business Leaders of America and being a member of the basketball team from ninth to 12th grades.

Jawonzski’s honors include most improved ACT in math and English, most consistent ACT science, Boys State and A/B honor roll.



Jordan DeWayne Davis, son of Alfred and Wanda Davis, senior at Texas High School.

Jordan is a member of Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church. He sings in the choir, is an usher, a Sunday school superintendent and involved in the certified abstinence club and youth volunteer group. His extracurricular activities include participating in basketball, Key Club, American Sign Language Club, Leadership Program and AVID. He is also Student Council assistant treasurer.

Jordan’s honors include being on the A/B honor roll since the third grade and representing an abstinence club on local radio.



Curtis James Gooden III, son of Angela L. Gooden and the late Curtis Gooden Jr.

Curtis is a member of Oak Street Baptist Church. His community involvement includes volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and assisting with AVID food drive. His extracurricular activities include participating in football, track, Key Club, MIC Club and AVID.

Curtis’ honors include being eigth grade Student of the Year, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society and Who’s Who Among American High School Students.



Graham Christian Greene, son of Vickie Dorsey and Joe Greene, senior at Liberty-Eylau High School.

Graham is a member of St. Paul Baptist Church. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Texarkana Orphanage, assisting with the St. Paul school supplies benefit, highway cleanup, school fall festival and Boy Scouts can food drive. His extracurricular activities include participating in the band as drum major and section leader, Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America and Spanish Club.

Graham’s honors include Who’s Who Among American All-America Scholars, Who’s Who Among Foreign Language Students, Honorary Band Member of the United States Army Field Band, Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leaders and the United States Achievement Academy.



Jonathan Terrell Hawkins, son of Cynthia and Jackey Hawkins, senior at Texas High School.

Jonathan is a member of Harrison Chapel Baptist Church, where he is minister of music. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. His extracurricular activities include participating in the marching band.



Theodore Lamar Hickerson, son of Tony and Bertha Hickerson, senior at Hope High School.

Theodore is a member of Mount Zion CME Church in Hope. He is a member of the youth usher board, youth choir and Christian Youth Fellowship. His community involvement includes assisting with the Hope Junior High marching, jazz and concert bands. He offers free music lessons to children. He works concessions at all home games, at the city fair and at the annual watermelon festival. His extracurricular activities include participating in the high school marching, jazz and concert bands. He is a first chair trombone player. He is stage manager for the drama team and a member of Family Career Community Leaders of America.

Theodore’s honors include Who’s Who Among All-American Scholars, Who’s Who In Band, ninth-grade Outstanding Brass, First Division Solo and Ensemble for Four States Jazz Band and 2003 youth baseball championship team member.



Tevin Quintrel Hollins, son of Anju Levingston-Lindon and Jamal Lindon, senior at Liberty-Eylau High School.

Tevin is a member of Mount Orange Baptist Church. He serves as the youth choir vice president and has served on the youth usher board. His community involvement includes volunteering for Make a Difference Day sponsored by United Way and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. His extracurricular activities include participating in football and powerlifting and Key Club.

Tevin’s honors include 2008 Tri-School’s Alumni Speaker, 2008 Leadership Camp’s Overall Best, perfect attendance, 2006 state football championship team and D.A.R.E. best actor in 2001.



Brandon Allen Holloway, son of Randy Holloway and Chyrrel Lewis, senior at DeKalb High School.

Brandon is a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, DeKalb, where he is minister of music and an usher. His community involvement includes volunteering with the Keep DeKalb Beautiful cleanup campaign, the Punt, Pass and Kick Program and DeKalb Special Olympics. His extracurricular activities include participating in football, basketball, baseball, track and Spanish Club and playing the organ, drums and piano.

Brandon’s honors include being selected a 2007-2008 First Team All-District running back and a First Team All-District baseball player.



Curtis Wayne Hunter Jr., son of Michelle and Curtis Hunter Sr., senior at Liberty-Eylau High School.

Curtis’ community involvement includes volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. His extracurricular activities include participating in the band, NIKE Club, Spanish Club and National Honor Society.

Curtis’ honors include Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Spanish Honor Roll, National Honor Roll, A Honor Roll and Certificate of Attendance for America Legion Boy’s State. He was also selected to attend the National Youth Forum on Medicine.



Devin Domonique Lockhart, son of LaShonda Lockhart and Veronica Dowell, senior at Atlanta High School.

Devin is a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Douglassville, Texas. He is a member of the usher board, a devotional leader, youth choir director and Sunday school superintendent. His community involvement includes volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. His extracurricular activities include participating in sports and marching in the high school band.

Devin’s honors include 2008 state track runner-up, National Honor Society and football honorable mention.



Charles Lewis Melton II, son of Dr. Charles and Delores Melton, senior at Pleasant Grove High School.

Charles is a member of St. Paul Baptist Church. He is active in youth choir and participated in a mission trip to Tennessee. His community involvement includes volunteering at Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Bowie County Teen Court, Randy Sams Homeless Shelter and Watersprings Ranch. He is president of Jack and Jill of America-Texarkana Teen Chapter and volunteered at Brook Hill Ranch Camp. His extracurricular activities include tae kwon do, in which he holds a firstst-degree black belt, varsity tennis, Student Council, American Red Cross Student Association and Health Occupations Student Association. He also serves as 2008-2009 president of the Texarkana Teen Chapter-Jack and Jill of America.

His honors include Honor Roll, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, 2008 Citywide Winner of Northridge Country Club tennis marathon and the recipient of an academic and tennis scholarship from Central Kansas University.



Pharron Jamal Minniefield, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earnest L. Minniefield, senior at Texas High School.

Pharron is a member of Mount Orange Baptist Church, where serves as Sunday school secretary, church announcer, usher, youth leader and president of the youth choir. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and at Heritage Nursing Home and Randy Sams Homeless Shelter. He has also assisted in the AVID program’s Christmas present delivery, National Cleanup Day and Ad Campaign delivery. His extracurricular activies include football, basketball, and track and field. He has also been a football captain, a member of AVID program and president of Sigma Beta Club, and a leader/organizer at Randy Sams Homeless Shelter.

Pharron’s honors include Most Valuable Player of the Week in 2008, City Player of the Week in 2008, Most Improved Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, district shotput record holder, a Robotics Award, a participant in the Texarkana Young Writer’s Program, a Good Citizens Award and a Pride Student Award.



Lynn D. Morgan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lynn Morgan, senior at Arkansas High School.

Lynn is a member of Harrison Temple COGIC, Ogden, Ark., where he is the bass player guitar. His community involvement includes volunteering to assist Katrina victims and being a staff member at Faith, Love and Hope Youth Center. His extracurricular activities include participating in the regiment band, 4-H Club, Faith, Love and Hope drumline and Skills USA.

Lynn’s honors include National Honor Society, Outstanding Freshmen in Band, All-Region Concert Band participant, Chemistry Student of the Month, Outstanding Sophomore in band, Outstanding Student of the Year and Impact Player Award for band.



Courtlin Ja’Ron Keith Nash, son of Ronald and Charmaine Nash, senior at Texas High School.

Courtlin is a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where he is a member of the junior usher board, the choir and the St. Paul Stepping Soldiers for Christ. He is also a children’s church assistant and Men of Action member. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, working security for the DeKalb Special Olympics, assisting in the Texas High School ASL Club’s highway cleanup, washing cars for the Texas High Senior Class prom and volunteering in the annual St. Paul school supply donation campaign. His extracurricular activities include participating in the American Sign Language Club, Psychology Club and Key Club. He is also a member of the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Explorer program.

Courtlin’s honors include receiving a commendable score on state math, social studies and English exams. He is enrolled in Advanced Placement courses and has taken dual-credit courses through Texarkana College for two years.



LaKeith Darnell Roy, son of Michelle and Aundruana Williams and Preston LeMay, senior at Lafayette County High School, Stamps, Ark.

LaKeith is a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Lewisville, Ark., where he is a member of the youth usher board and choir. His community involvement includes volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. His extracurricular activities include participating in football, basketball and track. He is also a member of the marching band, Future Business Leaders of America and Family Career Community Leaders of America.

LaKeith’s honors include Student of the Week, Student of the Month, Honor Roll and Who’s Who Among American High School Students.





Reshad Dwain Sims, son of Harvey and Tammy Sims, senior at Lafayette County High School.

Reshad is a member of Haynes Chapel Baptist Church, Hope, Ark. He serves as vice president of the junior usher board, president of the youth choir and member of the junior brotherhood, youth praise team and puppet ministry. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and acting as a tour guide for youth at the fairgrounds. His extracurricular activities include Who’s Who Among American High School Students, participating in Lafayette County High School football and track, Future Business Leaders of America and Family Career Community Leaders of America. He is also fire marshal and vice president of the senior class.

Reshad’s honors include National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, All Conference Lineman and Cougars Heart Award.



Johnathan Lamar Smith, son of Gwendolyn Wyse and Joseph Smith, senior at Hooks High School.

Johnathan is a member of Christ Nations Church, where he is youth leader and sings in the youth choir. His community involvement includes donating items to Toys for Tots and Hooks Children’s Ministry, participating in a Hooks and Texarkana cleanup project, volunteering at nursing homes and Randy Sams Homeless Shelter, assisting with a canned food drive and donating clothes to The Salvation Army. His extracurricular activities include participating as a section leader in band, vice president of Spanish Club, president of Science Club, treasurer of Student Council and an officer in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has also been active in cross country track, tennis, Top Teens of America, Certified Individual Abstinence of America and Junior Statesmen of America.

Johnathan’s honors include A/B honor roll, United States Achievement Academy, All American Scholar, All State Band Solo and Ensemble, UIL Regional Speech Competition, Boys State, National Young Leaders Conference, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, National Society for Gifted and Talented and Most Talented in his class for three years.



Joshua Remington Stevenson, son of Dennisse White-Green and Jerry Green, senior at Liberty-Eylau High School.

Joshua is a member of Polly Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and assisting with community cleanup projects through Liberty-Eylau Independent School District. His extracurricular activities include Key Club, Student Council, Nike Club, football, powerlifting, track and Future Business Leaders of America.

Joshua’s honors include receiving a Golden Apple Citizenship Award, National Honor Roll and Who’s Who Among American High School Students.



Aubrey VelRyse Thompson, son of Lonnie and Lesa Thompson, senior at DeKalb High School.

Aubrey is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, DeKalb, Texas, where he is head usher and a choir member. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, assisting Key Club with Oktoberfest and raising funds for DeKalb’s annual Saturday in the Park to benefit UNICEF. His extracurricular activities include participating as first chair trumpet player in the high school band and serving as parliamentarian and treasurer of National Honor Society, vice president of Spanish Club and class historian for two years. He is a member of the tennis team and UIL Spelling and Vocabulary teams.

Aubrey’s honors include a freshman award for highest average in Computer Applications and awards for A/B honor roll, Pre-AP English, Spanish, solo and ensemble bands and perfect attendance. He also received a fourth-place medal at a UIL practice meet.



NeRonte Threatt, son of Terry Mryks and Tina Threatt, senior at Pleasant Grove High School.

NeRonte’s community involvement includes being a member of STEPS and volunteering with the athletic department. His extracurricular activities include football and basketball.

NeRonte’s honors include A/B honor roll, 2005-2006 All-District Football and Secondnd Team All-Area Football in Idabel, Okla. Basketball honors include First Team All-Area, All-District Southeast Six Most Valuable Player and All-State Honorable Mention in Oklahoma.



Peyton Tikeal Gerard Tolliver, son of Phillip N. and LaWanna Tolliver, senior at Texas High School.

Peyton is a member of Atlanta Street Church of Christ. He serves as a song leader in the choir, a member of Focus, Church of Christ’s Winter Youth Series, the Set Your Sights winter religious retreat and Beaver Bend Church Camp. He assists with fall festival, vacation Bible school and church youth fellowships. His community involvement includes volunteering for Tuesday with Tigers, tutoring and mentoring students at Spring Lake Park and Dunbar elementary schools, volunteering at Runnin’ WJ Ranch, recycling at Texarkana Independent School District’s campuses and assisting with the Boy Scouts annual food drive. He has also volunteered at nursing homes, Texarkana animal shelter and The Salvation Army. He participated this year with Robin Roberts in the “Bringing Hope Home” segment of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Peyton’s honors include 2005 Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America Junior Leadership Training, 2008 Boys State and 2008 Rotary Youth Leadership Award.



Deon Darnell White, son of Marcus and Dorcas White, senior at Liberty-Eylau High School.

Deon is a member of Church of the Living God Temple No. 4, Texarkana, Ark. He serves as president of the youth department and is a member of youth choir and Young People’s Progressive Union. He has participated in district Bible drills, Bible bowls and essay competitions for seven years. Deon has also performed leading roles in plays and is an inspirational speaker, Sunday school superintendent, member of the Junior Trustee Board and a youth usher. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Randy Sams Homeless Shelter and at various Texarkana nursing homes. He is employed with Texarkana Workforce Youth Program and works at the Boys and Girls Club of Texarkana. His extracurricular activities include participating in football and basketball, Spanish Club, Key Club and Student Council.

Deon’s honors include A/B honor roll, homecoming escort and first, second and third places in church essay contests, Bible bowls and basketball tournaments.



Garry Sylvester Williams, son of Andrea Atkins and Garry Williams Sr., senior at Texas High School.

Garry is a member of New Beginning Praise and Worship Center, where he is a member of the tape and music ministry. His community involvement includes volunteering at Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and at the Texas High Youth Football Camp. His extracurricular activities include participating in football, track and powerlifting, Southwest Center’s College Bound program and Key Club.

Garry’s honors include 2006 Most Outstanding Defensive Tackle, 2006 regional qualifier in shotput and discus, district first place in shotput and discus, 2006-2007 regional powerlifting qualifier, Texarkana Gazette’s Honorable Mention Player of the Week, Who’s Who Among American High School Students and a completion certificate from LSU Football Camp.



Darryl Alexander Wyrick, son of Ronnette Tolliver, senior at Texas High School.

Darryl is a member of Greater Heights Church, Texarkana, Ark., where he participates in the youth and mime ministries. His community involvement includes volunteering for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, assisting in Central Christian Church’s effort to help the homeless, and tutoring at Faith, Love and Hope Youth Center. He is an actor with TexRep and recently starred in “A Raisin in the Sun.” His extracurricular activities include participating in Key Club, French Club, International Club, Student Council and cross country and serving as a track captain.

Darryl’s honors include Outstanding Hurdler Award and President’s Award.