Friday, February 15, 2008

          Donated guitar on display at the Excelsior Past Students Association's Annual Brunch

Thanks to a generous gift, courtesy of alumnus Dr. Rosemarie Newman ('71), musically inclined students of XLCR will get a chance to refine their craft.

The presentation, comprising a guitar, instructional DVDs and other teaching aids, was made by Dr. Newman at the recent Founder’s Day observance in Jamaica.  It was made in memory of her late son Sadiki Young.

Before a packed auditorium comprising alumni, students, teachers and well wishes, Dr. Rosemarie Newman, left, recounted how her son had met his untimely demise in a car crash just as she was preparing to attend the Excelsior 75th anniversary celebration in 2006.

Now, with the offer of a scholarship in his name, she hopes to perpetuate his memory while also helping talented students at her alma mater.

Her son, Sadiki Young —a musical virtuoso in his own right—was, from all reports, a model student who was well on his way to becoming a fully realized Renaissance Man.  Prior to his unfortunate passing, he was mulling multiple scholarship offers in academics, soccer, lacrosse and wrestling from a number of top-flight universities.

 Dr. Newman, a transplanted New Yorker and respected North Carolina gynecologist, is determined to keep her son’s memory alive by continuing her quest to help deserving young people.

The Founder’s Day largesse was, she said, just the first act-among a number of other initiatives-in giving back to her alma mater while also honoring her son’s memory. 

She has vowed to become more engaged in alumni affairs, including her membership in the Excelsior Alumni Association, in order to continue her mission.