East Fort Worth Business Association is hosting the Annual Community Awards and Scholarship Banquet event on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
Our Awards Banquet honors outstanding businesses, organizations, citizens, and – most importantly – educators and students in East Fort Worth. We are excited to return to the beautiful Texas Wesleyan University Martin Center.
We are asking for your Sponsorship commitment to help us make higher education more accessible for seven of the most ambitious and dedicated East Fort Worth high school students.
We are naming a seventh scholarship in honor of Malcolm Wentworth, and we will dedicate that Scholarship to the Outstanding Graduate from Texans Can Academy. Malcolm served on our Board and was instrumental to the success of this banquet, and this scholarship honors his legacy .
The addition of the Malcolm Wentworth Scholarship raises our total to $10,500 in Scholarships.
This year's theme is "Jazz It Up!" While jazz music and exceptional high school achievements may seem unrelated, they share some common core skills when it comes to their essential qualities.
Creativity and Individuality:
Jazz is known for its emphasis on improvisation and the individual expression of musicians. Exceptional high school achievements often stem from students' ability to think creatively, solve problems, and approach tasks from unique perspectives.
Skill Development and Mastery:
Jazz musicians are renowned for their technical proficiency and mastery of their instruments from years of practice, dedication, and honing of musical skills. Students who excel academically or in extracurricular activities often invest time and effort into mastering subject matters, developing critical thinking skills, and consistently honing their abilities.
This is your time to meet with community leaders, elected government officials, first responders from the FW Police and FW Firefighters, as well as eastside Educators who guided these sudents, and local business owners who generously support the Wanda Conlin Scholarships program.
Our Banquet 2023 Featured Presentation Speaker is Pete Geren, CEO, Sid Richardson Foundation.
Catered by TWU
Preston "Pete" Murdoch Geren, III is the president/CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation in Fort Worth, Texas. Geren's long and successful career as an attorney, politician, civil servant and philanthropist has created a lasting legacy benefitting not only local citizens, but the entire United States of America.
After working as an attorney and then an aide to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, Geren served for four terms in the United States House of Representatives from Texas' 12th Congressional District from 1989 until 1997. He is a Democratic former member of the United States House of Representatives from Texas's 12th congressional district. He later chaired of the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, Virginia.
Geren was born in Fort Worth. He attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1970 to 1973, where he was the starting center for the football team. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas in 1974, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1978.
Geren joined the Department of Defense in September 2001 to serve as Special Assistant to the Defense Secretary with responsibilities in the areas of inter-agency initiatives, legislative affairs and special projects.
On July 29, 2005, President George W. Bush appointed Geren the acting United States Secretary of the Air Force, a position he served in until the confirmation of his successor Michael Wynne in November 2005.
Geren was the 28th Undersecretary of the Army, a post he assumed on February 21, 2006, following his nomination by President Bush and confirmation by the United States Senate. As the Undersecretary, Geren was the Army's No. 2 civilian leader. He served as the deputy and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army and was Acting Secretary in the absence of the Secretary.
In March 2007, Geren was named Acting Secretary of the United States Army by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. On July 16, 2007, the Senate confirmed Geren as Secretary of the Army. On August 30, 2007, Geren established the independent Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations to investigate the contingency contracting crisis within the Army.
Pete has been president and CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, in Fort Worth since 2011.
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Jazz Music traditionally features a Band Leader who guides and directs the musicians. Leadership skills are necessary as students may take on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or group projects. Both jazz music and high school achievements require passion, dedication, and a willingness to explore and push boundaries.
New Orleans Jazz often involves multiple musicians playing together and creating intricate musical conversations. It is characterized by its improvisational nature and collective ensemble playing. Adaptability is essential. Students need to be flexible in handling different subjects, tasks, and challenges. Similarly, collaboration is crucial as students frequently work in groups or teams on projects and assignments.
Swing Jazz relies heavily on a steady, well-maintained rhythm and precise timing. Time management skills are vital as students juggle various responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments.
Swing jazz requires discipline, practice and attention to detail. Likewise, high school achievement requires discipline in studying, completing assignments, and staying focused on long-term goals.
Big Band Jazz requires intricate organization and coordination among the various sections of the ensemble. Similarly, organizational skills are essential for high school achievement, helping students manage their schedules, prioritize tasks, and maintain an orderly approach to their studies.
Cool Jazz has a very harmonious vibe along with its slow tempo that reflects the casual attitude of its California origin.
This year, we shall present seven students with scholarships, for a total of $10,500 in Scholarships! We are naming the seventh scholarship in honor of Malcolm Wentworth, and we will dedicate that Scholarship to the Outstanding Graduate from Texans Can Academy.
We are now accepting applications for the 2023 Scholarships.
Senior students from Dunbar, Eastern Hills, Polytechnic, Young Men's Leadership Academy, Nolan Cathonic and Texans Can Academy are eligible to apply for scholarships being provided by the East Fort Worth Business Association. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 16, 2023. Please share this application with any student you think meets the qualifications and might be interested.
Mail completed application to:
Scholarship Chair
EFWBA, P.O. Box 8861
Fort Worth, Texas 76124-0861.
Last year, these 'Class of 2022' Seniors were selected by the EFWBA Scholarship Committee, and each student was presented with a $1,500 Check to further their college education, all made possible by our generous Sponsors.
The 2023 Scholarship & Community Awards Banquet is at the Nick and Lou Martin University Center on the Texas Wesleyan University campus.
Martin Center
Texas Wesleyan University
1201 Wesleyan St.
Fort Worth, TX 76105
efwba@efwba.org
817-451-6276
