CLARKSDALE – Two outstanding Clarksdale teens: Chloe Jordan, a student at Coahoma County High School, and Eddie Earl, who attends Clarksdale High School, were crowned Mr. and Miss Project Upward Bound 2009-2010 Sunday night at Coahoma Community College’s 29th annual Awards Banquet.

Attending were students from numerous high schools in Bolivar County; Coahoma’s Clarksdale High School, Coahoma County High, and Coahoma Agricultural High; Quitman’s Madison Palmer High; Tallahatchie’s West Tallahatchie High; and Tunica’s Rosa Fort High.

Delivering a high-energy motivational address lacing gospel music, straight talk and dramatic interaction among students, Dr. Montrell Greene emphasized, “You are one of a kind; you have to be yourself.”

“You are the greatest when you decide who you are going to be,” he said. “You can’t beat me being me,” he said.

Greene said, “There is power in education, because education gives you options; it opens doors.”

“Educaton will take you to the next level, but you’ve got to take care of business,” he continued

“You must keep your eye on the prize, and education is a prize,” Greene said.

Other key factors the speaker listed were personal well-being, the importance of family, and learning to focus on the positive.

He urged the audience to stay away from substance abuse, keep going to school, and stay with a good team.

Presiding at the banquet was Charvesta Partee, Miss Upward Bound 2008-2009, who also gave farewell comments along with Semarcio Bailey, Mr. Upward Bound 2008-2009.

Orlando Paden gave the invocation; Jessica Smith the welcome; Karmeshia Williams introduced the guest speaker, and the Upward Bound Ensemble provided musical entertainment…

Vincent Tompkins, program counselor, introduced the bridge students, who talked about themselves and where they planned to attend college.

Delivering remarks were Charles Barnes, program director, and Dr. Vivian Presley, college president, who praised the program’s excellence for the past 29 years.