A Resident's Story
Moving toward financial stability
Leonard and his daughter Alaunah, 12, were homeless when they came to Wilson Commencement Park in June 2007. Leonard was working on his degree in visual communications technology at Monroe Community College. A vocational injury in 2005 forced him to change careers. "I want a good paying job without too much physical labor," he said.
While working on his degree, Leonard is known around the Park for writing rap and poetry and enjoys participating in Poetry Night at the Park. Last summer, he marched to Stop the Violence; sang a couple rap songs at the Park's Back-to-School Bash; and organized XBox 360 video game tournaments for kids. He also coordinates SNAP, encouraging students to learn about the contributions of "less-known" African Americans who share common interests with them.
When his daughter moved in with him, she was reading at a third-grade level in fifth grade. He required Alaunah to read an hour each day. Now she's at a seventh-grade level, and her school attendance and grades have improved! "My daughter and I are more stable. I have broadened my network dramatically. I believe things happen for a reason," Leonard said.
Leonard is the proud recipient of The Rochester Audio Visual Association (RAVA) Scholarship Award.
The RAVA, now celebrating its 52nd year, is a diverse group of media communications professionals representing a broad range of Rochester area organizations.
Since 1976, RAVA Scholarship Awards have recognized outstanding students who are pursuing courses of study in media at seven area colleges; SUNY Brockport, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher, SUNY Geneseo, Finger Lakes Community College, Monroe Community College, and Genesee Community College.
Faculty members at each college select students for awards consideration. The nominated students then meet with the RAVA Scholarship Panel to present their work and discuss their interests in the field of communications. Many RAVA Scholarship recipients have gone on to distinguish themselves as media professionals in Rochester and around the country.
