Empowering Futures: A Look Back at the New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation’s 2025 Scholarship Reception

Hey there, future-builders and community champions! As content creators, we know the power of a great story, and the 2025 Scholarship, Sponsors and Members Reception of the New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc. (NCMPEF) certainly delivered an inspiring narrative of dedication, achievement, and collective impact. Held on August 8, 2025, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the Chesapeake Conference Center, this event truly embodied its motto: “Forging ahead and striving for excellence”.

Our Mission in Action: A Legacy of Support The NCMPEF, established on January 21, 2010, as the philanthropic arm of the New Chesapeake Men for Progress, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a clear mission: to provide scholarships, grants, and mentoring services to the youth in the City of Chesapeake. Over the past seventeen years, the Foundation has publicly recognized 273 African American male graduates from Chesapeake’s seven high schools, awarding an impressive $250,000 in scholarships. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided over $264,950.00 in scholarships, supplied school necessities to four Title I schools, and backed five other organizations’ mentoring programs in Chesapeake. Our records show we’ve honored 352 high school graduates with scholarship support. As Chairman Al Alexander eloquently stated, referencing Frederick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men,” and with your support, we strive to be that catalyst.

Celebrating the Best and Brightest of 2025 This year’s reception was a testament to the incredible potential within our community. Chairman Al Alexander kicked off the evening with a warm welcome and organizational updates, followed by George F. Reed, Ph.D., who presented the Sponsors Awards. The much-anticipated Scholarship Award presentation was led by Clifton Randolph, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee.

In 2025, we were proud to announce the awarding of 30 scholarships totaling $30,000! These scholarships support a diverse range of aspirations and talents:

• Foundations General Scholarships: 21 recipients.

• Dr. William E. Ward Family Scholarship (HBCU): Awarded to Mr. Nathyn M. Smith, a graduate of Oscar Smith High School with an Advanced Diploma, who will attend Virginia State University to major in Electrical Engineering. This scholarship honors Dr. William E. Ward’s legacy as a family man, public servant (first African American mayor of Chesapeake), distinguished professor, and co-founder of the Foundation.

• Fine Arts Scholarship: Awarded to Phoenix L. Banks, an International Baccalaureate program graduate from Oscar Smith High School with a 4.4 GPA, who will pursue English and Media Studies at the University of Virginia.

• NCMPEF Vocational Trade and Technology Scholarship: Awarded to Ms. Emma Louise Allan, a Western Branch High School graduate, who will begin an apprenticeship with Comfort Systems of Virginia.

• George W. McCadden, Sr. Family Vocational Trades and Technology Scholarship: Awarded to Mr. Jalen Gamble, an Oscar Smith High School graduate with a 3.2 GPA and an Advanced Studies Diploma, passionate about an HVAC career with Comfort System of Virginia. This scholarship honors George W. McCadden, Sr.’s legacy of love, strength, knowledge, and wisdom.

• NCMPEF & Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority Scholarship: This partnership supports male students from Chesapeake Public Schools who reside in public housing or private housing supported by CRHA Housing Choice Vouchers.

• Chesapeake Education Association Teacher Scholarship: Awarded to Mr. Dexter A. Edmunds, a graduate of Atlantic Shores Christian School, who will attend Randolph-Macon College. This scholarship encourages Black males to become public school teachers, addressing a significant need in public schools.

• Intercooler, Inc. Vocational Trades and Technology Scholarship: Awarded to Mr. Cameron Brown, an Oscar Smith High School graduate specializing in HVAC and MSC studies, accepted by the United States Sea Lift Command. This scholarship was established by Ian Isaac Thomas and his wife Karen, founders of Intercooler, Inc., a minority-owned trucking company.

• March Cromuel, Jr. Memorial Civic Engagement and Empowerment Scholarship: Awarded to Ms. Sundai T. Halsey, an Oscar Smith High School graduate with a 4.4 GPA, who will attend Howard University to empower children and aid underrepresented communities. This scholarship honors March Cromuel, Jr.’s legacy as a fighter for freedom, justice, and equality, and his 20+ years as president of Chesapeake’s NAACP chapter.

• Norfleet Claude, Jr. Music and Band Scholarship: This scholarship assists students attending Norfolk State University and pursuing music careers with an emphasis on playing the flute or alto saxophone.

Nurturing Future Leaders: The Dr. Darnell Johnson Distinguished Scholar Awards Beyond high school graduates, the Foundation continues its vital Dr. Darnell Johnson Distinguished Scholar Award, recognizing African American male students from each Chesapeake Public Schools middle school. This initiative encourages middle school students to become ambassadors for high academic achievement. Dr. Darnell Johnson (1951-2017) was a long-time educator and mathematics professor, known for his academic success, integrity, leadership, and commitment to learning. This year’s recipients, recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to growth, included students from Crestwood, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier, Hickory, Hugo A. Owens, Indian River, Jolliff, Oscar Smith, and Western Branch Middle Schools.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Supporters! The NCMPEF could not exist without the unwavering financial, physical, and spiritual support of our growing list of loyal supporters. We extend our deepest gratitude to:

• Dominion Energy

• Towne Bank

• Norfolk State University

• Old Dominion University

• Dragas Companies

• Tidewater Community College

• ILA Local 1248

• Chesapeake Regional Healthcare

• Chesapeake Sheriff’s Charities

• And a host of individual donors

Their continuous investment in the youth of Chesapeake is crucial for increasing scholarship funding and actively mentoring students.

Join Us in Building Strong Children! We are continually working to close the gap, provide opportunities, and foster collaborative efforts. Want to be part of this incredible mission? You can contribute to the growth of our funds by making cash donations or using a major credit card directly on our Foundation’s website: thencmfpeduf.org, by simply using the donate button. Checks can also be mailed to The New Chesapeake Men for Progress Education Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1262, Chesapeake, Virginia 23324.

Your support helps us make a tangible impact, empowering youth to reduce education costs, access necessary school supplies, and participate in vital mentoring programs. Let’s keep building strong futures, together!