LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—April 6, 2007: Greenville, Mississippi resident Ashley Drakes, a graduate student at Jackson State University, is one of nine winners in the nationwide “Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage” essay contest sponsored by Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, to reward the academic achievements of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the country. She received a $5,000 scholarship for the fall 2007 semester and attended a special reception at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock where she was presented her award by world-renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou.
Drakes’ essay was selected by educators, business leaders, and Alltel Wireless employees, based on her response to the essay question, “Fifty years ago, the Little Rock Nine personified courage and spirit. Today, how will you?”
In her essay, Drakes wrote about the responsibility of the public school system to look beyond the status quo and provide top-level, equal education for students of all races and ethnicities. Commenting on the role of the school system, she wrote, “The classroom needs to be a venue for students to become more enlightened about the political process and encouraged to partake in political and social expression.”
Greenwood, Mississippi resident Leroy Lucas, a freshman at Mississippi Valley State University, is another of the nine winners in the nationwide “Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage” essay contest. He received a $5,000 scholarship for the fall 2007 semester and attended a special reception at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock where he was presented his award by world-renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou.
In his essay, Lucas applied the courage and spirit exemplified by the Little Rock Nine to his personal struggle to achieve the best possible education. Commenting on his commitment, he wrote, “I came to the conclusion that it will take an unconditional amount of courage and spirit to endure a rigorous class schedule, maintain a personal life, and engage in extra-curricular activities in college.”
“Alltel Wireless is committed to celebrating the academic accomplishments of students within the African-American community through our ‘Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage’ essay contest,” said Regina Woziwodzki, director of multicultural marketing for Alltel. “We are pleased to again partner with Dr. Angelou in awarding scholarships to nine deserving students in recognition of the commitment to furthering their education.”
“A half century ago, the Little Rock Nine broke down barriers to better their education. The "Words of Wisdom' program encourages young people to learn from the hardships of those students and use their courage to create change in their own lives,” said Dr. Angelou. “I am proud to be a part of this program and to have come in contact with such an inspired group of young people.”
During their visit to Little Rock, the students toured several local landmarks essential to the Little Rock Nine integration movement, including Little Rock Central High School and the Governor’s Mansion. Reception attendees also enjoyed a performance by the Little Rock Central High Madrigals and a guided tour of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center.

About The Little Rock Nine Foundation
In September 1957, nine African-American students enrolled in Central High School, successfully integrating the Little Rock School system and securing their place in history as the Little Rock Nine. The story garnered national attention as a milestone in public education and an important event in the civil rights movement. In 1999, a non-profit organization dedicated to principles of excellence in education for young people of color was established.

About Dr. Maya Angelou
An internationally respected poet, writer, civil rights activist and educator, Dr. Angelou has authored best-selling titles such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Gather Together in My Name,” “The Heart of a Woman,” and the collection of poems “Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie,” which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. The first black female director in Hollywood, Dr. Angelou has written, produced, directed, and starred in productions for stage, film, and television.