Today my daughter and I attended DC CAP’s annual scholarship seminar and luncheon to learn more about the financial aid process and tuition assistance opportunities for DC students. The highlight of the program was the announcement of winners of DC CAPs contest, Why I Want to Go to College. High school seniors could answer the question using one of the following media: rap, song, visual art or essay.

Honorable Mentions were named first and the winners appeared onstage. The top three winners presented their submissions. Third place wrote a letter to his dad that answered the essay question and has used it for some college applications; there was not a dry eye in the room, especially my own. Second place was a painting of Trayvon Martin (pictured above). The young man explained that many times he does not share what he’s feeling, but his art allows him to express it. First place went to a school mate and friend of my daughter’s who was shot last Spring by an unknown assailant as he walked his cousin to the bus stop. He wrote about getting a second chance at life and his desire to have a safe place for his future children to grow and play; college is his ticket to better.

It struck me that the three winners were African American males. YES!!!! You won’t see that on this evening’s news…