January 2005
Founded: 1972                                                                                                    Founder: Bill Briggs

Message from the Director

It is It is the most recognized acronym in the world.  The NAACP symbolizes man’s struggle throughout the world to walk shoulder to shoulder and stride for stride with another.  No other desire rates higher in the psyche of man than obtaining respect and self respect.  This remains true from world wars and even to domestic squabbles within our own homes and friendships.

        Even the least cynical of us would admit the organization took an enormous broadside hit when its dynamic leader Kweisi Mfume resigned.  The relevance of the organization continues to be attacked and many call into question the relevance of the letters C and P whose meaning has gone the way of the archaic hula hoop and the drive-in movie!       

        We are reminded quite eloquently by this famous quotation that “he who forgets the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them.”  Lest we forget that we stand on the shoulders of the bold and the brave who came before us, who stood on the shoulders of the bold and the brave who came before them.”  Let’s hope that the bold and the brave amongst us pick up the gauntlet, jump squarely on some sturdy shoulders and keep the NAACP and respect alive.

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Tennis Tip

If any point was out there to win, it is the overhead smash.  I would say it is 99% guaranteed to win you a point.  When you approach the net to volley, the only defensive shot your opponent has is the lob deep over your head.  However, the percentage is in your favor that the ball will be short and within your range to smash the ball for a winner.

        Some keys to remember for a successful overhead smash:

        Anticipate the descent of the ball.  Begin your approach with large steps to get to the ball.  Point up to the ball locating it.  Smaller steps for micro adjustments.  Have the racket cocked in the back scratch position.  As the ball is coming down, you should be in the classical trophy pose.  Placement is always better than power (power just looks nice).  Angle your smash as your over head improves.

        The over head smash is not practiced as much as other strokes.  It is an excellent warm up before practicing the serve.  For a sure winner, work on your overhead smash.

                                       Coach Harry Lopez

T-Shirt Day

        T-shirt day is Saturday, January 22 at the Roy Wilkins Center from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.  Please be timely. 

        The Academy’s T-shirt is steeped in historical significance and has undergone numerous changes in its 33 years existence before settling in at its present look.  The composition of the logo epitomizes the essence of the program and all that we stand for.

        The scholarship cap and tassel and open book denotes an unyielding drive for excellence in the classroom and that “Wisdom” creates “Success.”  The crossed racquets underscore the paths we cross with each other on the tennis court stirring our competitive juices and igniting our will to win.  The words “Youth Development” for our program captures our sense of social awareness to enable our youth to reach toward positive goals.

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The Gold Tennis Ball Awards

Save this day - Saturday, May 21, 2005, for the Gold Tennis Ball Awards.  Commit yourself to attend the Academy’s formal affair fundraiser.  Support   the   program that supports your child.

Our Christmas Show 2004

        Truly it is better to give than to receive.  Over 300 Christmas lovers packed the center to receive an extraordinary gift performance.  The Youth and Tennis 2004 Christmas Show on December 11th.  This was the gift of our youth and dedicated  parents who practiced 6 weeks for the program and the community in general.  All were in attendance - Santa Claus, Santa Mamma, Frosty the Snowman, the Elves, Magic, Christmas songs, and the audience accompanied “12 Days of Christmas” and even Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.  Congratulations to the performers who certainly deserve a blessing.

        Special Thanks - A special thanks to the gifts givers of toys allowing the program to continue its tradition of helping the needy.  Recipients of the toys this year:  Godian Fellowship Church, St. Albans’ Gospel Assembly, Angel Tree Allan Church, Women in Need - Brooklyn

        Be assured your gift was not given in anonymity - you have been recognized!

Thanks to all those who participated:

Chorus - Brittney Burgess, John Day, Rudolph Day, Albert Gordaliza, Dante La Croix, Torisha LaForce, Kasmira Howard, Lorraine Jabouin, Bianca Lewis, Brittany Lewis, Amira Lewis, Brandon Lewis, Latrice Linton, Kimani Magloire, Sasha Magloire, Ymara Magloire, Michailah Marshall, Jason Mills, Sierra Nelson, Briana Nuanah, Ashley Pryce, Tijah Rogers,

Giovanna Roque, Simone Rowe, Brianna Stanford, Cieana Stennett, Catherine Vozikis, Sabrina Vozikis, Brianna Weston.

Dancers - Brittney Burgess, Serenity Ford, Brittney Guillaume, Kasmira Howard, Torisha La Force, Amira Lilley, Michailah Marshall, Tanya Moreta, Nadine Pratt, Brianna Stanford, Cieana Stennett.

Ladies of Distinction Dancers - Asia Briggs, Donna Brown, Deidre Dill, Janay Todd, Claudelle La Croix, Sherry Inniss.

Actors - Mareva Bordenave, Emmanuel Inniss, Brittney Burgess, Nadine Pratt, Sierra Nelson, Amira Nelson, Briana Nuamah, Sheya Jabouin, Bianca Lewis, Brittney Lewis, Sasha Magloire, Ymara Magloire, Brittney Guillaume, Brandon Lewis, Naomi Jabouin, Dante La Croix, Brianna Stanford, Ashley Pryce, Yohance Ford, Tymeik Brown, Joshua Howard, Serenity Ford.

Special Thanks to: Lucine Cave, Wesley Calnazarro, John Day, Diere Dill, Lisa Howard, Mel Walker, Vanessa Burgess, Annette Davis-Dill, Natalie Ford, Elizabeth Guillaume, Ernst Jabouin, Claudelle La Croix, Theresa La Force, Enery Roque, Dana Tarrade, Annlee Stennett, George Weston.