Community honors Parks with MLK-inspired award
By CECILIA OLECK
News Writer
While most students spent Monday registering for classes and buying books, Saint Mary's student Romona Parks had a different agenda.
She was honored by South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke and Mishawaka Mayor Robert Beutter with a Drum Major Award Monday morning at the Minority and Women Business Development Council's 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. community Service Appreciation Breakfast at the South Bend Century Center.
The award recognizes dedication to community service. Parks was among five other honorees.
Parks insists that there are others more deserving of the award, but her involvement speaks for itself. Modest about her success, Parks said,
"Humility is the key to success. That's something that I work towards daily and success just comes," Parks said.
Throughout high school, Parks was the president of a youth group called COP (Community Oriented Policing); the secretary of Nulites (National Urban League Incentives to Excel and Succeed), an urban league youth branch; and the Sergeant of Arms for 21st Century Scholars, a college based program. She was also active in basketball, cheerleading, marching band and student council.
Parks participated in a program called Upward Bound through Notre Dame. The organization provides preparation for high school students who are college bound through tours, scholarships, and the opportunity to take classes at Notre Dame.
Parks, a first-year student, said she is maintaining a more low-key profile at Saint Mary's and focusing her attention on her nursing major.
She is, however, active in the Sisters of Nefertiti and a campus Bible study. Terri Johnson, Director of Multicultural Affairs commended Parks for her willingness to help with any activity the Multicultural Office needs help with.
"I just think this award couldn't have gone to a more deserving person," said Johnson. "She's a very positive representative of Saint Mary's and a wonderful role model."
Parks said that through her involvement in the South Bend community she has come to know many people who have influenced her life.
She counts Mayor Stephen Leucke, Assistant Mayor Lynn Coleman, and former Nulites president Verge Gillam as people who inspire her. Parks is a graduate of LaSalle High School in South Bend.
All News Stories for Wednesday, January 17, 2001
