The Upward Bound Awards Banquet
Pictured (left-to-right): Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Don Patterson, Joe Major, Eva Doyle (seated)
On Thursday August 7, 2025, the UPWARD BOUND summer program at Buffalo State University held its annual Awards Banquet. The mission of the UPWARD Bound, in conjunction with the Council of Opportunity in Education is to advance and defend the right of equal educational opportunity in post-secondary education for all Americans.
The mission statement was printed on the program booklet. The Hal D. Payne Upward Bound Scholar ship recipient for this year is Madina Jandel, a graduate of McKinley High School. She will be attending Canisius University in the fall. This was a beautiful program for all students receiving scholarships. Jandel stated, “I would like to commend the program for acknowledging excellence in education. I would also like to thank the program for presenting me with the Hal D. Payne Educational Opportunity Lifetime Service Award.”
The Master of Ceremony was Joe Major, State Senator from Vermont. The welcome was given by Dr. Bonita R. Durand, President of SUNY Buffa lo. The introduction was given by Hal B. Payne, Vice-President (retired). The presentation of the Hal D. Payne Lifetime Service award was presented by Hal B. Payne and Don Patterson. Don Patterson is the Director of Upward Bound. Kenny Vargas and Tariq Ansari—the respective Coordi nator and Counselor— presented the student awards. The Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, Crystal Peoples-Stokes was in attendance—Stokes who is always giving back to our community.
This columnist spoke to the students and encouraged them to use their talents to go forward and create a better world for everyone. I reminded them to share what they have learned and to use their pas sions to give back, whether it be in the arts, media, poetry, or communica tion skills. Have faith in yourself. Do research and find the truth and share your ideas. The world needs it so much, especially now!
A very special thank you to Frank Merriweather, Public Relations Director for the Criterion. He always records our historical events with professionalism and integrity. Congratulations to all of the Instructors and Resident Assistants of the 2025 Upward Bound Summer Program!!