News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. I No. 7 - June 2, 2006
More than a decade of long-term investment in some of Madison's most promising youth is beginning to bear fruit as the first two Mann Scholars graduate from college.
Joey Brown, a 2001 Memorial High School graduate, received his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. His senior art show was held during April of this year. Brown has applied to master's programs in art around the country, and is finalizing his plan for this fall.
Emuye Taylor, a 2002 graduate of East High School, is the first African-American woman since 1983 to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in computer sciences at Brown University. She recently accepted a position with Apple Computers in California. While a student at East, Taylor participated in WICATY (Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth) and received the Frederick Brandenberg Rotary Scholarship.
The Mann Education Opportunity Fund was created in the mid-1990's to identify and nurture exceptional Madison students of color as they enter high school. It was launched by friends and family of Bernard and Kathlyn Mann to honor their lifelong commitment to education.
The African-American couple's five children graduated from Madison high schools, and all went on to earn at least undergraduate college degrees. The fund is housed at the Madison Community Foundation and coordinated by a board of directors working with Madison Schools.
Selected as eighth graders, the majority of Mann Scholars are the first generation in their families to attend college. This month, two of the first Scholars earned their university degrees.
Taylor indicated the support and assistance was critical to her success. "Regardless of your situation, it is great to have people around you who can guide you through the college experience. For me, the hardest thing in high school was imagining trying to figure this out alone. It was so important to have this support system, and extra resources to tap. It made all the difference."
Brown said he wouldn't have made it through college without help. "The Mann scholarship has helped me greatly. They stuck by me and helped me get through high school. They helped me get into college. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I am most grateful for what they have done. And I hope that other Scholars will think the same."
Currently, thirteen Mann Scholars attend Madison high schools, where they receive financial assistance and academic support to help ensure successful progress and preparation for college. In addition to Brown and Taylor, twelve other Mann high school graduates have gone on to enroll at institutions of higher learning, including the UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Parkside, Winona State in Minnesota, and Madison Area Technical College.
Joey Brown's April 2006 Senior Art Show poster
Last Updated: Mon Jul 17 07:54:45 2006
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