Alltel partners with Dr. Maya Angelou ''Words of Wisdom'' essay contest

Alltel Corp. has added a news release to its Investor Relations website.

Title: Alltel Wireless partners with Dr. Maya Angelou for 2nd annual ''Words of Wisdom'' essay contest
Date: 1/30/2007 10:30:00 AM


Contest celebrates Black History month as well as 50th anniversary
of the Little Rock Nine
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2007--In celebration
of Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of the Little Rock
Nine's integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., Alltel
Wireless and Dr. Maya Angelou today announced the second annual "Words
of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage" essay contest. The contest challenges
students at participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs) across the country to use their knowledge of civil rights
history to enact change by addressing the following topic, "Fifty
years ago, the Little Rock Nine personified courage and spirit. Today,
how will you?"
"Young people have a fresh perspective on history and what it can
teach us about the world we live in today," said Regina Woziwodzki,
director of segment marketing for Alltel Wireless. "We are proud to
provide students a forum through our Words of Wisdom: Lessons in
Courage essay contest to share their unique insights on our world and
what they feel the future holds for us."
Nine grand prize winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to
a participating HBCU institution as well as a trip to Little Rock
where they will receive their scholarship during a special reception
with Dr. Angelou at the Clinton Library. A tenth $5,000 scholarship
will be awarded to the Little Rock Nine Foundation in celebration of
the 50th anniversary of the landmark integration event.
"A half century ago, the Little Rock Nine broke down barriers to
better their education. I am proud to be a part of a program that
encourages young people to learn from the hardships of those students
and use their courage to create change in their own lives," said Dr.
Angelou. "I gladly support Alltel's commitment to the education of
African-American students across the country."
Essay submission forms and contest rules are available online at
www.alltel.com/wordsofwisdom.com or at any participating Alltel retail
store. Entries must be post-marked by March 4, 2007, and winners will
be presented with their awards on April 6, 2007. Graduating high
school seniors who will be attending HBCU institutions also are
eligible to participate.
Alltel (NYSE: AT) is owner and operator of the nation's largest
wireless network and has more than 11 million wireless customers. For
more information about Alltel, please visit http://www.alltel.com.
About The Little Rock Nine Foundation
In September 1957, nine African-American students enrolled in
Central High School, successfully integrating the Little Rock School
system and securing their place in history as the Little Rock Nine.
The story garnered national attention as a milestone in public
education and an important event in the civil rights movement. In
1999, a non-profit organization dedicated to principles of excellence
in education for young people of color was established.
About Dr. Maya Angelou
An internationally respected poet, writer, civil rights activist
and educator, Dr. Angelou has authored best-selling titles such as "I
Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," "Gather Together in My Name," "The
Heart of a Woman" and the collection of poems "Just Give Me a Cool
Drink of Water 'Fore I Diiie," which was nominated for the Pulitzer
Prize. The first black female director in Hollywood, Dr. Angelou has
written, produced, directed and starred in productions for stage, film
and television.

CONTACT: Alltel, Little Rock
Dale Ingram, 501-905-6078
Vice President - Public Relations
dale.ingram@alltel.com
or
Scott Morris, 501-905-4094
Manager - Corporate Communications
scott.l.morris@alltel.com

SOURCE: Alltel

 

Press Release Source: Alltel


Dr. Maya Angelou and Alltel Wireless announce winners of second annual ''Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage'' essay contest
Friday April 6, 1:48 pm ET
Nine students win $5,000 scholarships to Historically Black Colleges and Universities


LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alltel Wireless (NYSE: AT - News), America's largest network, and world-renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou today announced the nine winners of the second annual "Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage" essay contest during a reception at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock. Each winner received a $5,000 scholarship to the participating Historically Black College and University (HBCU) of his or her choice.

The nine winners were selected by educators, business leaders and Alltel Wireless employees based on their responses to the essay question, "Fifty years ago, the Little Rock Nine personified courage and spirit. Today, how will you?" A tenth $5,000 scholarship was awarded to the Little Rock Nine Foundation in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the landmark integration event.

Scholarship winners are: Patrick Bynum, Tuskegee University; Ashley Drakes, Jackson State University; Courtney Gates, Paine College; Leroy Lucas, Mississippi Valley State University; Shayla Roberts, Fayetteville State University; LaKenya Simpson, Southern University A&M College; Kendra Smith, Hampton University; Rosie Toliver, Norfolk State University; and Alaina Wood, Grambling State University.

"Alltel Wireless is committed to celebrating the academic accomplishments of students within the African-American community through our 'Words of Wisdom: Lessons in Courage' essay contest," said Regina Woziwodzki, director of multicultural marketing for Alltel. "We are pleased to again partner with Dr. Angelou in awarding scholarships to nine deserving students in recognition of the commitment to furthering their education."

"A half century ago, the Little Rock Nine broke down barriers to better their education. The 'Words of Wisdom' program encourages young people to learn from the hardships of those students and use their courage to create change in their own lives," said Dr. Angelou. "I am proud to be a part of this program and to have come in contact with such an inspired group of young people."

During their visit to Little Rock, the students toured several local landmarks essential to the Little Rock Nine integration movement, including Little Rock Central High School and the Governor's Mansion. Reception attendees also enjoyed a performance by the Little Rock Central High Madrigals and a guided tour of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center.

Alltel (NYSE: AT - News) is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has nearly 12 million wireless customers. For more information about Alltel, please visit http://www.alltel.com.

About The Little Rock Nine Foundation

In September 1957, nine African-American students enrolled in Central High School, successfully integrating the Little Rock School system and securing their place in history as the Little Rock Nine. The story garnered national attention as a milestone in public education and an important event in the civil rights movement. In 1999, a non-profit organization dedicated to principles of excellence in education for young people of color was established.

About Dr. Maya Angelou

An internationally respected poet, writer, civil rights activist and educator, Dr. Angelou has authored best-selling titles such as "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," "Gather Together in My Name," "The Heart of a Woman" and the collection of poems "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Diiie," which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. The first black female director in Hollywood, Dr. Angelou has written, produced, directed and starred in productions for stage, film and television.



Contact:
Alltel
Dale Ingram, 501-905-6078
Vice President - Public Relations
dale.ingram@alltel.com
or
Scott Morris, 501-905-4094
Manager - Corporate Communications
scott.morris@alltel.com

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Source: Alltel