Representing the mayors of Lima, Piqua and Troy, Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst presents a proclamation proclaiming October 11 as Omega Psi Phi Day to Daryl S. Cameron, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking with Huntington National Bank of Youngstown. Cameron was the featured speaker at the annual event.
Courtesy photo
The Xi Iota Iota Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity held their annual Scholarship Awards Program Friday evening at Edison State Community College. Founded in 1911 on the campus of Howard University, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. The Xi Iota Iota Chapter serves the cities of Lima, Piqua, Troy, and Sidney.
Students receiving recognition this year included Lima High School Senior Lloyd F. Grant, Jr., Piqua High School Senior Donavan Taylor, Troy High School Senior Jamauri Barker, and Sidney High School Senior Julius Spradling. Each student was given a $1,000.00 grant from the fraternity.
Spradling is the son of Jon and Stephanie Spradling and is a three-sport student athlete, playing football, basketball and track. He set a new record for the 400 meter run this past year, breaking a record that was set nearly a half-century ago.
In addition, Edison State Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Paul Heintz announced that each of the students would receive a full scholarship to the college. “In addition to tuition, the scholarship covers everything else,” Heintz stated, “including course fees, books, and any instruments or equipment required for your course work.”
The featured speaker was Daryl S. Cameron, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking with Huntington National Bank in Youngstown. Cameron is also the 4th District Representative for the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The 4th District includes the states of Ohio and West Virginia.
Cameron reminded the scholarship recipients that they would soon be leaving the comfort of their homes and that there would be both positive and negative influencers waiting. “You are going to interact with individuals from all walks of life,” Cameron stated. “Some will become your new best friends and be positive influences on your life.”
“Others who you thought were your friends you will come to realize were nothing more than negative influences on your life. Their goal is to steer you in a different direction or knock you off course,” Cameron continued.
The central theme of Cameron’s remarks was to remind those present that they had signed a contract. “When your parents, grandparents or guardian decided to bring you home from the hospital when you were born and stayed up all night because you wouldn’t go to sleep due to the fact that you were sick, hungry, or just wanted to be held, that initiated the contract between you, your parents, and the community,” Cameron explained. “They fed you, they clothed you, and provided a safe place to lay your head.”
“So as you venture out into this sometimes cruel and unfair world, the contract requires you to represent your family and the communities from which you come in a positive light,” Cameron stated. “If it’s your desire to attend college, then the contract requires that you graduate. If it’s your desire to attend a trade school, then you are required under that same contract to master a particular trade. If it’s your desire to serve in the military, then once again, the contract requires that you serve with honor.”
Cameron also told the parents, the community leaders, and the guests in attendance that they too, had contractual obligations. “You have an obligation under the contract to support and encourage these scholars,” Cameron stated.
Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst represented the mayors of the four cities, reading the copy of the proclamation he had issued in recognition of Omega Psi Phi Day. In reading the proclamation, he stated that “I join in welcoming Brother Daryl S. Cameron to the communities served by the Xi Iota Iota Chapter, and thank him for his tireless efforts to improve the quality of life in the communities he serves and for joining in the celebration of Xi Iota Iota’s Annual Achievement Week.” He then presented the copy of the proclamation to Cameron.
Jarrett A. Thomas, Vice-Basileus of Xi Iota Iota Chapter, served as master of ceremonies for the event, a role he has played for more than three decades. The Xi Iota Iota Chapter was formed in 1991.
