Poly scholars Nia Barbee, Kandise Le Blanc and Neyah Barbee traveled cross-country for the NAACP’s ACT-SO scholarship competition in Orlando, Florida from July 10th to the 15th.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People formed a scholarship competition dubbed the Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) to empower the African American community to pursue success in areas outside stereotypical athletics by offering more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and prizes.
“As an African American student, it was inspiring to be part of an event where so many talented and motivated students of color from across the country come together for such a positive event,” said Nia Barbee.
The trio, 3 of the 14 gold medalists from the Long Beach Branch of ACT-SO, was sent to Florida to compete in the National Competition.
“It was empowering and unique. Everyone brought something to the table and they were all supportive. We competed professionally but at the end of the day we all had fun together,” said Neyah Barbee.
In addition to having the opportunity to participate in the national competition, each participant was able to attend one of more than 25 category workshops led by a professional in their particular area of interest.
“It was great seeing so many kids who were fully devoted to a craft. Often you meet people who ‘like’ subjects, but rarely do you get the chance to meet someone who shares your enthusiasm towards what most people would belittle,” says Le Blanc.
Senior Nia Barbee played soccer for two years and is now the Concert Mistress in Chamber Orchestra while juniors Neyah Barbee and Le Blanc run for the girls cross country team, proving that they are truly both Scholars and Champions.
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