DETROIT – A scholarship will be presented in memory of Kay Siblani at this year’s 31st annual Metro Detroit Youth Day (MDYD) on July 17 at Belle Isle. 

Siblani served as the editor of The Arab American News, since its inception in 1984, until she lost her battle with cancer on Jan. 1, 2013. Before pursing a career in journalism, Siblani was the head nurse at St. John Hospital. 

The scholarship is being given to Melinda Luu, who plans on going into pre-nursing at Wayne State University this Fall. Luu is a graduate of Adlai Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights.  The scholarship is being sponsored by the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA). 

Kay Siblani.

Eighty high school graduates will receive college scholarships on MDYD. Additional scholarships will be given away in memory of other activists, including local restaurateur Ray Mourad; retail business entrepreneur and lifelong member of the AT&T pioneers Sarah Deeb; Michigan Chronicle Publisher Sam Logan; Boy Scouts leader Al Thomas, NAACP leader Winston Lang, owner of Ciaramitaro Brothers Produce in Eastern Market, Sal Ciaramitaro, and his wife Anne Ciaramitaro. 

“All of these people were active supporters of Metro Detroit Youth Day,” said Ed Deeb, co-founder and chairman of  MDYD and chairman of the MFBA. Deeb and Siblani had worked closely together throughout the years. 

MDYD works to award scholarships to deserving students, who are asked to submit an application and essay, in order to be considered. MDYD received 160 submissions this year, which is a record amount. MDYD provides over $35,000 in scholarships each year. Since 1991, MDYD has awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships. Scholarship funding is also provided by Michigan’s colleges and universities, event sponsors, companies, organizations and the general public. 

“We are proud to see these students honored with scholarships,” said Deeb.  “The event is more than just a fun day for kids. We want the kids to know that businesses and the community-at-large care for them and their future.”

The scholarship awards presentation will take place at 8:30 a.m., and the event’s official kick-off ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.  The ceremony will host area dignitaries, sports celebrities and government leaders. MDYD also includes free fun, games, contests, celebrities, entertainment and food for children between 8 and 15 years of age. Over 35,000 young people are expected to participate in the event this year. 

To make a donation to the MDYD scholarship fund send a check to “Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation,” and mail it to 27700 Hoover Road, Warren, MI, 48093. 

In order to be considered for a scholarship, students can obtain registration forms by calling 586.393.8800, or by visiting the website at www.metrodetroityouthday.com.