DEARBORN — The Bint Jebail Cultural Center awarded outstanding Arab American students during its 14th Annual Scholarship Celebration on Friday, April 25, 2008, at its center in Dearborn. The Bint Jebail Education Committee awarded 40 high school seniors who earned high grades and exhibited exemplary leadership skills.

The scholarship celebration is an annual event that focuses on granting scholarships to deserving high school seniors who intend on moving forward to pursue higher education.

Dr. Mohamed Nasser, a member of the Education Committee, served as the program’s Master of Ceremonies.  He reaffirmed the Bint Jebail Cultural Center’s commitment to supporting the youth in the Arab American community.

“Bint Jebail has placed a high premium on education,” he stated.  “Tonight we honor the most talented high school students in our community. Their remarkable commitment to excel is encouraging to us in these difficult times.”

The event hosted Dr. Lewis Walker, president of Lawrence Technological University, as the keynote speaker.  Walker spoke to the audience about the role of education in reducing the strife that exists in the world today.  He said that education is the key to strengthening the welfare of people across the globe.

“I strongly believe that through education we have a great opportunity to foster a better understanding of different cultures and different people,” he said. “No higher calling is there than to prepare our young people to become leaders of the global economy.”

Walker went on to talk about the importance of preparing graduates for the work that lies ahead of them.  He said that the award recipients have already shown signs of great promise, and will go on to achieve great things.

“We celebrate your potential as scholarship awardees here tonight,” Walker continued.  “We are awaiting your achievements. I know that you will make us all very proud by what you go out in the world and do.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from Nada Hammoud, Fordson High School Student Council president and a scholarship award recipient.  Hammoud thanked the Education Committee for serving as a source of support to her and her peers.

“I stand before you to relay my sincere gratitude on behalf of every student here tonight to the Education Committee members who helped us make it here,” Hammoud stated.  “They are individuals who share the common goal of investing in the well-being of our youth, and they have helped pave the way to our success.”

Hammoud added that her classmates will surely rise to the challenge and become leaders of the Arab American community.

“I assure you that, as young leaders of this prosperous community, we will make you proud,” she continued.  “I cannot help but look forward to the promising future of this community, one full of exciting achievements and academic success.”

The Bint Jebail Education Committee also handed out several awards to individuals in recognition of their personal success and contributions to the community.  Among the recipients was Judge David Turfe, Dearborn Heights District Court Judge, who was honored for his ongoing dedication to the Arab American community.  Also recognized was Chef Habib Bazzi of the Bint Jebail Banquet Center, for his 13 years of service to the Bint Jebail Cultural Center and the entire Arab American community.