Spring 2024 Newsletter

Chesterfield Education Foundation

Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter

Photos courtesy of Howard Corey

MEGA donated 1,760 pounds of food to the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center and an additional 500 pounds of groceries to MEGA student mentees and their families during its first Season of Sharing Food Drive at CTC Hull Dec. 16, 2023.

More than 60 adults and 18 Chesterfield County Public Schools students assisted MEGA’s team of volunteers with collecting, sorting, packing, loading and art designing. The student mentees decorated over fifty grocery bags and created hand-shaped

greeting cards with photos and encouraging messages. They received certificates of

volunteer hours for their hard work and dedication.

“MEGA members, our students and their families showed up in full force to ensure the

food drive was a success,” said Deborah Hillman, MEGA’s vice president of

administration. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our mentees to help fight hunger and empower lives through community service.”

Several of MEGA’s community partners promoted and supported the food drive,

including: CCPS print shop, facilities and custodial staff; Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter

of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; James River Chapter of Continental Societies, Inc.;

and Spring Creek Baptist Church.

MEGA's Season of Sharing kicked off December 1, 2023, and concluded January 12, 2024, with the annual Fine Art Benefit and Sale (FABS) fundraising event at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel in Midlothian, Va.

"The giving community, especially our veteran and new corporate sponsors, were generous with their donations during this year’s fundraising campaign,” said Mack Moore, MEGA's treasurer and board trustee. “We are profoundly grateful to our sponsors and volunteers for their continued support of the students at Chesterfield County Public Schools.”

View more FABS photos on MEGA's website.

Photos by Drexel Harris, Drexel’s Digital Creations

Manchester Middle School

MEGA students at Manchester Middle school had a guest speaker January 23 as part of their "Who are you" curriculum session on branding. Nikki Kimbrough, who attended Providence Middle School and Manchester High School, is a successful fitness expert and entrepreneur living in New York.

She is a passionate advocate and mentor of students interested in the arts. Kimbrough shared her perspectives and insights on entrepreneurship and challenged each student mentee to be brave, step forward and try new things. She gave the students a copy of her autobiography and encouraged them to develop more self confidence when introducing themselves.

"Her ability to connect, encourage and challenge the students was exceptional," said Deborah Hillman, MEGA's vice president of administration and Events Committee chair. "The mentees asked many questions and seemed to enjoy their session with Ms. Kimbrough."

Courtesy photo

Meadowbrook High School

For Black History Month, the mentors at Meadowbrook High School wanted a guest speaker with both education and entrepreneurial backgrounds and MEGA board member Tabatha Spurlock, Ed.D., fit the bill. She is currently the Career and Technical Education (CTE) academic advisor with Richmond Public Schools and the CEO of Empower One, Inspire Many LLC. Within her business, she serves as a certified life coach, inspirational speaker and best-selling author.

Spurlock, who is a 1997 Thomas Dale High School graduate, shared her experience of being a cooperative office education (COE) student during her senior year. She was afforded the opportunity to work at Altria, Phillip Morris at the time. She stressed to the students the importance of relationship-building with their teachers and other school staff.

"We had a great discussion about real life. Students asked questions and were actively engaged throughout the entire session," said Spurlock. "I enjoyed getting to know them and look forward to returning to connect again."

Courtesy photos

Meadowbrook High School and Providence Middle School

MEGA students at Meadowbrook High School and Providence Middle School sixth graders enrolled in the Rampage Program recently learned about opportunities in the science field. Lynda Carter-Cook, a clinical microbiologist, covered an array of topics with the students including the business side of science and a live demonstration.

Carter-Cook focused on the importance of handwashing and explained how bacteria can quickly spread from person to person by direct contact or airborne transmission. The students conducted an experiment to demonstrate this point with Glo Germ Powder, which are simulated germs, and a UV black light.

“The students absolutely loved the glo germ experiment,” said Grishma Lavender, MEGA’s programs director. “They were very engaged and interested in what she had to say.”  

Carter-Cook also discussed opportunities in STEM relating to science and how to pursue a career in her field. She explained what she does as a microbiologist, how her work impacts patient care and which college courses are needed for this career path.

“A few students had never heard of a microbiologist before,” said Carter-Cook. “Both experiences made me feel as though I made an impact on them. I felt helpful.”

As the owner of Lulu’s Lollies, Carter-Cook explained how her love of science and baking gave her the opportunity to start her online and local chocolate business. During the middle school visit, she discovered about 80% of the students said they wanted to go to college. However, she was surprised to hear most of the high school students did not want to go to college but wanted to start their own business instead.

“These guest speaker sessions are a very important part of MEGA programs,” said Carter-Cook. “The students need to have hope and the ability to reach their full potential, and that is why Mentors are here to help!”

Photos courtesy of Grishma Lavender

May 23: MEGA Excellence Awards and Recognition Celebration

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