KIPP benefit gives donors, school employees their due

More than 250 guests attended the annual Prove the Possible Gala, a fundraiser for KIPP Delta Public Schools, on Oct. 26 at the Clinton Presidential Center. (KIPP stands for the Knowledge Is Power Program.)

The festivities included performances by the Blue Hornet Choir from KIPP Delta Collegiate High School and student emcees Ashanta Currie of Blytheville and Kayleigh Kilgore of Forrest City. After dinner, the program included remarks from former student Kodie Bryant, currently a freshman at Hendrix College, and a keynote address by Hendrix College President Bill Tsutsui.

Nabholz Construction was awarded the KIPP Delta Giving Tree Award, given to show KIPP Delta’s gratitude for generous donors. Nabholz has renovated several buildings across the KIPP campuses, including the Central Campus in Blytheville and the Beech Crest Campus in Helena-West Helena, as well as provided philanthropic support.

Also honored for 10 years of service were employees Benita Allen, Blanca Diaz, Todd Dixon, Dossie Howard and Debbie Hubbert.

KIPP Delta has more than 1,400 students with schools in Blytheville, Forrest City and Helena-West Helena. Its purpose is educating and equipping students in underserved communities with the skills and character strengths needed for success in college. — Story and photos by

Cary Jenkins

Debbie Hubbert, Dossie B. Howard, Benita Allen, Thelma Reed and Celya McShane, all of Helena-West Helena

KIPP Students Darrius Pledger, Keaton Henderson and Kayleigh Kilgore, all of Forrest City, and Jada Sloan of Pine Bluff

Former KIPP student and guest speaker Kodie Bryant, now a freshman at Hendrix College, and his brother KIPP student Dilland Bryant

Marjorie Swann and her husband, Hendrix President Bill Tsutsui