Ladies and gentlemen,

 

Thank you for being here this afternoon. I’m honored to speak on behalf of an institution that holds a unique and vital place in the heart of our community — the Carver Community Center.

 

Let’s take a moment to look back.

 

The Carver Community Center was founded in 1947, born out of a vision to provide African American youth with a place of belonging, enrichment, and opportunity during a time when segregation and systemic inequality tried to deny them those very things. Named after the great George Washington Carver, a man who epitomized innovation, perseverance, and intellectual excellence, our Center was built to be more than just a building — it was built to be a beacon.

 

Over the decades, Carver became a trusted pillar in Kokomo — a safe haven for young people, a hub for athletic talent, a space where the arts were nurtured, and a cornerstone of community life. Generations have passed through our doors, each leaving their own legacy behind, each proving the power of community investment and collective hope.

 

Today, Carver stands at a crossroads — not of uncertainty, but of potential.

 

We continue to serve our youth through after-school programs, mentorship, sports, summer camps, and cultural arts. We’ve partnered with schools, local organizations, and city leaders to offer programming that supports academic achievement, emotional development, and physical wellness.

 

Yes — we still have a tremendous opportunity to serve our basketball community in a powerful way. With nearly 900 youth participating across four leagues, Carver remains the heartbeat of local basketball. What a great chance this presents — not only to develop players, but to grow our other programs by capturing the hearts and minds of our basketball families while we have them in season. We will not miss those opportunities.

 

We're also proud to highlight some of the key programs and partnerships already changing lives:

 

Cheryl Simmons’ “Closing the Gap” program serves 50 to 60 students every summer, helping bring students from the lower half of their class to the bottom of the top — with a strong emphasis on reading, math, and STEM projects. And she does this through the finest licensed teachers and paraprofessionals our city has to offer.

 

Pastor Brown of UnderTone Music and Fine Arts introduces students to music lessons and the art of dance, nurturing expression, discipline, and confidence.

 

Jeff Marrah, a brilliant engineer, leads our students in robotics programming and is building relationships with high-level programs like Kokomo High School’s TechnoKats to inspire future innovators.

 

The Howard County 4H and the Health Department partners with us to offer plant growing and environmental science projects, encouraging hands-on learning and care for the natural world.

 

 

In addition to these are workshops and special events that equip our children with real-world skills and knowledge, broadening their sense of what is possible.

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We are proud to announce our new vision — to position the Carver Community Center as a leading hub for STEM programming and education in the state of Indiana.

 

We believe that the next generation of inventors, engineers, computer scientists, and problem-solvers can come from right here in Kokomo — from right here at Carver.

 

And just like George Washington Carver used science and creativity to change the world, we’re going to equip our youth with the tools, resources, and opportunities to do the same. Robotics, coding, environmental science, mathematics, engineering — these aren’t just subjects. They’re doorways. And we’re determined to open them.

 

We envision Carver as a space where innovation meets mentorship, where students of all backgrounds can grow academically and dream beyond limitations. We’re not just preparing kids for the next grade level. We’re preparing them for the next decade — for the workforce of tomorrow.

 

Before we close, we must extend our deepest gratitude to those who help make this vision possible.

 

A special thank you to our generous sponsors:

First Farmers Bank & Trust,

Community First Bank of Howard County,

Bucheri, McCarty and Metz LLP,

Smith Financial,

Dennis Morgan II of Shelter Insurance,

Center Township Trustees,

Community Foundation of Howard County,

United Way of Howard County,

and to the many dedicated partners who utilize our facility to do meaningful, transformative work for our community.

 

Your partnership fuels our mission. Your belief in Carver uplifts our families. Your investment is building a better tomorrow.

 

To make this vision a reality, we need our entire community — parents, educators, business leaders, alumni, and friends. Your support, your voice, and your investment matter.

 

Whether it's volunteering, mentoring, donating resources, or spreading the word — everyone has a role to play in building the Carver of the future.

 

So tonight, as we honor our past and engage in the present, let us boldly step into the future. The Carver Community Center is more than just a place — it is a promise. A promise that every child who walks through these doors has the power to learn, lead, and leave a legacy.

 

Together, let’s build that future — one mind, one dream, and one generation at a time.

 

Thank you, and may God bless the Carver Community Center and every child and family that enters this building.