“To Understand Cornel West, then, is to understand the fact that he is rooted in Black life.” These words were part of George Yankee’s eloquent introduction of Dr. Cornel West, the Current Class of 1943 Professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University, on the occasion of Duquesne University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs’ Fourth Annual Unity Banquet and Scholarship Benefit.

The banquet is held annually in celebration and recognition of six students who have achieved excellence in academics, have been exemplary members of the Duquesne University community, and have given of their time, talent and energies as participants in their surrounding communities. West was the key­note speaker for this year’s event.

CORNEL WEST

(NNPA)—In its 161-year history, an African-American student has never claimed the coveted valedictorian title at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. However, Katie Washington, a biological sciences major from Gary, Ind., has made history at the school and was recently named the 2010 University of Notre Dame valedictorian, according to the school’s website. She will present the valedictory address during commencement exercises in May.

Washington has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and has a minor in Catholic social teaching. She has researched lung cancer, genetics and co-authored a research paper with her professor, David Severson, whom she’s worked with over the last two years.

KATIE WASHINGTON

The Pittsburgh Chapter of Links implemented the national Links effort: Project Walking Fete to provide healthy living speakers and sponsor a poster contest to area students.

They worked with the Urban League Charter School and the Neighborhood Academy during the month of March. Speakers addressed the students at their schools and the poster contest encouraged kids to create visual representations of healthy living through walking or other physical activity.

WINNERS FROM BOTH SCHOOLS

The Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair celebrated its 71st year of open competition of research projects in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering March 26 and 27 at Heinz Field. The competition was open to all students in grades six-12 from 23 counties in western Pennsylvania and three counties in West Virginia.

More than 1,000 students from more than 100 schools in Pennsylvania and two counties in Maryland competed for over $1 million in cash prizes and scholarships.

Winners who will advance to the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair May 9-14 in San Jose, Calif., are: Inga Saathoff, Oil City High School, Project: Identifying T Tauri Stars;

TAYLOR FITZPATRICK, 12, of Manchester, goes to Manchester Academic Charter School. Her project is “Volt,” to find out what sports drinks have the most electrolytes by making a machine to test them with a 9 volt battery and some copper wire.

Ariel Schroeder, St. Joseph High School, Project: Improving Stethoscope Hygiene;

Teacher/School Awards—Junior Division Teacher/School with the Most Winning Entries—Jackie Alcorn, Mother of Sorrows School

Intermediate Division Teacher/School with the Most Winning Entries—Cathy Borecky, St. Thomas More School