Scheduled readers included Ralph Pearson, Ph.D, provost and academic vice president; Olga Welch, Ph.D, dean of the School of Education; the Hon. Sandra Dougherty, wife of University President Charles J. Dougherty; and nearly 30 students from the School of Education.

ALL EARS—A few kids are all ears as a book is read to them by Ralph Pearson, provost and academic vice president of Duquesne University. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Many students hope to attend prestigious colleges or universities like Harvard, Stanford or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Some are lucky enough to go because their parents can afford it or because they were lucky enough to earn coveted scholarships. But there’s more to earning a place at a prestigious college than financial wherewithal.

DAMIAN DOURADO TALKS TO A STUDENT.

by Derrick M. McCain Jr.

Recently at the New Hazlett Theater, the group 21:03, along with other artists, performed a Back to School concert. With a new school year here, students have a whole new set of tests to take inside and outside school.

Whether it was the latest test or the early hours you have to wake up, or the influence of drugs and gang violence on the streets, the readjusting is definitely challenging. That is why the concert was created to help students face these challenges.

BROWN CHAPEL ANOINTED PRAIZE CHOIR

Headlining the concert was the gospel trio 21:03. Hailing from Pajam records, the same record label that produced Destiny’s Child, N’Sync, and the Dru Hill albums, the Detroit-based trio has done well at such a young age. With a Stellar award and a Grammy nomination under their belt, their newest single: “Incredible” is available for download via ITunes. Other artists included Anita Bynum, rapper Chris “Revelation” Abbot, Earnest Canino, and Simone Jones.

by J.L. Martello

The 2010 JAM (Jesus Anoints Me) citywide back to school session had over 800 youths in attendance at Petra International Ministries in Penn Hills Aug. 20.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES—Centers of Healthy Hearts and Souls Survey Giveaways. Valerie Williams and Miss Ebony Teen Pageant winner Jacqueline Clarke gave out backpacks and gift cards to the kids to buy school supplies. Many showed off their backpacks.

This year’s JAM back to school revival’s theme was “I’m Not Scared” to show today’s youths there is nothing wrong with being positive and praising God. Several churches participated including Cathedral of Praise Church of God, Central Baptist Church and Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, making up 15 different churches from countless communities, all under one roof.