(Oakland, California)

In 1988, AC Transit bus driver Billy J. Givens was shot to death while on the job. Givens had been well known as a supporter of youth, and he encouraged high school kids on his bus route to stay out of trouble and to stay in school. Givens had driven a bus in Alameda County for twenty years.

A story like this could have simply ended in tragedy, but Givens's colleagues and friends would not let it. The AC Transit Union, management, friends, and a group known as R.O.T.Y.P (Reach Out and Touch a Youth Project) launched the Billy J. Givens Scholarship Awards. Today was the 15th Anniversary luncheon, and I was lucky enough to be invited as the keynote speaker.

I told the students and their parents about a philosophy I have that is known as H.O.P.E.

"H" is for helpful. I told the students no matter how successful they are in college and in employment throughout life, always to reach out and help the less fortunate. Whether it’s feeding the homeless or visiting a nursing home, touch the life of someone less fortunate. Some of the kids might never have seen a college if not for this scholarship fund. They were helped, so they should repay the debt by helping others.

"O" is for optimism. Yes, it’s the worst economy in most of our lives, but I told the students I have lived through five serious recessions, and we will get through this one, too. View the glass as half full, not half empty. The fact that something good (these scholarships) came from something bad (a murder), means that we can set a positive tone and attitude, moving forward despite hardships and heartaches.

"P" is for perseverance. I was very frank with the students. When I lost my job at KTVU, I was heartbroken and devastated. I felt betrayed by a company for which I had worked hard over the course of fourteen years. But, instead of being bitter and angry, I channeled my energy into something new and positive--my coverage of the 2008 Presidential campaign. The perseverance also extended to my efforts to publish my “Age of Obama” book. I was rejected by at least fifty literary agents and publishers before my book was approved. “Don’t give up,” I told my young audience.

"E" is for education. While all are lucky to be going to college, I reminded them that a lot of education takes place outside the classroom. I advised them to read the newspaper or internet, to learn about issues in society that affect them, and then to get politically engaged. Learning is a lifelong process, too, which is why I told them I am still in school at age 50, finishing my Doctorate in Education.

It was a great group, and twelve of the fifteen winners are shown in the photo above. If these kids had committed gang murders in Oakland, their names would be front-page news; but, since they are college scholarship winners, no one publicizes their names. The mass media has to change its priorities. Thanks to “new media,” I am proud to recognize them, their high schools, their college destinations and their majors. I think you’ll be impressed!

Deanna Quach; Alameda High; UC San Diego; International Economics/Business.

Arai Buendia; Berkeley High; San Francisco State; Pre-medical school.

Nichelle Pete; Berkeley High; UCLA; Psychology and Law.

Demara Travillian; Berkeley High; San Francisco State; Broadcast Journalism.

Lauren Croda; DeAnza High; Yale; Pre-medical school.

Marques Pitcher; El Cerrito High; Hampton University; Pre-law.

Kenya Wilcots; John Kennedy High; Sacramento State; Dentistry.

Azzie Thomas; Leadership High; Cal. State East Bay; Animation.

Fanny Hoang; Oakland High; UCLA; Psychology and Pre-medical school.

Cherry To; Oakland High; UCLA; Nursing and Public Health.

Jimmy Dihn; Oakland High; UC Berkeley; Pre-medical and Spanish.

Connie Ip; Skyline High; Mount Holyoke College; Diplomacy.

Nimra Qureshi; Tennyson High; UC San Diego; Architecture.

Keng Lam, of Albany High, and Karen Ko, of Oakland High, were also awarded $1,000 scholarships, but were unable to attend the ceremony.

Many in attendance bought my book, “Age of Obama: A Reporter’s Journey with Clinton, McCain and Obama in the Making of the President 2008.” You can purchase it, too, by clicking on the blue book button on the right side of this screen.

Congratulations to the winners, their parents and all the volunteers. God bless the late Billy J. Givens for inspiring such kindness, generosity and academic achievement!