Back Row: Committee Members Chuck Moss, Norma Paige and Towanna Henderson with Janice and Geta Asfaw, Happy Haynes and Michael Hancock. Seated: Aim High Recipients Gamachu Said, Corey Jacinto, Micha Curtis and Michael Davis. Photo by Rosalyn Reese

 
Five outstanding young men were awarded “AIM High” financial awards in the amount of $1,200 to assist in their pursuit of higher education by the Asfaw Family Foundation International (AFFI).

Aim High was designed to help increase the number of African American males enrolled in colleges and universities. Eligible candidates had to be a Colorado resident; a male African-American high school senior; have a 2.5 grade point or higher; participate in community service; and have a career goal to make a difference in the quality of life for others and his community.

The 2009 recipients were Micha Curtis, George Washington High School; Michael Davis, III, Thomas Jefferson High School; Tyrone Holt, George Washington High School; Corey Jacinto, Denver South High School; and Gamachu Said, East High School.

Geta and Janice Asfaw developed AFFI as a vehicle to fulfill their commitment of giving back to the community and most particularly children and seniors. “The Foundation developed the Aim High program offering financial support to Colorado African American male students as our way of encouraging their success and educational excellence,” said Asfaw.

Michael Hancock, president of the Denver City Council and Allegra “Happy” Haynes, of Denver Public Schools were on hand to offer words of encouragement and support to the deserving young men.

Along with the financial awards the young men received a duffle bag filled with gifts and an encouraging book titled “I Have Risen” featuring essays by African American youth. Each student took a few moments to express their gratitude to the Asfaws for supporting their college education.