Watkins Award Recipient

Jamal-Rashad Patterson Named 2009 Watkins Award Recipient

For Immediate Release

Contact: Everett Pearsall, (410) 551-3462

Marie Y. Lemelle, (213) 276-7827

Jamal-Rashad Patterson Named 2009 Watkins Award Recipient

Five Elite High School Football Players Lauded for Athletic and Scholastic Excellence at the 18th Annual Franklin D. Watkins Awards Held at the Millennium Biltmore

Los Angeles (February 23, 2009) - The National Alliance of African American Athletes awarded Jamal-Rashad Patterson the 2009 Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy Award on Saturday, February 21 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles.  The annual Watkins Award is the nation’s first and only award to recognize outstanding achievement in athletics, scholastics, and community service by African American male high school seniors. 

 “Hard work beats talent where talent doesn’t work hard,” said Patterson.  The 17-year-old who turned 18 on Monday, February 23, 2009 added, “I compare this win to a MVP recognition of a winning team.”  Patterson’s GPA is 4.65.  The dual athlete is a wide receiver and a 110/300-meter hurdler.  He was named the 2008 First State Bank Track Athlete of the Year in Henry County.

Patterson was lauded by his family, friends, and more than 300 people in attendance including Jordan Sparks, Gerald McCoy from the Oklahoma Sooners, Actress Claudia Jordan and Lamont King who served as mistress and master of ceremonies, Cleveland Browns Darnell Dinkins, and others.

“A student like Jamal comes once in a lifetime for a coach because of he is well rounded as a student, an athlete and a role model for the underclassmen,” said Michael Rozier, head football coach for Henry County High School who attended the awards gala.  “Jamal is a great reflection of his parents. Henry County High School is extremely proud of Jamal’s on and off the field accomplishments.”

All five young men are now part of an elite brotherhood of Watkins men, such as Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle; Atlanta Falcon Justin Blalock; Miami Dolphins Ted Ginn Jr.; and Washington Redskins Lorenzo Alexander.  Many of the Watkins men return to the awards ceremony in support of the incoming members. 

Elite Five (in alphabetical order):

Christopher Burnette of LaGrange, Georgia – Chris maintains a 5.1 GPA. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteers for Tiger Team School Mentorship Program, National Merit Scholar, and an Army All American All Star.  He participates in football and track & field at Troup County High School.

 Jelani Jenkins of Silver Spring, Maryland -  Jelani maintains a 3.96 GPA.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, Black Student Association, Xaverian Leadership, volunteers for Eyas Advisor Mentoring, and an Under Armour All American.  He participates in football and track & field at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

Jamal-Rashad Patterson of McDonough, Georgia – Jamal maintains a 4.65 GPA. He is member of the Who’s Who Among Americans, National Society of High School Scholars, United States Achievement Academy, National Beta Club, and an Under Armour All American.  He participates in football and is a state track champion at Henry County High School.

Jemari Roberts of Long Beach, California – Jemari maintains a 3.9 GPA.  He is a member of the Distinguished Scholars Program, President of XMen Service Club, volunteer coach for The Youth Soccer League and 1st Team All Moore league.  He participates in football and track & field at Wilson High School.

Richard Wilson of Spanish Fork, UT – Richard maintains a 3.8 GPA. He is an Academic All Region, Hope of American Award recipient, member of HOSA Club and volunteers at his church with youth.  He participates in football and track & field at Spanish Fork High School.

Finalists are chosen based on their unweighted grade point average, their personal statements, extra curricular activities, community service, and letters of recommendation. Each winner will be recognized in Los Angeles, receive an award, ring, and dinner in their hometown.

The National Alliance of African American Athletes was founded in 1989.  The mission of The Alliance is to empower African American males through athletics, education and public programs. For more information, visit our website at www.naaaa.com

The Watkins Award is presented annually to African American scholar-athletes since 1992, the Watkins Award is named for Franklin D. Watkins, the coach of championship football and basketball teams in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Previous awardees include Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle; Atlanta Falcons Justin Blalock; Miami Dolphins Ted Ginn Jr.; Washington Redskins Lorenzo Alexander; Arizona Cardinals Robert Tate; Cleveland Browns Darnell Dinkins; New York Giants LaVarr Arrington; Oakland Raiders Grant Irons and Ronald Curry; Indianapolis Colts Deryck Toles; Jacksonville Jaguars Marcedes Lewis; Detroit Lions Ernie Sims; and Houston Texan Darius Walker.