Michael Booker ’12 has been selected to receive the prestigious 2012 Mentee of the Year by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. He was selected for this honor from more than 120,000 students in 116 chapters across the country. This week he will be honored for his accomplishments and community service at 100 Black Men’s 26th Annual Conference in Atlanta.
Matthew Bachner, incoming Upper School Dean of Students, reflects, “Michael Booker stands out as one of the most driven, grateful, and reliable students with whom I have had the pleasure to work. Michael’s exceptional character and leadership skills made him a positive and effective agent of productivity within the WT community.”
Michael was named a National Achievement Scholar by the College Board, in recognition of his outstanding PSAT performance. As a rising junior, he was selected by WT’s Young Alumnae/i Leadership Council as their first scholarship recipient. Michael epitomizes full participation in school. He was a leader in the Student Diversity Club and attended the 2010 NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference. Upon his return, he led diversity initiatives, including a discussion with Trustees and administrators. Throughout his senior year he co-led an ongoing service learning project in Braddock, PA. Working with Heritage Community Initiatives, students did restoration projects including a major overhaul of the 100-year-old community ball field, removing overgrown brush, building new bleachers, and painting. In addition, he did community service work with Champion Enterprises and Freedom Unlimited.
Michael was active across the board at WT, playing on the soccer and basketball teams, and performing in the chorus, and dance ensemble, and spring musical each year. He served the school as a member of WT’s Student Admission Ambassadors, volunteering regularly to introduce WT to prospective students and parents to WT. He has received numerous awards, including the Pittsburgh Tribune Review Outstanding Young Citizen Award, Winchester Thurston School Wadhwa Community Service Award, and University of Pittsburgh Investing Now Outstanding Scholar Award.
Ron Lawrence, President of the 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania, shared, “this is a great honor for Michael and a reflection of the leadership and hard work of the ‘100’ Pittsburgh Chapter.”
Michael will attend Carnegie Mellon University and study engineering on full scholarship.
