2019 Presentation of Young Laureates at Our Annual Garden Party

Finding Yourself

Finding yourself in this life is your greatest task to perform, until you begin to start the search, you are left alone. When you decide to start, be it now or then, close your eyes to the outside world and begin your search within.

Some folks search for themselves among their relatives and friends, but each time they miss themselves and have to start all over again.

Try reflecting on this, again, again, and again: You will never know yourself until you search within!
Written by James W. Washington, Jr. and Dedicated to Janie Rogella Washington, my wife, with love!
Published 1993 in Treasured Poems of America

Participants are recommended to the Washington Foundation by NAACP-ACT-SO. However, The Washington Foundation reserves the right to recruit, nominate and select participants other than NAACP ACT-SO participants.

The Foundation will issue a formal letter of invitation to those selected. While there will be no financial compensation, recognition will be posted on all social media and other collateral materials the Foundation may wish to publish. Recognition will be in written, electronic and social media.

The recipients agree to serve for a year and to allow their photographs/presentations to be published in written and electronic formats and from time-to-time personal appearances for the Foundation without financial compensation.

• Notable community service

• Educational excellence

• Evidence of excellence in their area

• Junior & Senior High School Age

• Submission of a one-page essay

• A past or present participant in the NAACP ACT-SO Program