Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School

MIDLAND, Pa. – Two Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School students, Trey Singletary and Ashanti D. Lee, have been chosen to participate in the  2010 Black College Tour sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

"It feels great to be selected," said Ashanti, a junior studying visual art. "I have a loose idea of what I'm looking for in a college and I'm hoping the tour will narrow it down more."

"It's first hand help in choosing a college that's right for me," added Trey, also a junior, who's studying music. "I've been able to visit schools in the Pittsburgh area but the tour takes you to historical black colleges everywhere."

The WYF Black College Tour allows African-American high school students to visit historical black colleges in Georgia, Maryland, North & South Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia.  In addition, students learn about financial aid, get help choosing the right college for them and are eligible to apply for $2,000 in scholarships from the Omega Scholarship Fund.

Students were chosen based on their GPA, a letter of recommendation and an essay outlining their goals after high school. Both Trey and Ashanti believe their time as students at Lincoln Park gave them an edge over the competition.

"Lincoln Park has matured me in both my music and my academics," explained Trey. "The teachers expect more out of us. And I love how they've prepared us for college."

Ashanti, who carries a 3.0 GPA, said he's also inspired by his fellow classmates. "The teachers are helping us prepare for college. But as students, everyone here is so dedicated."

Ashanti is the son of Keeba and Rayon Lee of Aliquippa. He plans to study visual arts and graphic design with a minor in business.

Trey is the son of Nicole Singletary Coleman and William Coleman of Aliquippa. He hopes to study either law or civil engineering in college, and minor in jazz performance.

-Toni Cicone