Recently established nonprofit celebrates community leaders and students
By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Texas Metro News
Program on Feb. 26, 2025 at Collin College in Frisco, Texas
In November 2024, Pioneering Excellence, a community-based organization in Frisco, Texas, announced they had officially achieved 501(c)(3) foundation status. As a now formalized charitable organization, their 2025 Awards & Black History Program on Feb. 26, 2025 at Collin College in Frisco, the fourth since their organization’s inception, continued its tradition of celebrating trailblazers and empowering youth.
Upon entry, an array of vendors greeted attendees in the conference center foyer. From food, clothing, beverages, accessories and hair care essentials, there was something for everyone. Once inside the main room, tables adorned with black cloths and floral decor set an elegant scene.
History Program on Feb. 26, 2025 at Collin College in Frisco, Texas
Radio personality and community affairs director Jazze Radio-Chica of 97.9 The Beat / Majic 94.5 served as the event emcee, weaving all of the elements of celebration together.
Following a prayer by Reverend Marcus Lee, Little Elm High School’s Bella Voce choir sang the Black National Anthem and National Anthem. Dance and double dutch group, The Unicorn Jumpers, entertained the audience as well. Soon afterwards, high school student Jada Tolbert delivered power vocals with her performance of Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All.
Organization leaders awarded four book scholarships at $650 each, with two recipients present, one being Tolbert, at the event to receive them.
Following the scholarship presentation, awards were presented in a variety of categories to honor community leaders. The 2025 Pioneering Excellence Awards recipients who were recognized, with each delivering brief remarks were:
The Arts – Krystal Ellis-Kendrick
Civic Engagement – Torry Abra
Economic Development – Dr. Tracey Banks
Education – Tiffany Scott
STEM – Sherrika Sanders, PhD
Student Excellence – Josiah Mintz
Congratulations to the 2025 Pioneering Excellence award recipients, student performers and organizers for a meaningful experience in celebration of Black History Month.
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