Editor’s note: The date of the tournament has been corrected to reflect November 12, 2021.
Lt. Gen Russell Honore (Ret.) is known for his military prowess, his leadership after Hurricane Katrina, as well as his strong support of environmental issues. Fewer citizens are aware of his important work in training young black men to lead the next generation. To that end, Honore will host his annual Golf for Scholars Classic on Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Joseph M. Bartholomew Municipal Golf Course, 6514 Congress Drive.
The Classic will benefit the Honore Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement at Southern University at New Orleans. Named after one of SUNO’s most respected graduates, the program helps young males develop their leadership potential and motivates them to make a difference in their communities. Students are selected to participate in the program regardless of their ACT scores or GPA that might otherwise not qualify them for four-year university admission.
“This golf tournament is a great opportunity to support the only college degree program in Louisiana focused on training young Black men to be classroom teachers, leaders and role models,” said Honore. “If you care about our future and want a future with better opportunities for success in life for all of our young people, this is something you should consider supporting,” he continued.
Once successfully completing the summer preparation program, Honore scholars are then provided free housing on the SUNO campus in a holistic living and learning environment. Students receive a campus meal plan, a $100 monthly stipend as well as all required textbooks for up to five years. To ensure academic and personal success, personal counseling, life skills and tutoring resources are part of the program. Support services continue after the first two years on a graduated basis depending on the student’s academic performance.
Students are held to high professional and personal standards. Each student signs a contract governing his expectations and benefits provided, along with a promissory note agreeing that a portion of the financial support he receives is considered a forgivable loan until he fulfills his obligations to the program.
Each student pledges to complete within five years an undergraduate degree at SUNO and major in education or another approved discipline such as STEM. Once the Honore grad completes classroom certification and a two-year teaching requirement in an approved New Orleans area school, the Southern System’s financial support is forgiven.
Tournament registration and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse. Prizes will be given for first and second place, low gross, longest drive and two prizes for closest to the pin. Individual tickets begin at $150 and rise to $10,000 for a Platinum Sponsor. For more information contact Morkeith Phillips at [email protected].
