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On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Women’s Industrial Service League, Inc. (WISL) held its 94th Annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon at Antun’s Catering Hall in Queens Village, New York. Three high school students were honored for demonstrating the attributes of positive role models in areas such as exemplary academic achievement, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and community service. They are Akayla Wise of Channel View School for Research, Nyla Epps of Amityville Memorial High School, and Lourdes Saunders-Blake of Freeport High School.
WISL also honored five seniors for their outstanding community and church service: Edmonia Scott of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, William R. Spivey of St. Luke Cathedral, Deaconess Grace McBride of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Jacqueline Stillwell of St. John Baptist Church, and Alice Somerville of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.

Each honoree was presented with a special engraved plaque, a monetary award, and flowers on behalf of WISL.  In addition, they received citations on behalf of local politicians.
The Master of Ceremonies was The Honorable Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson of District 31-New York State Assembly. The Keynote Speaker was The Reverend Dr. Frankco Harris, Pastor of Mount Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis.
WISL President April C. Jackson introduced the Master of Ceremonies. The opening song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” was accompanied by Geraldine Brown Roane. Invocation and Grace were offered by Jean P. Melvin. The Welcome Address was delivered by Lisa Middleton-Thompson. Elder Dr. Doris Shackelford recognized WISL Special Guests and introduced the Keynote Speaker. Frances Shackelford-Howell presented an abbreviated history of WISL. The Honorable Fay D. Hill, District Leader-Assembly District 31B, offered the Memorial Tribute. Dr. Kenneth Saunders saluted the youth, and WISL member Lila Glover saluted the seniors.
Youth Awards were presented by WISL Members: Kim Capehart, Jean P. Melvin, and Nicole Ware. Senior Awards were presented by The Reverend Larry L. Shell, Sr., Minister Dorothy Simmons, Bernice King, Bernetta Reid, and Bryanna Jones.
Entrepreneur Jonathan C. Gaffney presented the Dr. Jeremiah C. Gaffney, Sr. Award to Mr. William R. Spivey for his Exemplary Success in Business.
A Proclamation from Congress of the United States House of Representatives Member Gregory W. Meeks was presented to President April C. Jackson, who was pleased to accept on behalf of WISL, in Recognition of its Exemplary Community Service during the past 94 years! 
WISL honored its senior member, Deacon Lovette Glasgow. She will be celebrating her 98th birthday in August 2025. A bouquet of flowers was presented to her daughter, Doreen Joyce Thomason, who accepted the flowers on her mother’s behalf.
The Luncheon was enhanced through the performances of three soloists: Evangelist Marshay Hosley, Frankco Preston Harris, and Janae Harris.
WISL Raffle Team, consisting of Jean P. Melvin, Luciana Bancroft, Barbara Farray, Akeelah Monroe, Frances Shackelford-Howell, Cecilia Venable, and Clytina Weekes, successfully engaged guests who participated in furthering our fundraising efforts. 
The Luncheon was well attended, and a great time was had by all.

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