On Saturday, April 14, the Omaha Branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) hosted the NAACP Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition. Over 20 students competing in 39 categories in the sciences, performing arts, humanities, visual arts and entrepreneurship participated. Winners were announced at the Talent Showcase, held on Sunday, April 15 at North High School.

Students completed their competitions for gold, silver and bronze medals, with 5 gold medal winners advancing to the national competition in Detroit, Michigan in July. On the National level, students from all over the country compete to win gold, silver and bronze medals. In addition to winning medals, national winners take home cash prizes totaling over $50,000, scholarships and other awards, such laptop computers. ACT-SO, a NAACP sponsored program, was founded by renowned author and journalist Vernon Jarrett. This enrichment and recognition program is designed to stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among high school students.

Leaders in the Omaha community who have expertise and experience in the various competition areas volunteered to serve as judges. Judges for this year’s competition included renowned sculptor Littleton Alston, and writer Qianna Bradley. Additionally, students who competed in the visual arts categories displayed their projects public viewing. Ms. Zola B. Doya served as Mistress of Ceremonies.
 

For a list of all medalists, click here. 

Students who achieved Gold Medal status will be traveling to Detroit, Michigan for the National ACT-SO competition, being held July 5 – 9. Donations are now being accepted to assist the Omaha Branch NAACP with travel expenses.

All donations to the ACT-SO program are 100% tax deductible. For more information, contact the Omaha Branch NAACP at 345-6227 or email OmahaNAACP@aol.com.

For pictures of this year's competition and all winner photos, click here.