ABGS Middle School Ranks Third In Nation
in African-American History Competition!!!
Last week the 100 Black Men Chapter Of Long Island Inc. (Phil Andrews, president),
sent its Long Island champions from the Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School and
Hempstead High School to the 100 Black Men Of America, Inc. 27th Annual Conference
to compete in the national African-American History Challenge championship
competition. The jeopardy style competition was held in New Orleans, Louisiana
between June 5-9.
After losing their first match in the preliminary round by a razor thin scoring margin of
20-19 to Knoxville, Tennessee, the ABGS Middle School, (Hank Williams, principal)
came roaring back in the next three matches to defeat Baton Rouge, LA., Charlotte, N.
C., and Phoenix, AZ. The ABGS middle school team consisted of students Travis Nelson
and Andrew Culbreath.
At one point during the matches Travis Nelson answered 10 consecutive questions
causing one national official to say, "This student has unlimited potential. No matter
where he's from he can be anything he wants!" Another official is reported to have said,
"Awesome, rarely have I seen anything like this!"
(ABGS Middle School Students, Travis Nelson-L, and Andrew Culbreath-R)
The ABGS team then advanced to the semi-finals match where they succumbed to
Omaha, NE. by a score of 33-23 but was awarded the third place ranking by recording
the highest score amongst the semi-finalists not reaching the final round.
In addition to the competition the students participated in workshops in: health and
wellness, educational health and financial literacy, mentor and mentee training, and
community empowerment. They also attended a "Salute To Youth Breakfast" and "The
Chairman's Award's Luncheon," as well as attending many other ballroom receptions
The 100 Black Men Of Long Island Academic Team (L-R) academic advisor and coach,
Khayyam Ali (ABGS), Timothy John (Hempstead H.S.), Travis Nelson (ABGS), Andrew Culbreath
(ABGS), and Elijah John (Hempstead H.S.)
Other activities while staying at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel included visiting
Bourbon Street, the French Quarter, attending the 2013 Cajun Festival, touring the city
via trolley car, nightly youth parties, and dining at the world famous "Mother's
Restaurant”. Congratulations! Go Hempstead Youth!!!
(Travis Nelson earned ranking as one of the top African-American middle school historians in
the nation.)