Shakira Saunders, a senior at W.T. Clarke High School, was recently named a finalist in the Cable Television and Telecommunications Association of New York's 2002 Gilbert Scholarship Award. Seventeen-year-old Saunders, one of four finalists, is guaranteed a $1,000 scholarship and will attend an awards dinner in Albany later this month to determine if she is the winner of the $5,000, 2002 Gilbert Scholarship Award.

"I am extremely proud to be a finalist for this scholarship award," said Saunders. "It is my passion to deliver my message of anti-discrimination to youth around the world, and I am looking forward to representing all Long Island high school students when I attend the awards ceremony in Albany.

Because of her unwavering dedication to anti-discrimination issues and her dynamic public speaking skills, Saunders has developed an amazing ability to speak candidly to her peers. Her informative and educational speeches have been the focus of discussion groups of students working with facilitators from the Anti-Defamation League, MTV, Huntington youth groups and other organizations where her words of wisdom have helped to inspire young people to develop action plans to combat discrimination.

As a youth ambassador on discrimination, Saunders has delivered the keynote address before thousands of people at numerous events. She spoke at an international forum in Belgium with representatives from over 10 countries and, more recently, made an inspirational speech to her Long Island peers during Cablevision's "Youth United Against Hate Forum." Her powerful and compelling presentation led the way to make a difference by taking action.

"Shakira Saunders is a leader in communicating anti-hate and anti-discrimination issues that confront many high school students," said Joan Hendricks, Cablevision's area director of political and community affairs. "We look forward to cheering her on in Albany and supporting her dream to pursue her college education."

- Victoria A. Caruso