Blossom School of Etiquette & Mentoring Program

Each February, young adults and their loved ones nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer".

Starting off my Black History Month 2024 Young Black Fabolous Adult Series:

James "Jimiy" Anthony is the first African American to graduate from Barbara Ingram School for the Arts theater program and the first recipient of the "Arianna Church Film magic award " in 2012. From there he attended the prestigious Howard University graduating in 2017 with a degree in Film Production. Since then he has acted, directed and written 15 films. He will appear at the Ocean City Film Festival in March for his film "Ma's Kisses". He was written 6 books and is currently in the process of writing his 7th "Cruel Exceptions. "

Jimiy watching you strive and wishing you the best in your future endeavors.

African Americans have a crucial role in all facets of American life, ranging from our national identity to our cultural heritage. Black History Month, observed in February each year, encourages us to recognize and honor these accomplishments as well as our young adults' role in shaping history to come.

Considering the obstacles of the past, the accomplishments of millions of our young black adults today are all the more remarkable. observing their success in their pursuit of a career, education, sports, entertainment, family life, and other areas.

As I highlight some of our Black Fabolous Young Adults who are making history in their own unique ways, I hope you'll join me! Recognizing and applauding the accomplishments of our young adults while renewing our commitment to programs and services that enable them to reach their full potential.

We offer scholarships for public, private, home-schooled, non-traditional, college, or technical school students!

Applications are now being accepted! Most with an April 1st deadline.

Visit here to learn more and apply: https://www.cfwcmd.org/scholarships/our-scholarships/

Congratulations to one of my Blossom graduates. Miss Jayda is a beautiful, talented, and intelligent young lady who graduated from North Hagerstown High School. This week she graduated from the University of Pittsburg. Ms. Jayda has an AS in Biology from HCC and graduated in 2 years from the University of Pittsburg with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry before age 21! Wow, this young lady is on her way to excellence. Am I seeing another Blossom graduate as a future Doctor!!! Congrats Jayda. I am very proud of your determination and drive. We will be continuously cheering you on to greatness!!🎉❤🎓💜

Bring your staff around the proverbial "water cooler" during this holiday season with a hot chocolate bar. They are beautiful, and fun, and they raise employee morale. Who doesn't just love a sweet cup of great?

👀***THANKSGIVING ETIQUETTE***👀 lol

1: If your kids act up, don't pull them to the side; beat them in front of us all so we know who is in charge!
2: Don't bring that weird friend nobody likes; it makes the whole dinner awkward!
3: If I come with a different date from last year, don't ask what happened. "CLEARLY, IT'S OVER."
4: Don't argue with your mate at the table; laugh it off and go "HAM" in the car!
5: Don't point at dishes and ask, "WhO mAdE tHiS?"
6: Don't bring people you didn't ask to invite!
7: Don't make to-go plates for your "man" who didn't want to come to meet us; if he can't come to say "HELLO," he doesn't deserve to eat "FAMILY" food!
8: Don't sit at the spades table if you don't know how to WIN (my personal pet peeve)
9: Preachers: we don't want to hear about your next revival or upcoming sermon series; we want to watch football and ask grandma where she is hiding the rest of the Banana pudding!
10: Don't eat anything if you didn't BRING, BAKE, or BUY anything!
11: If you know you can't cook, don't bring it; we won't be offended. I PROMISE!
12: Please be attentive to personal hygiene. If we can smell you, I'm sure you can smell yourself! If you need assistance, ask Big Mama for help; she always has a remedy for such problems!
13: Don't spend money; you don't have to buy clothes; you can't afford to impress people who don't care!

One of my young ladies, Makayla, is trying to raise money for her educational study abroad in March 2024 to Ghana. If you can contribute or know anyone or an organization that will be willing to donate, It would be greatly appreciated. Makayla is in her sophomore year at the University of Maryland College Park
majoring in neuroscience.

https://gofund.me/7576c3be

Scholarships are a great way to fund your college education, but we understand that the application process can be intimidating. That's why we're here to help! Today we're breaking down 10 of the most common scholarship application questions and sharing valuable tips to help you excel in your responses.

1. Tell Us About Yourself This open-ended question allows you to introduce yourself in your own unique way. Highlight what makes you stand out and how those qualities have contributed to your success in school and life. Don't forget to mention your aspirations and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

2. Describe Your Greatest Strength Showcase the skills and qualities that make you a standout applicant, aligning them with the scholarship's values. Use concrete examples to illustrate your strengths and how they've benefited you.

3. Describe Your Greatest Weakness Demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to growth. Be honest and specific, and discuss the steps you've taken to address your weaknesses.

4. What Makes You Unique? Highlight the beliefs, qualities, and experiences that set you apart from others. Use examples to show how your uniqueness has led to success and how it shapes your future.

5. What Do You Want to Do With Your Career? Share your career goals, relevant experience, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Emphasize why your chosen career path is important and how it benefits others.

6. What Extracurricular or Community Activities Are You Involved in? Discuss your extracurricular and community activities, including leadership roles and achievements. Explain how these activities have impacted you and what skills you've gained.

7. What Do You Consider Your Greatest Achievement? Choose an achievement that reflects your values and goals, and discuss its impact on your life and future aspirations. Ensure it's relevant to the scholarship you're applying for.

8. Who Is Someone You Consider a Role Model? Honesty is key when discussing your role model. Explain why you admire them, list their qualities or accomplishments, and describe how they've influenced your life.

9. Why Did You Choose to Apply for This Scholarship in Particular? Express your passion for the scholarship's mission and how it aligns with your values and career goals. Explain what sets this scholarship apart.

10. Describe a Time When You Failed at Something Focus on the positive aspects of your failure. Explain how you responded, and what you learned, and highlight the growth it brought.

Don’t want to miss this!

FYI Teens!

According to USA Today, 90% of companies expect their workforce to return to in-person work by the end of the year. Some companies have already begun the transition, but ResumeBuilder recently revealed these companies are going through some back-to-work growing pains with unprofessional dress, attitude, and emails leading the way. This has led to up to 60% of companies planning to require etiquette workshops by the end of 2024.
As companies seek to set a corporate tone, the rules of etiquette and protocol are key tools to help elevate company culture. In my new book, 100 Etiquette Rules to Everyday Success, I discuss 100 core business etiquette principles that, if followed, can instantly transform your company's culture to one of professionalism and credibility.
Below are five etiquette tools that will help you get started.

Business Attire
To re-establish a culture of professionalism, begin by setting a tone of excellence through attire. Clients and customers alike feel more confident when they engage with staff that is well-groomed, dressed appropriately, and well-spoken. Be sure to reestablish the company dress code and set an example for your staff. If upper management is not dressed appropriately, the staff will slowly descend into dirty shirts on Friday.

Timeliness
Because virtual work has been a bit laxer and more laid back, deadlines and time restraints have been fluid. As companies get back to business, be sure to work to reestablish timeliness by starting staff meetings, even if online, on time. Encourage employees to arrive at work when scheduled and stick to deadlines for work assignments. Once you begin to recognize the value of time, your company will see reliable results.

Superior Customer Service
With customer service ratings at an all-time low, companies are recognizing the need to make their customer's experience a priority. Reestablish a corporate culture by taking some time to retrain your staff on the company's expectations when engaging customers and clients. Because of the sea of bad service, your company, restaurant, beauty shop, or marketing business can be one step ahead of the competition through superior customer service.

Excellence
Further, elevate your company's culture by setting a standard of excellence. From emails to full presentations, train your staff to be excellent by providing a template, making your expectations clear, and providing technology that can help elevate their work product. When there is a standard of excellence, your company builds credibility and improves its bottom line.

Professionalism
Reset the overall tone of the office by reestablishing professionalism in every area of the business. Do not create a "social club" atmosphere by discussing personal matters, dealing with issues emotionally, or dividing the staff over contemporary issues. Instead, work to bring the team together around a common goal, project, or assignment.
Increase your company's productivity, work performance, morale, and bottom line by trying out these five culture-building etiquette principles.

About 100 Etiquette Rules for Everyday Success
Trenette Wilson (aka Lady T) is an award-winning author and etiquette expert whose newest book, 100 Etiquette Rules for Everyday Success, equips readers with the tools they need to feel confident everywhere they go. From what not to eat at a business lunch to basic international etiquette rules, this fun and easy-to-read etiquette book will help you live life confidently. Log on to 100 Etiquette Tips (nauep.com) to learn more.

FB,

Start setting your table at least twice a week instead of eating in front of the TV. Here is a basic table setting to use:

FYI

Savannah James: The New Quiet Luxury One of the classiest women in the game, Savannah James, the wife of famed NBA player, Lebron James has become the epitome of quiet luxury and the move away from big, loud, and gaudy. The new understated look is defined by its lack of logos and muted tones.

Please attend this fabulous event for our youth!

Fyi

FB Friends,

This evening I want to introduce you to Miss Mireya, graduated from Williamsport High School. Mireya, came to Blossom when she was in middle school, she also helped me on my teen magazine. She reminded me of me when I was younger, quiet, intellegent and very determined.

Mireya will attend community college and then head to an university. I wish her the best and I know I will watch this young lady soar to exellence!

Congrats Miss Mireya! Wishing you the best on your road to success.👩‍🎓🎉🎈❤️

FYI,

Now is the time to get active and stay healthy! and it's FREE! May 15 to Aug. 31.

Planet Fitness will allow teens to work out at its gyms for free this summer The gym franchise is inviting high schoolers ages 14 through 19 to come to any one of its 2,400 fitness locations in the U.S. and Canada for free.

FB Friends,
Meet another one of my young ladies. This is Miss Tylan, a graduate of South Hagerstown High School. This young lady came to Blossom while she was in middle school. She is a beautiful young lady, and I enjoyed having her in my class. Miss Tylan plans to attend the Armed Forces, possibly the Air Force. Congrats, young lady! I know your on the road to excellance👩‍🎓🎉🎈

Blossom was originally intended for young ladies when I created it. I've opened my class to young men over the years because I've come to the conclusion that they should be taught etiquette, confidence, self-esteem, and chivalry as well. Therefore, a couple of years ago, I opened it up for young ladies and young men. Facebook friends, I'm pleased to present my first Blossom student, Kaleb, who recently graduated from North Hagerstown High School. wishing him well in his upcoming goals. I heard he may attend some classes at HCC and possibly enlist in the military. I know that whatever Kaleb decides, he will be on the road to excellence. Congratulations, and I'm so proud of you, young man!🧑‍🎓🎉🎊🎈

These are some of my new graduates of Blossom School. I'm so proud of my young students for coming to class on a Saturday morning for 8 weeks! Learning manners, confidence, self-esteem, table manners and so much more. A special thanks to the parents. These young people were so eager and enjoyable to teach. I will start a new class in August. In the meantime, I am restructuring my business, which I will reveal in a couple of weeks. Thanks, everyone for supporting my classes over the years, going on 17 years!!

Being The Best You Can Be!!

Awesome!

Doodle for Google - Contest Voting Opens Soon Doodle for Google's annual contest has closed submissions. Return in April to vote on which student's Google logo will be featured on Google’s local homepage.

Congratulations to all the young people! Keep striving to Excellence!

34 earn associate degrees from Hagerstown Community College while finishing high school Thirty-four students from nine Washington County high schools received their associate degrees from Hagerstown Community College.