The East Orange Education Foundation
presents the
Torchbearer for Education Award
to
The Reverend Russell White


L-R: Rev. Russell White, First Officer Chrystal Dunbar, First Officer Joseph Hayes

The East Orange Education Foundation (EOEF) presented the Torchbearer for Education Award to The Reverend Russell White on Saturday, October 18, 2008 during an Award Luncheon at The Essex Manor in Bloomfield, NJ. In attendance were Robert L. Bowser, Mayor of East Orange, Mrs. Jessie Wilkerson, President of EOEF, Mrs. Eleanor Forbes, Executive Director of EOEF, Mrs. Goldie Burbage, Vice President of EOEF and President of the Historical Society and many other guests and dignitaries too numerous to mention.

The highlight of the afternoon was Reverend Russell White telling the story of his life and how he came to be founder and commander of Eagle Flight Squadron. In attendance was the Eagle Flight Drill Team, who performed a close order drill for the assembled guests, showing us the kind of discipline and focus that Eagle Flight instills in its members.

As further living testimony of Reverend White's achievements, two of the many airline pilots he and his program have trained were also in attendance and spoke briefly on his behalf. Chrystal Dunbar, First Officer for Continental Airlines who was getting ready to fly to Amsterdam later on, and Joseph Hayes, First Officer for Continental Airlines, both of whom had gotten their wings at Eagle Flight.

Click HERE for a brief history of Eagle Flight Squadron

Frederick Goode and his Jazz Ensemble from Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts tune up before the Luncheon.

Mayor Robert L. Bowser works on his speech during a quiet moment before the event begins.

L-R: Ms Eleanor Forbes, Rev. Russell White, Mrs. Jessie Wilkerson, and Mayor Robert Bowser take advantage of a quick photo opportunity before the guests arrive.

The Cicely Tyson Jazz Ensemble begins to play under the leadership of Frederick Goode as guests arrive.

Our Master of Ceremonies, Hamilton Bowser, Committee Chairperson for EOEF begins the proceedings.

The invocation is given by Mrs. Jessie Wilkerson, President of the EOEF.

The honored guests at Table 1. L-R: Arlene Feldman, President of NJ Aviation Assn.; Rev. Russell White; Mayor Robert L. Bowser; First Officer Chrystal Dunbar; First Officer Joseph Hayes; Steve Lind, Chief Flight Instructor.

The Eagle Squadron Drill Team performs close order drill. Leader: David Rankine; First Row L-R: Christian Cortes, Karen Quiles, Xavier Harris; Second Row L-R: Desiree Baugh, Allison Bryant, Ricardo Henriquez; Third Row L-R: Tyree Thomas, Kayla Turner, Rachel Turner.

After delivering his tribute to Rev. White, Mayor Bowser presents him with a Mayoral Proclamation on behalf of the City of East Orange.

Ms Eleanor Forbes, Executive Director of EOEF presents Rev. White with the organization's Torchbearer for Education Award.

Reverend Russell White, Founder, Commander & Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Flight Squadron, thanks everyone for the honors he has received.

Names to be added...

Reverend White surrounded by his Eagle Flight Squadron. L-R: Joe Hayes, Tyree Thomas, Allison Bryant, Christian Cortes, Ricards Henriquez, Adam Attawhi, David Rankine, Noel Charles, Rev. White, Karen Quiles, Kayla Turner, Rachel Turner, Desiree Baugh, Mrs. Rankin, Chrystal Dunbar, Mrs. Turner. It's quite a crowd; if we missed anybody, please e-mail and tell us!

L-R: Reverend Russell White and Goldie Burbage, Vice President of EOEF and President of the Historical Society of East Orange, Inc.

Names to be added...

Front row L-R: Frederick, Lloyd, Bria, Cierra, Davette, Jacqueline, Denzel - Back row L-R: Darien, Brian, Ladante

Additional photos of the Jazz Ensemble will be placed on their Tyson Band Parents Web site.

Spotted errors? Please report them at [email protected]

Back to East Orange Interactive Museum