Most people know Dr. Benjamin S. Carson as a world-renowned Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon. Quite an accomplishment for a man who was nicknamed “dummy” by some mean-spirited fifth-grade classmates. He has come a long way since then ? from Yale to the Medical School of the University of Michigan to Hopkins, where to countless children he is their living angel.
According to its Web site, the Carson Scholars Fund is a nonprofit charity founded in 1994 by Carson and his wife, Candy, “to recognize and reward students who strive for academic excellence and demonstrate a strong commitment to their community.” And recently, at Toby?s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, an “Appreciation Celebration” was held, where supporters, volunteers and board members gathered to cheer Carson?s work and watch a play, which was adapted from a few of his autobiographies.
The play, presented by the Columbia Center for the Theatrical Arts, featured Carson?s journey from childhood to Johns Hopkins, where he became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at the age of 33. The cast and crew, led by theater owner and artistic director Toby Orenstein, did an outstanding job of portraying Carson?s struggles to beat the odds. Prior to the production, guests were entertained by three-time Carson Scholar recipient ? and pianist ? Andrew Green.
Dinner guests included United Way of Central Maryland?s Mark Furst, Steve and Mindy Geppi, Carson Fund Chairman Lee Warner, board members David Bowers, Audrey Jones, Graylin Smith with his wife, Blondell, and daughter, Breezy, and Dr. Carson?s mother, Sonya, and son Murray. Longtime supporter Toba Barth, wife of Baltimore media legend Andy Barth, was on hand and updated us on Andy?s teaching position in Mississippi.
It is crystal clear that Carson?s commitment is true and for the long haul. “We must find ways to encourage our young people to develop themselves academically.” he said. “And the message we wish to continue is that it is cool to be nice to people.”
For information on the Carson Scholars Fund, call 410-828-1007 or visit www.carsonscholars.org
Anne Boone-Simanski is the social columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
