Feb 20, 2014 3 min read

LeMoyne Community Center executive director Joyce Ellis called Pete Washington both her best and worst critic, a man who challenged her vision for the center and then fiercely supported her once she gained his trust.

When Washington, a graduate of Washington High School who attended the University of Dayton and served in the U.S. Navy, died unexpectedly in July 2012, at the age of 56, the center lost a faithful volunteer.

So when Washington’s son, Malik, called Ellis to propose a partnership with the William Kellibrew Foundation of Washington, D.C., that would provide fellowships to place Washington County high school seniors in community leadership roles, she jumped at the opportunity.

“Pete was an advocate of the arts and education, and he was instrumental in helping at the center. After he died, I thought, that’s a shame, Lord, because there’s a vision buried within him,” said Ellis.

“He had a purpose that never came to fruition. And then his son called.”

The LeMoyne Community Center and the Kellibrew Foundation, where Malik Washington serves as acting executive director and CEO, are offering the Homer “Pete” Washington Community Fellowship to at least one Washington County high school senior.

The purpose of the fellowship is to empower young people and their communities by placing students in community leadership roles.

As fellows, students will participate in a one-year program at LeMoyne Community Center, where they will gain real-life experience by performing organizational management, community organizing and youth engagement activities.

Fellows will complete their program by developing and carrying out their own community event, program, fundraiser, campaign or initiative.

Fellows will begin their program in the summer of 2014 as camp counselors at LeMoyne Community Center and will continue as interns and administrative assistants with the Kellibrew Foundation and partnered organizations.

They will receive a minimum of $7.25 an hour at camp from June through August, and will receive a monthly stipend of $200 from September to May.

After they complete their fellowship, fellows will receive a book scholarship that will be paid to the post-secondary school they choose to attend.

In addition, fellows can participate in events and programs affiliated with the community center and the foundation, including career and college development, professional networking and traveling to Washington, D.C., for activities such as the White House Youth Summit.

Ellis is encouraging students who have an interest in community outreach and development, and plan to major in education, public relations, government, public service, social work, human development or social sciences to apply.

Students must meet the following criteria:

• Rising high school seniors, completing their graduation requirements at the end of the 2014-2015 academic year;

• Enrolled in a Washington County high school;

• Interest in community outreach and development;

• Able and willing to commit to the program for a full year;

• And planning to pursue a post-secondary education program.

Application deadline for the 2014-2015 fellowship program is Friday, May 2, 2014. Online and paper applications received after this date will not be considered.

Applicants are evaluated on academic merit, school and community involvement, and essay.

Pete Washington, who served in the Gulf War, was committed to education, sports and youth, and dedicated much of his time to serving as a local referee, basketball coach and volunteer in Washington and Memphis, Tenn., where he once lived.

He valued the LeMoyne Center and community-based programs for their role in his childhood and their potential to make positive changes in Washington, said his son.

To obtain an application for the fellowship, please visit williamkellibrewfoundation.roundtablelive.org.