By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

Focusing on education this year, the second annual Blossoming Minds MLK Gala will be a night of dinner, winners and jazz beginning with a mixer at 5:30 p.m. and the program to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Orange Expo Center, at 11475 Farm to Market Road 1442 in Orange.

“We have youth presenting this year and helping with the program,” Chair Maqueittia ‘Denise’ Ledet said. “We are putting a bigger emphasis on education.”

The event offers empowerment and enrichment in the Orange Community.

“Athletes are honored all year,” Ledet said. “We want to focus on the children excelling in the classroom and community.”

The black tie affair will feature musical guests including West Orange Middle School Performing Arts Choir as well as Briscoe Lake, Authentically Ariel, and Teniya Rideb-Sparks.

Masters of Ceremony will be Judy Maull and David ‘Bishop’ Richard.

“We have had an overwhelming response this year,” Ledet said.

More than twice as many persons cast their votes for the nominees.

Categories included are Female Student, Male Student, Teacher of the Year, Helath and Wellness Award, King Impact Award, Image Award, Business of the Year, Man of the Year and Woman of the Year.

“Health and Wellness includes anyone who works in the health field or the betterment of ones health,” Ledet said. “So a trainer or nutritionist could qualify for the category.”

Tickets will not be available at the door. To purchase tickets or sponsorship packages call Maquettia at (409)330-0807, or Kianna at (409)988-5386.