Columbus--A 20-year-old scholarship program has become a living testimony to positivity in name and effect.
A celebration on Tuesday at the Columbus College of Arts and Design observed the two-decade history of I Know I Can as a program to ensure that qualified graduates of Columbus City School aren’t denied a college education because they can’t afford it.

Some of the former students who have benefitted from counseling and money made available through the program took part in the celebration. Their ranks include City Councilman Kevin Boyce, East High; W. Shawna Gibbs, a member of the Columbus School Board, Columbus Alternative; and Becky Sterrett, an accountant with KPMG, Linden-McKinley.
After graduation from Boston University, Sterrett began her professional career in Washington, D.C., before returning to Columbus four years ago.

“I’m proud of I Know I Can and what they’ve accomplished over 20 years,” she said.
Students in the program must perform four hours of community service annually to receive a stipend.
Sterrett fulfilled the requirement long ago, but made volunteering with I Know I Can a priority when she returned home.
Chris Hayes, who graduated from West High last spring, performed his required service by helping at the 20th anniversary event.
Tuesday’s program included entertainment by students in the Fort Hayes High School Vocational Music Program and a 20th anniversary video tribute, which was introduced by Executive Director Katina Fullen.

The program, emceed by Angela Pace, a South High School grad and director of community affairs at WBNS 10TV, helped promote the I Know I Can theme “Dream Big. Work Hard. We’ll Help.” She also paid tribute to four prominent community leaders who initiated the effort in 1908 – Art Kobacker, Teckie Shackelford, Clifford Tyree and Robert J. Weiler.

After the program Shackelford recalled a discussion about the scholarship program 20 years ago with then-Mayor Greg Lashutka.
“I was sure that this was the right thing at the right time and I never had a doubt,” she said.
Mayor Michael B. Coleman had noted the similarity between I Know I Can’s name and the Yes We Can slogan of a certain president-elect.
Several of the principles at the anniversary celebration said the need for the program is greater than ever. As such, they pleaded with the audience to renew their support and to validate the program’s name and mission.