White House Recognizes Voorhees College Baseball Scholar Athlete Calvin H. Coach

Voorhees College scholar athlete and baseball player Calvin Coach III completed his studies and has successfully met the challenges presented as a Competitiveness Scholar by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. After being named to the 2020 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Competitiveness Scholar initiative’s grants distinction and awareness to the highest student recognition program. Coach completed his participate and received recognition as a top honors and scholar athlete.

The recognition from the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities identifies Coach as a leader in the classroom, on and off the baseball diamond, and for his opportunity to network with student-athletes and career professionals. The senior from Aiken, S.C. is an honor society member with the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society.

During the virtual conference, Coach participated in workshops that strengthen leadership and build personal and professional development in innovation and entrepreneurship. Coach was among 43 students from 32 HBCUs that competed as Competitiveness Scholars that the Trump Administration chose based on their academic achievements, campus and civic involvement, and entrepreneurial goals.

President Trump since his 2016 presidential election, has done more for HBCUs than any sitting president in the history of the White House. The Trump Administration this past December 2019, signed a bill restoring funding for black colleges that will permanently provide more than $250 million a year to the nation’s historically black colleges and universities.

The 2020-2021 White House and Trump’s Initiative recognized highly distinguished HBCU undergraduate, graduate, professional, and international students from various academic backgrounds.

Johnathan M. Holifield, Executive Director for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities thanked Coach for being part of the 2020 Cohort of Competitiveness Scholars and for participating in 2020 Virtual National HBCU Week HBCU Week and Conference. Coach was commended on his academic prowess, campus leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and embodiment of competitiveness.

Holifield said this about Coach “You are an example of what our nation’s HBCU represent – excellence, determination, pride, and adaptability. We are excited to be partners in your growth as you continue to push to be a difference maker in your community. Your diligent attendance in all HBCU Competitiveness Scholar Events during our first virtual HBCU conference is appreciated. Our partners and speakers enjoyed interacting with you and sharing their insights with such engaged and talented students. We hope each event grows your curiosity and knowledge, as you continue to develop as a leader. In recognition of your contributions to the virtual conference, and the excellence you exhibit every day, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities presents you with this modest token of appreciation.”

Coach received a personalized Seal of the President of the United States this past November 20th, 2020, which Holifield stated “We hope this keepsake is an enduring reminder of your membership in the 2020 Cohort of Competitiveness Scholars!”