Helen Howell and Martinsville and Henry County NSBE Jr. Chapter Receive Golden Torch Awards from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Helen Howell and Martinsville and Henry County NSBE Jr. Chapter Receive Golden Torch Awards from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
New College Institute Congratulates Howell and Martinsville Chapter for this Honor
Martinsville – The National Society of Black Engineers awarded one of their annual Golden Torch Awards to Helen Howell and the Martinsville/Henry County National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Jr. Chapter. NSBE’s Golden Torch Awards recognize excellence among technical professionals, corporate, government and academic leaders, and university and pre-college students.
Helen Howell is the adviser of Martinsville/Henry County NSBE Jr. Chapter and has served as a Career and Technical Education instructor for the Martinsville City Public Schools for 42 years. In her two decades working with the NSBE Jr. chapter, she has fervently pursued and obtained opportunities for the chapter’s students to gain more exposure to STEM and more experience in leadership.
“I am humbled to accept the award on behalf of the entire Martinsville and Henry County Chapter,” said Helen Howell. “Thank you to Bailey Stanley for nominating me as well as New College Institute for housing our program, Patrick Henry Community College, Virginia Tech and NC A&T State University for programmatic support; and students, parents, board members, and the Martinsville Community for your unceasing support. Without you, this award would not have been achieved.”
The Martinsville/Henry County National Society of Black Engineers Chapter was chartered in 1999 and was the first NSBE Jr. chapter to be established and chartered in Virginia. The chapter has a 100 percent graduation rate from high school, and every student member has either enrolled in college or enlisted in the military. The organization has become an integral part of local academic programming. Additionally, the Martinsville/Henry County NSBE Jr. organization has inspired many parents to return to school and pursue or complete academic degrees.
“NCI has the privilege of providing space for the NSBE Jr. chapter,” said Karen Jackson, interim director, New College Institute. “We share Helen Howell and the chapter’s goal of supporting students to explore a range of potential career paths and ensure they can reach their full potential.”
The Golden Torch Awards were given during NSBE’s Annual Convention, this year held virtually from August 19-22. Marvin Taylor, a parent of one of the NSBE Jr. members, accepted the award on behalf of the chapter.
NSBE is the premier organization serving African Americans in engineering and technology. As a technical community service association, NSBE is the link between the African American community and the world of technology. NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
