Foundation Honors CDF's 30 Years, Youth Who 'Beat the Odds'

Toby Hairston, Latoyya Valteau and Maurice Brown received "Beat the Odds" awards and partial college scholarships.

At the recent celebration of the Children's Defense Fund's (CDF) 30th Anniversary, the Freddie Mac Foundation joined CDF founder and president Marian Wright Edelman in honoring three youth who have persevered to overcome tremendous obstacles in their lives. The three high school students were presented with "Beat the Odds" awards in recognition of their accomplishments.

"It's a delight to recognize such extraordinary young people, who have overcome so much to 'beat the odds'. They show us in such a powerful way what the work of the Children's Defense Fund is all about," said Maxine B. Baker, Foundation President and CEO at the celebration.

Toby Hairston from Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Md.; Latoyya Valteau from Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School in Washington, DC; and Maurice Brown from Eastern High School also in Washington, DC were honored for their hard work, academic excellence, community service and personal determination to "beat the odds." The students received partial scholarships of $2,500 each, paid directly to the colleges they will attend, and $500 gift certificates from Hecht's department store. Since 1990, CDF has honored more than 300 young people who have beat the odds in cities throughout the country.

Children's Defense Fund Founder and President Marian Wright Edelman, NBC4 Anchor Susan Kidd and Freddie Mac Foundation President And CEO Maxine B. Baker at CDF's "Beat the Odds" awards ceremony.

Baker also added, "The Freddie Mac Foundation's commitment to children and the Children's Defense Fund runs deep. One of the first grants we made as a Foundation, some 12 years ago, went to CDF. Over the years, we've been honored to support its work to reach into communities and give our children the voice they so richly deserve."

The CDF celebrated 30 years of working to improve the lives of children through research, public education, advocacy, grassroots organizing and lobbying. The organization provides a strong, effective voice for the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. The organization pays particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick, into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations..