Like a tree, an individual’s strength lies in one’s roots.
Each branch is a milestone, each leaf a dream, with roots that run deep in every person who held me up along the way. When I was young, I didn’t realize how each teacher, each mentor, my community, and my family was shaping me. Like a tree, I grew upward with their encouragement. I found great strength in the quiet moments, stability in the lessons, and courage in their belief.
This is a map of those roots. It is a journey of support and discovery that carried me from childhood wonder to the person I am today. As you walk with me back through time, you will see a huge spotlight on my most formable years from K-12; know that every step is rooted in those that culivated the seed of progress.
John L Kinsey Elementary School
“I’ve only seen the good productive side of you. I know nothing of the other side out of my classroom. I’ve enjoyed having you in my class these past two years. Please don’t let outside experiences hinder your achievements. As the butterfly symbolizes a new beginning, let your years ahead be a fresh new and positive start. Good luck!” – Ms. Rebecca Board
School of the Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc
Certificate of Achievement – Awarded by School of the Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc - Temple No. 11, Sister Olive Bey - Principal/Head Teacher.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Certificate of Achievement – Participation in the Tour of the Ancient Nigerian Exhibit, Philadelphia Museum of Art. Sponsor - Penn Towne Chapter, Ora Bundy - President, Jaqueline Evans - Chairperson The Links, Inc. / International Trends and Services.
Philadelphia Department of Recreation
Certificate of Achievement (Honorable Mention) Senior Graphics – Awarded by the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation for the Summer Art Competition under Mayor William J. Green, Nathaniel Washington - Commissioner.
The Philadelphia Miniversity
Studio Art – Louise D. Clement-Hoff - Art Instructor.
David Bey is a young man who has a great potential to be a creative artist. He is working on an art school portfolio. David, as the other three young men in the class, has adjusted well to a new and strange situation. His skills are being upgraded all the time. David is a serious student. He works hard. (Grade B)
Germantown High School
Science Fair Award Second Place – Presented by Germantown High School for “A Model Prototype of a Rocket”. Elliot Lewis - Sponsor / Walter J. Scriven - Principal.
Historical Honor Society of PA
School District of Philadelphia and The Historical Honor Society of Philadelphia – Citation of Merit for Participation in the 1983 Woman’s History Poster Contest. James E. Mooney - Director of the Historical Honor Society of PA, Constance E. Clayton - Superintendent of Schools.
School District of Philadelphia
Citation of Merit – Awarded by The School District of Philadelphia for representation in the “Young Artists” exhibition presented by Harry Bonelli - Director of Art Education, Fredric H. Bacon - Chairman, Exhibition Committee.
Philadelphia Department of Education
Annual Spring Art Show – Presented by City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation. Certified for having achieved artistic excellence in fine arts and crafts and has been chosen to exhibit work in the 1984 show.
Philadelphia Health Management Council
School District of Philadelphia District 6 CPR Poster Contest – Philadelphia Emergency Medical Services Council of Philadelphia Health Management Council. Certificate of Recognition for promoting awareness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Germantown High School
The Dox Thrash Memorial Youth Art Exhibit – Certificate of Merit. Sponsored by Germantown High School. Funded by William Penn Foundation. Reba Dickerson Hill - Coordinator.
School District of Philadelphia
School District of Philadelphia – Special Contribution to the Communications Festival – District Six Olympians We Go for the Gold. Lionel Lauer - District Superintendent, Elizabeth A. Berry, Reading Language Arts Supervisor.
Philadelphia Department of Recreation
Lonnie Young Recreation Center – 3rd Place Gymnastics Optional Tumbling Floor Exercises Meet. 3rd Place Gymnastics Floor Exercises Tumbling District Championships. Coach Mario.
School District of Philadelphia
Sara Strickland Gavin Memorial Award – Awarded by The School District of Philadelphia for representation in the “Young Artists” exhibition presented by Harry Bonelli - Director of Art Education, Fredric H. Bacon - Chairman, Exhibition Committee.
Congratulations! Your art work which was sent by your school to the exhibition called YOUNG ARTISTS 1985 has been awarded a major prize: Sara Strickland Gavin Memorial Award.
School District of Philadelphia
Citation of Merit – Awarded by The School District of Philadelphia for representation in the “Young Artists” exhibition presented by Harry Bonelli - Director of Art Education, Fredric H. Bacon - Chairman, Exhibition Committee.
School District of Philadelphia
“Young Artists 1985” exhibition was selected by the School District of Philadelphia.
Dear David: Congratulations on your selection as an award winner in the Young Artist 1985 competition at the Museum of the Philadelphia Civic Center.
The exhibition of more than 2,000 works of art by students of the School District of Philadelphia demonstrates to the public the exciting talents, creativity and achievements of our students. Your superior work is exemplary in this regard, and we are very proud of you.
I was delighted to attend the award ceremony, thus sharing the feeling of pride with your family. The School District looks forward to your continuing successes and accomplishments in art and all of your efforts in the years ahead.
Again, my congratulations and best wishes to you. Sincerely, Constance E. Clayton
Germantown High School
National Honor Society Membership – Certified by Germantown High School Morris Witt Chapter for meeting membership requirements of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character.
The induction service is an opportunity to create enthusiam among those who have not been awakened to the importance of a complete development of their intellectual powers. Those who have been selected for membership should realize that because of their conspicuous leadership, intellectual achievements, loyalty to high ideal, they are not to be withdrawn from the “mass” and form a “class” This honor carries increased obligation, and that unusual ability entails extraordinary responsibility. They are greatest who serve most.
Germantown High School
Germantown High School – Senior Seal for Service Awarded in Recognition of Distinguished Participation In Interscholastic Competition Or To A Worthy School Activity First Award. Awarded by Doris L. Lane - Principal, Marc Knight - President of the Students Association.
Germantown High School
Germantown High School G-Pin Award in recognition of outstanding character, promotion of the ideals of the school, distinctive and valuable service to the school, and scholarship satisfactory to the committee. Awarded by Dorie L. Lane - Principal, Marc Knight - President of the Senate, Claudia B. Williams - Sponsor.
Germantown High School
Historical Honor Society Membership – Certified by Germantown High School for meeting membership requirements. Doris L. Lane - Principal, Glenn R Bardorf - Sponsor.
Germantown High School
Yearbook Staff Award (Artist) for Outstanding Achievement. Awarded by Cynthia E. Hampton - Advisor, Doris L. Lane - Administrator.
Germantown High School
High School Graduation – Member of the Senior Class with Highest Honors, Germantown High School.
Germantown High School
Art Award – Presented by Germantown High School. Walter J. Scrivens - Principal, Charles Wm. Gavin - Art Teacher.
Germantown High School
Commencement Art Award – Presented by Germantown High School. Doris L. Lane - Principal, Charles Wm. Gavin - Art Teacher.
Germantown High School
William Gavin Memorial Award – Presented by Germantown High School. Doris L. Lane - Principal, Charles Wm. Gavin - Art Teacher.
Germantown High School
Varsity Letter in Track & Field – Awarded by the Germantown High School Athletic Association. This is to certify that David Bey has been regular in attendance at practice, faithful in the observance of the rules of training, and satisfactory in scholastic work and has upheld the honor of the school in athletics.
Germantown High School Graduation
Germantown High School – The School District of Philadelphia. David Bey has completed the approved Senior High School curriculum and is therefore awarded this Diploma by the Board of Education. In Testimony Whereof: We have affixed our signatures and the seal of the said Board this 20th day of Jun, A.D. 1985. Herman Mattleman - President of the Board of Education, Constance E. Clayton - Superintendent of Schools. Walter J. Scriven - Principal.
Youth Appreciation Ceremony
Awarded by Zion Community Center and Basketball League featuring Dr. Julius Erving of the 76ers.
David Bey is a senior at Germantown High School. David is a student who has come a long way. With the help of his family, David has followed a formula of steady, diligent progress toward his goals. He has not allowed any obstacles or distractions to alter his course. David, an honor roll student, is a member of the National Honor Society and Historical Honor Society. He is the yearbook illustrator, a class representative, and a track and field team member. David's special love is art. He has won awards in many art exhibits. He will study Graphic Design at the Philadelphia College of Art in the fall. David has the right stuff to meet the competition and succeed in this field and all other endeavors that he may choose.
School District of Philadelphia
You are to be congratulated on being one of the recipients of recognition presented at the Youth Appreciation Ceremony at the Zion Baptist Church. I was especially pleased by your accomplishments at the Germantown High School.
This citation of success is a source of pride to the Germantown High School, the School District of Philadelphia and, most importantly, to you. Your recognition is a tribute to the academic and character qualities that you have exemplified.
It is an honor that you should carry with you always. I know that I join your teachers, your family and friends in being proud of your persistence and detimination, May you have continued success in your future educational endeavors.
Constance E. Clayton - Superintendent of Schools
International Art Selection
A piece of artwork from the “Young Artists 1985” exhibition was selected by the School District of Philadelphia for an exchange exhibition in Incheon, Korea (September 1986 – February 1988).
The Sister Cities of Incheon, Korea and Philadelphia are staging a special exchange exhibition of student art work. We are delighted to inform you that a piece of your work from the YOUNG ARTISTS 1985 exhibition has been selected. by a special jury to be included in this event. While the art work of the students from Incheon, Korea is being displayed in Philadelphia, your art work will be on exhibit in Korea from September 1986 through February 1988.
“It’s a pleasure to congratulate you on your many achievements and a special day to think about all the fortunes your future holds! Best wishes on your graduation and always.” – Mother and Father
University of the Arts - Dean’s List
Act 101 Program of Philadelphia College of Art for maintaining a B Average. Maria Miron - Assistant Director, Alvin W. Revell - Director.
University of the Arts – Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science of Industrial Design – By virtue of the authority vested in the Board of Trustees by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and on the recommendation of the faculty, hereby confers upon, David M Bey, the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Together with all the honors, rights and privileges pertaining thereto, In witness thereof, this document has been signed by the duly authorized officers and the President of The University, who have caused the corporate seal to be affixed.
Given at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. May 21, 1989. Dorrance H. Hamilton - Chairman, Board of Trustees, Peter Solmssen - President, Stephan Tarantal - Dean of Philadelphia College of Art & Design.
University of the Arts
The Samuel H. Grossman Annual Memorial Award for Packaging Creation and Design. David M Bey has demonstrated exceptional skill and innovation in structural and visual packaging design throughout the senior year and for a specific capstone project. The award honors excellence in the “creation and design” of packaging, focusing on how a designer balances aesthetic appeal with functional requirements like sustainability, shelf-presence, and manufacturing viability.
Awarded by Dorrance H. Hamilton - Chairman, Board of Trustees, Peter Solmssen - President, Stephan Tarantal - Dean of Philadelphia College of Art & Design, Dr. Noel Mayo – Chairman of the Industrial Design Department.
University of the Arts
Dean’s List – The Philadelphia College of Art & Design at the University of the Arts is pleased to announce that the following student, David M Bey, have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 1989 semester.
This distinction is awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement by earning a grade point average of 4.0 while completing a minimum of 18 credit hours during the term.
Inclusion on the Dean’s List reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, discipline, and intellectual engagement.
New Jersey Army National Guard
Honorary Guardsman for a Day – Unit HHC 2d BDE 50AD. Commander James A. Kilgore, Jr, CPT, AR.
New Jersey Army National Guard
Certificate of Achievement – Awarded to Specialist David M. Bey by the 50th Armored Division Artillery. Commanding George J. Blysak.
New Jersey Army National Guard
Honorary Guardsman for a Day – Unit HHC 2d BDE 50AD. Commander James A. Kilgore, Jr, CPT, AR.
New Jersey Army National Guard
Certificate of Achievement – Awarded to Specialist David M. Bey by the 50th Armored Division Artillery. Commanding George J. Blysak.
First Global Women Entrepreneurs Trade Fair
Certificate of Appreciation – Recognized as a participant in the First Global Women Entrepreneurs Trade Fair and Investment Forum in Africa, held in Accra, Ghana. Presented by Lucia Quachey and Mebo Mwaniki.
City of Philadelphia
Lifelong Learning Recognition – Awarded by the Mayor's Commission on Literacy under Mayor Edward G. Rendell and Rose M. Brandt.
National Society of American Business Owners
The Purple Heart Award – Acknowledged by the National Society of American Business Owners for contributing to the ideals of American business and service. Awarded to David Bey for taking a stand for what is Right, Honest, Honorable, and True.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
United Way Partnership Award – Presented to “Wild About the Community 1999” by PricewaterhouseCoopers for contributions to the annual campaign. Fran Van Kirk - Office Managing Partner.
PASCEP Temple University
Certificate of Appreciation: INTRODUCTION TO WORD 97 – Pan African Studies Community Education Program Temple University. Awarded by Muriel Feelings, Annie D. Hyman, Yumy Odom, and Willie Rogers.
Sekou Chinyelu Martial Arts
Martial Arts Instructor Promotion to Instructor in the Martial Arts Fighting Form Sekou Chinyelu by Grand Master Azeem Jordan.
School for Spiritual Awakening
Year of Discipleship Completion – Certified for completing the First Year Degree Program at the Institute for Divine Wisdom, School for Spiritual Awakening.
School for Spiritual Awakening
Year of Apprenticeship Completion – Certified for completing the Second Year Degree Program at the Institute for Divine Wisdom School for Spiritual Awakening.
School for Spiritual Awakening
Graduation (Mastery) – Awarded a Graduation Certificate for the “Year of Mastery” from the Institute for Divine Wisdom School for Spiritual Awakening.
Da Dao Chan Gong (DDCG)
Instructor Certificate – Certified as a Da Dao Chan Gong (DDCG) Instructor after passing examinations and acknowledged to continue cultivating extraordinary health, vital energy, and enlightenment. Presented by Grandmaster Foo.
Rockhurst University
Certificate of Completion Web Design Conference Day One – Presented by Rockhurst University of Continuing Education Center, Inc. Mark R. Truitt and Gary M. Truitt.
Rockhurst University
Certificate of Completion Web Design Conference Day Two – Presented by Rockhurst University of Continuing Education Center, Inc. Mark R. Truitt and Gary M. Truitt.
DeKalb County, Georgia
Judicial Appreciation – Recognized for jury service as a citizen of DeKalb County, GA. Awarded by Judge Barbara J. Mobley.
BOIRON USA Laboratories
Certificate of Completion – Successful completion of the online training on Homeopathic Medicines - The Basics Certified Homeopathy Specialist.
Gap’s Thai Culinary Art
Certificate of Thai Culinary Art – Thai Food Cooking, Gap’s Thai Culinary Art. Awarded by Chef Suraphol Thubtong and Chef Surasee Kerdmolee.
Gap’s Thai Culinary Art
Certificate of Thai Culinary Art – Thai Food Cooking, Gap’s Thai Culinary Art. Awarded by Chef Suraphol Thubtong and Chef Surasee Kerdmolee.
Wharton School of Business
Financial Literacy Achievement – Completed the “Bridges to Wealth” Financial Literacy Series at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania presented by Dr. Keith Weigelt.
Muck Rack Academy
Certificate of Achievement Fundamentals of Social Media. The certificate holder has been deemed skilled and certified in the fundamentals of social media. They have been tested on best practices and have demonstrated their understanding of Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram. Presented by Sree Sreenivasan - Instructor.