Osgood Shootout Scholarships Awarded for 2021

While tournament games were not possible for a second year, Coach Darwin Shaw has announced six 2021 scholarships from the Osgood Shootout Basketball Tournament.

“I praise you Lord for using me and allowing the Osgood tradition to continue,” Coach Shaw said.

“New England’s Biggest Summer Men’s Basketball Tournament,” has long been known for spirited competition and for bringing the community together at an event that has featured some of the most notable players in basketball. The Tournament, which raises funds for scholarships, has been held at New Britain High School.

While the Tournament games could not occur again this year, Coach Shaw said that, “the main purpose of the Oz is to raise scholarship money for recent New Britain High School graduates.”

“Over the years, eighty-eight scholarships including the Albert A. Vieira scholarships have been awarded,” Coach Shaw said. “Thank you to all of the sponsors that have continued to donate even though there hasn’t been any basketball for the past two years.”

“Here are the recipients that will receive $500 scholarships and their bios for the 29th Annual Osgood Shootout,” Coach Shaw has announced.

• Rozalynn Kennedy Smith is salutatorian of the New Britain High School Class of 2021. While at NBHS, she was a member of the African American Club, the indoor and outdoor varsity track and field teams and the Golden Hurricanes Marching Band. She plans to major in bioengineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University. Rozalynn is the daughter of Shawanda Jackson.
• Denzell Barnett, an honors student in the NBHS Class of 2021, played basketball, was on the track team and played for the football team. He plans to major in exercise science at American International College, where is plans to be on the football team. Denzell is the son of Marilyn Landrau and Amayr Barnett.
• Isyss Blanco is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and the NBHS Class of 2021. She studied with the NBHS Health Academy and was on the track and field team. She plans to major in human biology at Central Connecticut State University. Isyss is the daughter of Carlos Blanco.
• Isyss Timmons, a member of the National Honor Society, is a member of the NBHS Class of 2021. She was a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams, the cane-ettes and the varsity soccer team. She plans to major in neuroscience at the University of Rhode Island. Isyss is the daughter of Dianette Martinez and Reginald Timmons.
• Faith Dowou is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and the NBHS Class of 2021. He played for the soccer team, was a member of the track team and volunteered for the New Britain Summer Music Workshop. He plans to major in finance at the University of Connecticut. Faith is the son of Kodjo Dowou and Delali Sewonou.
• Jahai Porcher is a member of the NBHS Class of 2021. He was a member of the Golden Hurricanes Marching Band, after playing for the New Britain Jr. Canes and AAU Basketball. He plans to major in criminal justice at Tunxis Community College. Jahai is the son of Sandra and Christopher Porcher.

“My message to the recipients,” said Coach Shaw. “Strive to fulfill your dreams and make your family and our community proud of you as you enter the next chapter of your life. Be blessed and trust God on your journey.”