Some of God’s works and fruits through Manners First
- 2003: Received Best Practices in Education Award and Most Innovative Grant Writer Award from MBNA.
- 2004 and 2005: Team Manners First, an after-school boys’ group formed by Clayton for students at-risk and/or with disabilities, was awarded the Leadership Award by Delaware’s Secretary of Education.
- 2007: Received two Respect Awards at William Penn High School for creating innovative initiatives and contests to improve the respect level at the school.
- 2007: Received the Learning Award for initiating College/Career Learning After School for Seniors (C.L.A.S.S.), an innovative program to assist seniors with college admissions and scholarship assistance, career and job placement (The WILL WORK! initiative!), and financial literacy and economic empowerment. The C.L.A.S.S. initiative was instrumental in assisting William Penn’s senior class to set a school record for the highest number of scholarships and financial aid awards.
- 2008: New book Manners First G.I.F.T.S.
- 2008: New College Admissions, Scholarships and Awards.
- 2008: Initiated and developed a school career center at Christiana High School.
2008 Testimonials on Manners First
"...not I, [or Manners First] but the grace of God which [is with us all]" 1 Corinthians 15:10.
Thank you Manners First Education Foundation for providing coats for both me and my daughter. "I really like the coats and I really like your help.” CHS Student
"Dear Manners First Education Foundation- Mr. Pedro Viera, Thank you for the gift card. I am proud that my writing could have a positive impact on my community. I thank you for the opportunity you have given me.” CHS student
Note: Mr. Pedro Viera is an advisor to Manners First Education Foundation and works as an Assistant Vice President with PNC Bank of Delaware
"Thank you [Manners First Education Foundation] for all of this information. This is wonderful. When my son was at Christiana, I never received any of this information. What a help. Thanks for all of your help. Have a great summer." A parent at CHS
"Thought you’d be interested to know one of the [student from the Will Work event today] beat me here [Macys] for an on the spot interview today and there were 5 more guys after that!" Mary Ann Sapp, Macy’s Human Resource Manager
2007 Testimonials on Manners First
" … I know Mr. Washington as a talented educator with a sense of dedication regardless of the difficulty of the task. Clayton possesses all of the attributes to be a successful instructional leader. Highest among these are integrity, intelligence, and sensitivity. As an aspiring administrator, he is dedicated to his profession and motivated to accept new challenges. I endorse his candidacy, confident that he will be an asset to any administrative staff that he joins." Director of Schools, Colonial School District
" Clayton demonstrated the ability to lead on a variety of levels. He was an outstanding member of the William Penn administrative team who successfully worked with the guidance staff. Clayton’s desire to go above and beyond reflects his passion for helping students succeed. For example, he coordinated and planned an after school program for seniors at which seniors applied and interviewed with admission officers from several local colleges and universities. This was a one of a kind event held on site at the school, that afforded many students the opportunity to apply for college and for scholarships; some students were even granted admission on the spot. The success of this program was in large part due to Clayton’s initiative and commitment to students." William Penn High School Principal
" I am a Christian, mother, grandmother, and educator. I see Mr. Washington as a man of God. He is a visionary for the educational field with purpose, integrity, and commitment to all students." Mrs. Juanita Redic
"I would like to recognize Mr. Clayton Washington, student advisor at William Penn for his support of these students. I’ve had the privilege of working with Mr. Washington on various projects and initiatives around the State, and in my opinion he is dedicated and talented professional. Being a reserved gentleman, he would probably downplay all of his contributions—but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge him." George P. Tilson, Jr. Ed.D., Director of the Reaching Higher for Student Success Initiative
