a few words from Toy McCray The International Chapter of P.O.E.T (People of Extraordinary Talent) would like to offer you heartfelt, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! By supporting this volume of the P.O.E.T (People of Extraordinary Talent) Anthology assemblage of writings - ETCHED IN STONE: WORDS BEYOND THE STAGE, VOL V, you honor and partner with us, in our efforts to use our gifts to give back. The members represented in this volume offer you an inside glimpse into their world. This is where they draw upon the will to help others at all cost. We turn our words into action by visiting juvenile detention centers, feeding and clothing those in need, assisting with the Special Olympics, Mentoring at public schools and community centers, even assisting surviving families of widespread violence and financial despair, which has become a nationwide epidemic. The Tyrone Hawthorne Cancer Scholarship Foundation is our pride and joy. The scholarship is awarded to Select Senior graduates of Urban Prep High School (Chicago) to encourage their future academic endeavors. Your support helps us to continue this annual blessing. As the Vice President of P.O.E.T. (People of Extraordinary Talent), my goal is to continually develop and enhance the policies and objectives of the organization. Our leadership works hand in hand with membership to ensure that our goals to make a difference, support the community and to uplift our youth (our investment in the future) is implemented daily. The services that we offer and the programs that we support are integral to the building of self-esteem in young people. Our membership has an ever-expanding reach from local to national to worldwide. We continue to build relationships, partnerships and alliances with other individuals and organizations with the same focus, vision and work ethic. Each member is a beacon of light worldwide searching for those who desire this type of philanthropy. Building Health and Human Services that will bring awareness