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2023 Honorary Drum Majors for Education |
Tamia and Timothy Woods Named 2023 Honorary Drum Majors of Education
Parents of Late Cybercrime Victim Launch 'Do It for James Foundation' to Combat Sextortion
Parents of Late Cybercrime Victim Launch 'Do It for James Foundation' to Combat Sextortion
The college fair planning committee is delighted to announce Tamia and Timothy Woods as this year's recipients of the prestigious title, 2023 Honorary Drum Majors of Education. The Woods family is being recognized for their tireless efforts in raising awareness about the pressing issue of sextortion and cybercrimes that are menacing today's youth. Their inspiring journey, born out of tragedy, showcases their resilience and commitment to protecting children from the perils of the digital world.
The story of the Woods family's mission began on a sunny November day, Saturday, November 19, 2022, when their beloved son, James Timothy Woods, a senior at Streetsboro High School, attended the Destination HBCU College Fair, an event that would prove to be the last happy memory his parents shared with him. The occasion featured the stirring sounds of the school band cheerleaders, Greek-lettered organizations, HBCU staff and alumni. James and his mother were inspired by the messages delivered by Event Coordinator Anthony Brown and Congresswoman Shontel Brown. Little did mom know that this would be the final day she would embrace her son and discuss his college aspirations. Tragically, later that same day, James, an innocent 17-year-old, fell victim to a devastating cybercrime, resulting in the loss of his life. Following James's passing, his grieving parents, Tamia and Timothy Woods, initiated the "Do It for James Foundation" in his memory. The foundation's primary mission is to educate parents and children about the dangers of sextortion and cybercrimes targeting today's youth. Since its inception, the foundation has made remarkable strides in spreading awareness about sextortion, participating in various documentaries and news interviews, delivering presentations at schools and community events, and even creating a Sextortion Tip Card to help children navigate through challenging situations, as James did. Tamia Woods shared her reflection on this journey, saying, "Starting with a day of smiles ended with a day of sorrow; however, through it all, we still found a way to push on through." She and Timothy Woods, haven been now thrust into a life-altering experience, have embraced a second assignment: ensuring that all children are provided with the opportunities of hope, courage, and empowerment. Much like a marching band's drum major, the Woods family has taken the lead, standing as the first line of defense against the insidious threat of sextortion and cybercrimes. As advocates of this injustice, they are now taking that first significant step to lead the way, marching with precision, pride, and determination. Their mission is to remind everyone they encounter to keep moving forward even when the music stops. Tamia and Timothy Woods have emphasized, "We do not take this selection lightly. With the memory and legacy of James Timothy Woods, and the support of Destination HBCU College Fair, we will keep marching with our heads held high. We will continue to encourage the youth to never give up while spreading love, awareness, and a legacy of excellence to those we encounter on our path in life." The recognition of Tamia and Timothy Woods as the 2023 Honorary Drum Majors of Education is a testament to their unwavering commitment to protecting children from the dangers of cybercrimes and sextortion. Through their efforts, they have transformed tragedy into a powerful force for change, marching to the a new beat to make the digital world a safer place for the youth of today and tomorrow. |
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