The Utah Jazz, in conjunction with the Salt Lake branch of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), recently presented college student Detralius R. Cooks with the Larry H. Miller Youth Scholarship.  The presentation was made Monday, January 21 during an annual NAACP Martin Luther King Day luncheon.  On hand to present the award were Randy Rigby, president of the Utah Jazz, and Jeanetta Williams, president of the NAACP Salt Lake Branch.  Funding for the $1,000 scholarship was provided by Larry H. Miller Charities. 

Cooks, who is 18, graduated from Copper Hills High School in May of 2007 with a 3.3 grade point average, while taking Advanced Placement courses.  He served as president of the NAACP youth council for two years.  During his term, the chapter distributed backpacks to children in need, aided the homeless, participated in voter registration and gathered supplies for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Cooks enjoys running and was once a member of the Utah Flames track club, where he competed in the 200 meter and 400 meter races.  He speaks Spanish, and in his spare time, likes to play basketball.  Cooks worked at Citadel Broadcasting for two years before leaving to attend Southern Utah University, where he is currently majoring in communications.  

The Utah Jazz has presented youth scholarships at the NAACP Salt Lake Branch’s Martin Luther King Day luncheon for the past 10 years.  Larry H. Miller Charities focuses its contributions on programs and nonprofit organizations that benefit youth.