$30,000 in scholarships announced at MLK banquet

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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More than 400 attended the 24th annual Martin Luther King Awards and Scholarship Banquet in Fort Smith, during which approximately $30,000 in scholarships were awarded.

The event, held Jan. 16, was moved to the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Karen James, event chairwoman, said UAFS officials were “kind enough” to support moving the growing event.

Next year will be the 25th MLK Awards Banquet and plans have already been started for the silver anniversary. Dr. Paul Beran, UAFS Chancellor, said the banquet will be held at the Stubblefield Center next year, as they have outgrown once again their location.

The committee knows they are doing a good deed, because the scholarships will help several young people. They want to give those deserving a chance to "live their dream and make the most of it,” James explained. Her son, Thomas James, is a past recipient and now serves on the planning committee. 

“It’s rewarding to see the students we help, but it’s not about money, really. It’s about what these people have actually given, service-wise, to the community and what they have done to further history,” James said.

Applicants for scholarships send in an application along with an essay. Winners are based upon grade point average, community service and the essay. This year the committee received 16 applications and five were rewarded with the MLK scholarship. 

Other scholarships given out at the banquet were Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, McGill Brothers Scholarship, George Fisher Scholarship (Juneteenth Committee), Lincoln High School Alumni Association, P.H.A. Masonic Family AR Jurisdiction Scholarship, Billye Jo Carter Scholarship (Young Ladies Social Club), University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, Lawrence Tidwell Scholarship, and Janis Rogers Living Legacy Scholarship (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority).

In an effort to broaden or expand the banquet, Karen James invited other groups within the community that are seeking to present scholarships or awards to come and join their presentation banquet next year.

LIST OF RECIPIENTS:
• Pepsi Cola Bottling Company: Courtney Knights (Sallisaw High School) and Ariana Wright (Muldrow High School), both attending Carl Albert State College

• McGill Brothers Scholarship: Tanika Zeasley, attending UAFS

• George Fisher Scholarship (Juneteenth Committee): Jade Novak (Northside High School), attending the University of Arkansas

• P.H.A. Masonic Family Arkansas Jurisdiction Scholarship: Charles A. Carter (Northside High School), attending the UA

• Billye Jo Carter Scholarship (Young Ladies Social Club): Melonie Simpson (Northside High School), attending the UA

• University of Arkansas at Fort Smith: Monica Johnson, attending UAFS

• Lawrence Tidwell Scholarship: Melonie Simpson (Northside High School), attending the UA

• Lincoln High School Alumni Association Scholarship: Tanisha Kyarra Johnson, Muhammad Brown, and Floyd James Titsworth

• Janis Rogers Living Legacy Scholarship (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority): Jade Novak, attending the UA, and DeAdrian Hinkle, attending UAFS

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship: Molly K. Boyd (Southside High School), attending University of Central Arkansas; Jasmine Kirkwood (Roland High School), attending Carl Albert State College; Breanna Deere (Muldrow High School), attending UAFS; DeAdrian Hinkle (Northside High School), attending UAFS and Mayra Salazar (Sallisaw High School), attending Oklahoma State University

• Golden Hands Awards: Darrell Taylor and Phillip Merry, Jr.