By Delanda S. Johnson/Special to HCN
On Saturday, February 28, the Henderson County Black History Committee held its annual scholarship banquet at the Malakoff Community/Senior Center, honoring 16 scholarship recipients from around Henderson County.
Scholarship winners included: Richard Moore, Athens; Chad Head, Athens; Kourtney Hazelip, Cross Roads; Amber Spence, Cross Roads; La’Nisha Boggas, Trinidad; Sha’Kivia Eldridge, LaPoynor; Taylor Peebles, Eustace; Savannah Meider, Malakoff; Ashley Hernandez, Malakoff; Marcus Dowell, Malakoff; Hayley Thomas, Malakoff; Sierra Perez, Malakoff; Alexis Jones, Malakoff; Kimberly Greenfield, Malakoff; Alissa Brown, Malakoff; Traci Talbert, Malakoff.
The event was hosted by committee members Ms. Sumiko Hart-Hogg and Mrs. QueShena Dowell with the congregation singing the National Negro Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” led by Mr. Chris Baker.
Rev. Haywood Thomas gave the Invocation and greetings from the City of Malakoff was given by Mayor Pro-Tem Mr. Timmy Trimble in the absence of Mayor Delois Pagitt. Judge Randy Daniel expressed a warm welcome from the City of Athens.
The evening moved on with special presentation to faithful members of the HCBHC. President Rev. Joey Baggett spoke kind word about each of the members.
The first award went to Mr. Al Gusner for his Dedicated Service to the Henderson County Black History Committee. “Mr. Gusner is a man who work hard to help endlessly trying to educate children. Mr. Gusner gives his time and financial aid toward our efforts to give scholarship to the Henderson County area High School seniors,” said Rev. Baggett.
The next three awards were presented to Mrs. Rosie M. Trimble, Mrs. Gloria Glaspie, and Mrs. Lois Wright for their Lifetime Achievement to the HCBHC.
“There are not enough words that can be spoken about these three wonderful ladies. They are pioneers who have been with this committee since is was organized. They were there to see that students receive recognition for their accomplishment there were normally not recognized.These three ladies through their time, efforts, and financial aid made sure that all students received a scholarship,” said Rev. Baggett.
The speaker for the evening was KISX Hot 107.3 Jamz Home of the Steve Harvey Show Shani Scott from Tyler. Ms. Scott addressed the students at the banquet with its theme: “A Century Of Black Life, History, and Culture.”
“I want the thank you for taking part in this scholarship program for this is easiest scholarship that you can receive. I read over your essays and each of you did a magnificent job. As we look at the theme, you will see that this doesn’t effect just black life, it effects white life, German life, Irish life, etc., it is deep rooted into all of our lives,” said Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott wanted the students to know that as they enter college be open to other cultures and their history.
“Don’t be afraid to ask question if there is something you don’t understand. This is how we learn about each other, by asking questions. As you pressure new and different opportunities know that education should be your major focus, understanding and learning new things are next, and communication with others is a must. Believe in yourself and have faith in yourself that is the key,” said Ms. Scott.
Achievement Award to Ms. Keitha Ray who accepted in her absence.
Achievement Award at the HCBHC Scholarship banquet.
Achievement Award at the HCBHC Scholarship banquet.
his award. Mr. Gusner challenged everyone to save their spare change in a bucket to
help the HCBHC Scholarship fund. He donated $500 that he had saved to the HCBHC
Scholarship fund.
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night. February 28th.