WS Chronicle

Every year the Minister’s Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity (MCWSV) gives away thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school seniors seeking to further their education at institutions of higher learning. 

This year the conference gave away an unprecedented 15 scholarships to area youth in a service held on June 29 at St. John C.M.E. Church.

The service was reminiscent of a traditional Sunday service with the focus on the young people.  During the service Rev. Charolette Leach, associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, gave a wonderful appeal to the scholarship recipients about the importance of getting a good education. 

Council Member Denise “D.D.” Adams delivered the message during the service.  Her message of never giving up was well received by everyone in attendance.  She says she wanted to let them know that even when things get tough, all is not lost.

“Even though they think they are just going off to college, they need to recognize that they need to be a part of the world,” Adams said.  “They also need to know that the world doesn’t revolve around them; they are the world.”

“I want them to understand that this is just part of their journey and it will always continue,” she went on to say.  There will be peaks and valleys, but things will always work out.”

Following Adams’ message was the presentation of the scholarships by Bishop Todd. L. Fulton of Mt. Moriah Outreach Center.  Mr. Ernie Pitt, Chronicle publisher emeritus; Council Member James Taylor, current Chronicle publisher; and MCWSV President Rev. Dr. Lamonte Williams gave the kids kind remarks letting them know that everyone is rooting for their success going forward. 

Dr. Williams said he felt the service turned out very well.  He says it is always a great day when the conference can help the youth in furthering their education.

“Education is important and these are the future contributors and change agents for our community and city,” Williams said.  “We had a record breaking number of African-American male applicants and I am extremely happy about that.  It speaks to the hope in our African-American community that our young black males do have a desire for education, and that deserves to be highlighted.”

Bishop Fulton added,  “This was absolutely amazing to have 15 students that we are invested in that will bring us a return on our investment by becoming productive citizens in our society.  I think it’s phenomenal to give out a record number of scholarships but with ‘45’ [President Donald Trump] in office, we are definitely going to have to look out for our own village.”

The scholarship recipients and families were very appreciative of the scholarships they received from the conference. 

Tirrezz Mitchell Hudson, a scholarship recipient, said he was very appreciative to the conference for the scholarship because every little thing helps when it comes to paying tuition.  He says he plans to use the money for books and food during his freshman year.

Another scholarship recipient, Jayvon Darius Boyer, said, “I am so thankful to the conference because I played sports but I didn’t get a scholarship because I was hurt my whole senior year, so to go to get this scholarship from the Ministers’ Conference was so helpful.”

“I am very blessed and I am very thankful for this because I actually was not getting any scholarships in the beginning,” said Zaria Lontae Smith, scholarship recipient.  “I plan to use this money for books and to put toward tuition because this tuition is high.”

To close out the service, Rev. Alvin Carlisle, pastor of Exodus Baptist Church and president of the local NAACP chapter, said he was proud of the young people and was happy to be a part of advancing their education.  He says their prayers are with the students moving forward. 

The scholarship winners were as follows; Cassius Lee Adams Jr., Jaylen Maxwell Bailey, Jayvon Darius Boyer, Nazia Antonette Brown, Jada Alexis Dove, Jasmine Alia Dove, Sierra Najae-Lynn Emmerson, Jordan Earl Griffin, Tirrezz Mitchell Hudson, Jaylen Bernice Jeffreys, Cameron King, JaLisa Kweh-Nah Lumpkin, Amani Jasmine McMillan, Zaria Lontae Smith, Tierra Alisia Todd.