WS Chronicle

Two members of the First Waughtown Baptist Church (FWBC) Teens of Purpose (ToP) college/career preparatory ministry were among eight scholarship recipients in the 21st annual Martin Luther King Social Action Committee (MLK-SAC) Oratorical Contest held on Saturday, Jan. 29. Each of the contestants addressed the theme No More Business as Usual. The contest was hosted by Mills Homes Baptist Church, Baptist Children’s Homes of N.C. in Thomasville.

Nailah Carter, a junior at Atkins High School, captured 1st place and the $3,500 Deboy Beamon Scholarship, along with the $350 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Joyce Torrence Memorial Poise Award. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thurmond (Brandie) Carter. In addition to being a member of ToP at First Waughtown, Nailah sings in the youth choir. A Crosby Scholar, she is interested in science and biotechnology, music, and cheerleading, and is considering attending UNC-Chapel Hill, Iowa State University, or Georgia Tech when she graduates from high school next year.

Kabari Walker, son of Min. Carmenita Frazier, is a senior at East Forsyth High School. He was awarded 4th place and the $2,250 Dr. W. E. Banks Memorial Scholarship as well as the $400 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Technology & Innovative Award. In last year’s competition, Kabari won the $1,500 Ebony Alpha Ebony Scholarship. Kabari is also a member of the FWBC music ministry.  At East Forsyth, he is a leader for Crosby Scholars, the drum section of the marching band, and involved in other student activities. He plans to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, in the fall where he plans to major in marketing and minor in music.

First Waughtown Baptist Church is located at 838 Moravia Street. Dr. Dennis W. Bishop is senior pastor.

Dr. George B. Jackson, president of United Cornerstone University in Thomasville, is founder and chairman of the MLK-SAC, Inc. Dr. Pamela Jackson, vice president for academic affairs at the university, is the MLK dean of students for the oratorical competition. Since the contest began, the organization has awarded more than $190,000 in scholarships to high school juniors and seniors.