Lemonds Memorial Scholarship helps 13 with furthering their education

Thirteen individuals were chosen as recipients for the 2009-2010 Lemonds Scholarship, which was established in 1986 to honor Homer and Dolah Lemonds for service and association work in the Black River Baptist Association.

Since the establishment, 138 scholarships have been awarded to high school graduates, which totaled more than $109,500 in funds.

Recipients for the 2009-2010 year include, Charles Adams III, of Senath First Baptist; Mallory Blanchard, of Senath Faith Baptist; Caleb Cole, of Malden First Southern Baptist; Tyler Daugherty, of Bragg City First Baptist; Jacob DeProw, of Gideon First Baptist; Kelsey Estes, of Varner River Baptist; Ben Fuller, of Varner River Baptist; Jennifer Holloway, of Senath First Baptist; Jeremy Hughes, of Ely Baptist; Rebecca Hutchinson, of Hornersville First Baptist; Steven A. Matthews, of Malden First Southern Baptist; Chelsea Nelson, of Ely Baptist; and Joshua Simpson, of Stanfield Baptist.

The scholarship was established by Christine Lemonds and the late Ronald (R.E.) Lemonds, who are the primary contributors by giving the first $500 and $2 to every dollar given to the scholarship. All of the funds donated go towards the scholarships because no donated funds are used for expenses.

Additional funding is provided by churches in the Black River Baptist Association, the Lemonds Reunion Association, several family members, and individuals and businesses. Churches contributing to the fund include, Stanfield Baptist, Ely Baptist, Shady Grove Baptist, Kennett First Baptist, Senath First Baptist, Tallapoosa First Baptist, Cardwell First Baptist, Southside Baptist, Malden First Southern Baptist, Bragg City Baptist, and Senath Faith Baptist.

Recipients for the award must meet certain criteria including, being a member of a Baptist Church in the Black River Baptist Association, maintaining superior grades throughout their high school career, participating in church and school activities, demonstrating leadership qualities, and exhibiting financial need.