Scholarship Criteria and Preferences
In general, scholarship candidates will have definite plans to be classified as full-time students in the summer or fall semester of the year in which the scholarship is awarded. An introduction to each scholarship and specific criteria in order of priority are listed below:
The Bradley and Margaret Williams Scholarship
Bradley and Margaret Williams were raised in east Laurel County, and always had a strong interest in education. Both attended Sue Bennett Memorial School (later known as Sue Bennett College), and it was there that they met. Bradley was an elementary school teacher early in his career, and continued an interest in education after his marriage to Margaret. Margaret was a homemaker who dedicated herself to her family, her church, and various civic organizations. While they did not have children of their own, they encouraged and enabled many of their nieces and nephews to continue their pursuit of higher education.
In order to be considered as a scholarship candidate for the Margaret and Bradley Williams Scholarship, the student must:
· Have made a commitment to Christ;
· Be a member of First Baptist Church; or be an active participant in the life of First Baptist
Church as his or her primary family of faith;
· Be a rising first-year undergraduate who will be classified as a full-time student in the fall semester of the current year.
The Alma and Cannon Williams Scholarship
Alma and Cannon Williams did not have children of their own, but had a deep love of children and wanted to see them use their God-given abilities. It was important to Alma and Cannon that children have access to schools and materials in order to further their education. It is known that before Alma was married, she provided funding for at least two young girls to receive schooling; one became a nurse and the other, a beautician. After they married, Alma and Cannon provided tutors for several children who were having difficulties in school, as well as books and clothing to help raise their self-image. No one was surprised that the last will and testament of Alma Williams provided for an educational scholarship to be awarded in their name.
The Wentz and Pauline Reasor Scholarship
Before her death in November 2001, Pauline Reasor established the Wentz and Pauline Reasor scholarship in memory of her late husband and to honor their life together. Mr. and Mrs. Reasor were long-time, active members of First Baptist Church, with Mr. Reasor serving as church treasurer for many years.
The Lula and Madison B. Cornn Scholarship
The Madison and Lula Cornn Scholarship was established by Marie C. Leonhardt in memory of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Cornn were long-time, active members of First Baptist Church. The scholarship fund is one of the many ways that the trust established by Mrs. Leonhardt, a resident of Louisville, KY until her death in December of 2003 will continue to support First Baptist Church.
In order to be considered as a scholarship candidate for the Alma and Cannon Williams Scholarship, the Wentz and Pauline Reasor Scholarship, or the Lula and Madison B. Cornn Scholarship, the student must:
· Have made a commitment to Christ;
· Be a member of First Baptist Church or be an active participant in the life of First Baptist Church as his or her primary family of faith;
· Be a rising first-year undergraduate who will be classified as a full-time student in the fall semester of the current year.
The Jayne and John Dunaway Scholarship
The Jayne and John Dunaway Scholarship was established in their honor by members and friends of First Baptist Church. Dr. John Dunaway served as pastor from 1970 to 1995. While at First Baptist Church, Dr. Dunaway served in many capacities of denominational life, including a term on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention and a term as president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Baptist Housing Incorporated and the John Dunaway Family Life Center were constructed during his tenure.
In order to be considered as a scholarship candidate for the Jayne and John Dunaway Scholarship, the student must:
· Have made a commitment to Christ;
· Be a member of First Baptist Church or be an active participant in the life of First Baptist Church as his or her primary family of faith;
· Be a rising first-year undergraduate who will be classified as a full-time student in the fall semester of the current year. With preference given to:
· A pastoral ministry student; or
· A mission and/or ministry student.
The Laverna Asbridge Scholarship
Phyllis and E.R. Hopper and Tony and Portia Asbridge established the Laverna Asbrige Scholarship Fund in memory of Phyllis' and Tony's mother. Laverna Asbridge was a faithful and beloved member of First Baptist Church, who was actively involved in Sunday School and mission circles.
In order to be considered as a scholarship candidate for the Laverna Asbridge Scholarship, the student must:
· Have made a commitment to Christ;
· Be a member of First Baptist Church or be an active participant in the life of First Baptist Church as his or her primary family of faith;
Be a rising first-year undergraduate who will be classified as a full-time student in the fall semester of the current year. With preference given to:
· A mission student; or
· A ministry student.
The Cecil and Rebecca Hayes Scholarship
Betty and Burnell Thurman established the Cecil and Rebecca Hayes scholarship in memory of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes were faithful members of First Baptist Church for many years. Mr. Hayes sang in the sanctuary choir for 77 years, was actively supportive of various mission projects, and served on numerous committees. Mr. Hayes was awarded a 50-year Sunday School pin, in commemoration of fifty years of perfect attendance!
In order to be considered as a scholarship candidate for the Cecil and Rebecca Hayes Scholarship, the student must:
· Have made a commitment to Christ;
· Be a member of First Baptist Church or be an active participant in the life of First Baptist Church as his or her primary family of faith
· With preference given to:
· A music ministry student;
· A student attending Georgetown College, Carson-Newman University, The University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College,) or Clear Creek Baptist Bible College; or an undergraduate music major.
