By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

NAACP Orange Branch will hold the second annual NAACP Branch Scholarship Banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church located at 106 Park Street in Orange.

NAACP Vice President and Chairperson for the event Carolyn Mayfield said the students selected are from West Orange Stark High School and Little Cypress – Mauriceville High School.

“The banquet allows us to give deserving seniors who meet the requirements a scholarship,” Mayfield said.

Ruby Randle is co-chairperson for the event.

“Our ultimate goal is that every student of color receives a quality public education that prepares him or her to be a contributing member of a democracy,” according to the NAACP official website.

Guest speaker Beaumont NAACP Executive Paul Jones will speak on the importance of seeking knowledge.

“Knowledge is power,” Jones said. “I will speak on the importance of knowledge and the impact on an individual life, the importance of complete knowledge of black history and the impact on America.”

Jones also said he will speak on how seeking knowledge impacted his life.

“We are doing this to show support to children in the community,” NAACP Orange Branch President Pastor Demetrius Moffett said. “To support our kids by giving away scholarships. We, as a community, were willing to buy [championship] rings, why not scholarships?”

Tickets $25 and can be purchased by contacting Bonnie Moses 409 988-4766, Forrest Spraggins 409-330-3575, Ruby Randle 409-988-9678 or Brenda Cooks 409- 779-8219

Tickets will also be available at the door.