Investing in the Future of our Youth

							                                 Investing in the Future of our Youth
                                           by B. J. Easterling

First Row: Debbie Christy, Jeremy Jackson, Kionna Jones, Angela Shaffer, Carolyn, Davis-Byrd, Christian Jones,
Ra’Shunda Hawkins, Kendall Wilkins
Second Row: Kamaria Coleman, Ojenette Broussard, Raven Harden, Kailyn Townsend
Third Row: Alex Cole, Jeremy Cole, Jamar Bullins, Tori Holmes, Robert Simmons, Reginald Luellen

For over 30 years, Middle Baptist Church has played a major role in the investment of members who
graduate from high school, college, university, and/or vocational schools. “There is no greater investment
than investing in the seeds of our nation,” said Pastor Lester Basken, who has always been a strong
supporter of education. He further stated that, “It is our responsibility to make sure that every child who
wants to go to college has that opportunity.”

Recently 18 members were recognized and presented with a check to help fund the further pursuit of their
education/career. Those graduates were: Debbie Christy, Overton High School graduate and recipient of a
full scholarship to Jackson State University; Jeremy D. Jackson, a National Honor Society graduate of
Fairley High School will attend Lincoln University; Kionna Jones, Wooddale High School graduate will
attend The University of Tennessee-Knoxville; Christian Jones, Melrose High School Valedictorian
graduate will attend MTSU; Ra’Shunda Hawkins, Ridgeway High School graduate will attend the
University of Memphis; Kamaria Coleman, Central High School graduate will attend Xavier University;
Kailyn Townsend, Cordova High School Honor graduate will attend Vanderbilt University; Alex Cole,
White Station High School Honor graduate will attend University of Tennessee-Chattanooga; Jamar
Bullins, West Memphis High School graduate will join the Air Force; Reginald Luellen, Ridgeway High
School graduate will attend Jackson State University; Robert Simmons, Lemoyne Owen graduate
receiving the BBA degree; Tori Holmes, the University of Memphis graduate with a degree in Family
Nurse Practioner; Jeremy Cole, Presbyterian College graduate; Raven Harden, Lane College graduate;
Ojenette Broussard, Middle Tennessee State University graduate; Angela Shaffer Keller, Graduate School
of Management; Carolyn Davis-Byrd, Bethel, University graduate; and Kendall Michelle Wilkins,
University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduate.

Dr. Derrick Payne addressed the graduates. He informed them to always put God first and everything else
will fall into place. He also told them that they will not always make the top grade but to keep striving and
don’t give up.

Through a summer program, funds are provided by Middle Baptist for youths, who are members, to pay
summer employment in a professional environment. Presently, there are 28 students being paid by Middle
Baptist who are working throughout the City of Memphis. This program is coordinated by Shirley Hill
and John Cole. There are also two families with scholarships setup in memory of a deceased family
member. The Bobbie Carpenter Scholarship is to support students studying to become a teacher, and the
Keviorr Woodruff Scholarship supports any graduating high school student who is a Middle Baptist
member. Middle Baptist also provides financial support to Lemoyne Owen College. There is no doubt
that Middle Baptist Church-Whitehaven continues to investing in its future generation. Mrs. Gerri Bussell
is the Director of the Youth Ministry and Dr. Lester Basken is Pastor.