First Baptist Church Scholarships
Each year the First Baptist Church awards four special scholarships to graduating seniors. The scholarships are awarded to graduating church members who are actively involved in our activities and programs and who complete the scholarship application process. Don Berry, Ed Wood, and Doug McCutcheon comprise our scholarship committee. The scholarship committee and pastors Edgington, Frazier and Nantz are pleased to announce this year’s recipients on behalf of the First Baptist family:
Mr. & Mrs. Clester H. Evans, Sr. Trust
The Evans Scholarship was established 1989 by Mrs. Don (Neva) McClatchy and Clester H. (Corky) Evans in honor of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clester H. Evans, Sr. This year’s recipient is Maddy Green. Maddy is the daughter of Brad and Janie Ruth Green. She is the granddaughter of James and Linda Greathouse. Maddy has participated in mission trips and attended children’s and youth camp with our church during her school years. She was active in the NHS, Student Council, athletics, cheerleading, debate, and other UIL activities while at Olney High. Maddy is planning to attend Midwestern State to obtain a degree in nursing. In her scholarship application essay, Maddy relates:
The family atmosphere of our church has given me a desire to work at a children’s hospital when I graduate from college. In the church, the awesome families I have grown up with have shown me great love. This has led me to have childhood friends that I know will be part of my life forever. Also, the positive influences of the Christian people in my life have encouraged me to give my time for others- through my church, school, and community.
Cecil and Myrtis Womack – Lawana Penn Memorial Trust
The Cecil and Myrtis-Lawana Penn Memorial Trust was established in 1991 by Myrtis Womack in memory of her husband Cecil D. Womack and her daughter, Lawana Penn. This year’s recipient is Lance Sprague. Lance is the son of Howard and Lisa Sprague. Lance has served as an usher at FBCO for the past five years. He has been active in athletics, drama, FFA, robotics, and other UIL activities at Olney High. We are praying for God’s blessing over Lance as he pursues a Fire Science Technology degree at Blinn College and TEEX (Texans A&M Engineering Extension Service). In his application essay, Lance states:
I have been blessed by some of the very best Christians who have shown me how to love both inside and outside the church’s walls. Members of FBCO often were there for me when I was in need of love the most and this has taught me by example how to be compassionate to others. As I move away from Olney, Texas, I will never forget the impact on my life that this church has had, and I hope to spread the truth to everyone I meet.
Andrew-Foster Memorial Trust The Andrew-Foster Memorial Trust was established in 1985 by Joe and Martha Andrew in memory of their parents, Leland and Lois Andrew and Wilborn and Marie Foster. This year’s recipient is Callie Gray. Callie is the daughter of Kevin and Sonja Gray. Callie has been very active in the FBCO youth group. She is a faithful member of the Sunday School and has attended camps and youth activities during her school years. Callie has participated in marching band and golf. Callie is currently working on her C.N.A. license while working at Grace Care Center in Olney. She will be attending Vernon college to pursue her EMT certificate. Callie appreciates the ministry of FBCO in her life:
FBCO has taught me the importance of finding a church that teaches the truth about God. When you find a church that teaches the truth, you will know that you have found a good church and you can feel comfortable and safe attending.
Kay Berry Memorial Scholarship The Kay Berry Scholarship was established in 2015 by Don Berry and his children, Jeff Berry, Andy Berry, Joel Berry, and Amy White to honor the memory of their wife and mother. Mrs. Berry was the principal of Olney High School from 1993 until 2004. She also served Olney ISD as the curriculum director and test coordinator until her retirement. This year’s recipient is Celeste Rodgers. Celeste is the daughter of Del and Annette Rodgers. She is a member of the FBCO Sunday School, attended FBCO Sunday evening Bible studies, and participated in the activities at the Refuge on Wednesday nights. Celeste was involved in the NHS, band, cheerleading, softball, drama, and other UIL activities during her days at Olney High. We wish Celeste the best as she heads to Weatherford College for their Occupational Therapy program. Reflecting on her experience at FBCO, Celeste said,
Being involved in the church has changed the way I have believe and live. The people I have met at the church have showed me how to be kind and friendly and to love Christ. I have enjoyed the friendships I have made at FBCO. We have had a great time fellowshipping together, especially at CJ and McKenzie’s house. Seeing them was always the highlight of my week.
We are extremely proud of our seniors this year and wish them the very best. We are saddened that they have not been able to participate in all of the usual activities that surround graduation and the end of one’s high school career, but we trust in God and His timing in all things. We know He will use this for the good of our special graduates.