Students Discover the Meaning of Servant Leadership at
First Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical and Poster Scholarship

Excitement and anticipation filled the air as students of all ages participated in the first HTC Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical and Poster Scholarship, Tuesday, January 12. This year’s theme, "What Does it Mean to be a Servant Leader?" was taken from King’s Drum Major Instinct speech.

"After earnestly searching, and trying to find an adequate explanation. . . I've come to this conclusion. For ladies and gentlemen, this question can only be truthfully answered by those willing to serve," recited Michael Benjamin, winner of the oratorical collegiate category of the competition.

The Scholarship, open to students from pre-K through college, allowed participants to express their thoughts on the theme through a poster or oratorical submission. Cash prizes were awarded to those who won in their particular grade category and the youth were pleasantly surprised to discover that additional funding doubled each of the scholarships.

When asked why she decided to participate in the Scholarship, Deloris Pruitte said she did it because she knew some people around her that were servant leaders. "I learned that being a servant leader means that you serve other people and you don’t just have it all to yourself." Deloris was the youngest participant in the Scholarship and winner of the poster competition within her category.

"I can tell that the kids who participated put forth a lot of effort and learned a lot in the process," said Danielle Benjamin, the Scholarship coordinator. "I am so proud of them!"

Perhaps the greatest lesson learned that evening was that everyone can be a servant leader. Students shared stories about young people who were jailed for standing up for social justice, regardless of skin color. Others told of volunteers who helped to dig wells in Africa so that families could have access to clean drinking water. Even everyday servant leaders, and those who live sacrificially, were recognized as young people spoke about the ones who made an impact on their lives through their servant’s heart.

"When will the next Scholarship be?" asked one young person at the conclusion of the program – giving strong indication that next year's competition is sure to see even more participants and more scholarships awarded. Plans for next year’s competition are already underway and students are eager to find out how they can get involved.

The purpose of the Scholarship is to give students the opportunity to realize the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reflect on how his legacy continues to shape the course of history today, and recognize and give an opportunity for students to grow in their writing, artistic and communications skills as they pursue academic excellence.

Holiness Tabernacle would like to give a big congratulation to the participants and winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical and Poster Scholarship:

Group II Poster Winner – Deloris Pruitte – $50

Group III Poster Winner – Dymond Starr – $70

Group IV Poster Winner – DeAnna Pruitte – $100

Group IV Oratorical Winner – Michael Benjamin II – $200