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Walk the Word Awards 15 Scholarships at Annual Gala
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Walk the Word Church organized one of the largest
gatherings, over 600 attendees, in support of their fifth
annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, April 14, 2018. The
scholarship’s mission is to build better communities through
advancing higher education by providing generous, multi-year
awards to highly-motivated students and adults alike.
The gala could generously award 15 scholarships to
Toledo-area students, who will either begin their post-high
school education or continue their post-high school
education this fall.
The 2018 recipients: Isiah Scribner from Bowsher High
School; Alasia Jackson and Keion Devalt II from Start High
School; Ramona Stephenson and Ayden Braziel from Scott High
School; Vy’Jet Derden and Kiara Byrd from Toledo Early
College High School; Ravin Mason from Whitmer High School
and continuing education scholarships were awarded to
Michaela Perdue, Jasmine Cline, Kennedy Moody and Madison
Moody.
Scholarship recipient Ayden Braziel, is a member of Walk the
Word and after applying on-line and meeting the scholarship
requirements also encouraged his friend Ramona Stephenson to
apply for the scholarship as well. “I was surprised that I
won, and grateful to the church,” shared Braziel who plans
to enroll at Alabama A&M to study investigative science.
Ramona Stephenson plans to enroll at The Ohio State
University to study psychology and is the valedictorian of
her school. “This will help a lot. I moved to the United
States about four years ago and originally from Jamaica. My
goal is to receive at least $10,000 in scholarships for my
freshmen year. I’m grateful for this scholarship.”
Since inception, the gala has grown in the number of
supports. “Our first year, I believe 175 attended the
banquet and all the scholarship were funded by church
donations. It started as a scholarship for members, but has
grown into a community scholarship,” explained Pastor
Timothy Pettaway Sr.
“This scholarship is not for the 3.0 or 4.0 students, but
for those in the middle of the road. Those students who are
dealing with environmental obstacles or other difficult
situations. We can step in and be that buffer, that support.
The scholarship isn’t just funds, we encourage recipients to
take advantage of the entire program, which includes
resources, having someone to talk to you or even pray with
you. Our resources cover mental, spiritual and physical
well-being. The full package for today’s youth. This event
won’t be possible without our sponsors ticket sellers,
Parkway Place, and the scholarship committee. I am truly
humbled by all the support,” said Pettaway.
Pettaway and the scholarship committee would like to thank
the following 2018 sponsors and silent auction vendors. 2018
sponsors: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, African
American Patrolman’s League, Jerusalem Missionary Baptist
Church, Lucas County Children’s Services, New Leaf Group,
Inc, MJC Demolition, Inc., Ornate Marketing Group, Spirit of
Truth Gospel Singers, S.T.R.I.V.E. Toledo, The Toledo Bag
Company, Toledo Federal Credit Union, and Walk the Word
Ministry. 2018 silent auction and raffle vendors: A Love for
Memories LLC, Carpets by Otto, Cetera Advisors LCC, Imagine
Me Designs, Jack’s Men’s Wear, K’Janee Boutique, LBs Circuit
Training, RaShya Ghee Attorney at Law, RG Dezigns Printing,
Sam’s Club, Smart Money Management, Studio 32 Nine Salon
Suites and Spa, Toledo Museum of Art, and Toledo Zoo &
Aquarium.
The church was founded in 2011 by Pettaway and the
scholarship was established to provide financial assistance
to potentially exceptional students ranging from high school
graduates to adults continuing their education.
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Pastor and First Lady
Pettaway
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