The Journal: News of the Churches of God

Bible Sabbath Association announces scholarship winners

GILLETTE, Wyo.--Donald Ward of Hawkins, Texas, chairman of the scholarship-selection committee for the Bible Sabbath Association, in April announced winners of the BSA scholarships for would-be college students for 1999.

Ralph Levy of Plano, Texas, and June Narber Harrison of Raleigh, N.C., also served as judges. Richard Nickels of Gillette is president of the BSA.

Scholarship winners were Kristin Ann Johnston of Claremore, Okla., first place and a $750 scholarship; Heather Kemp of Maylene, Ala., second place, $250 scholarship, Nicole Ostrum of Independence, Mo., third place; and Kevin Blackston of Mauk, Ga., fourth place.

"This year's applicants are outstanding," said Dr. Ward, a member of the council of elders of the United Church of God, an International Association. "My congratulations and commendations to the Bible Sabbath Association for making this scholarship program available to the youth."

Kristin Johnston, 18, ranks first in her class of 268 high-school students. She is active in youth activities for the Church of God (Seventh Day) and wants to attend Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., to become a teacher.

Heather Kemp, 18, attends Rhodes College, Memphis, Tenn., majoring in psychology and English and will possibly minor in religion.

Nicole Ostrum, 18, wants to attend St. Louis University and major in physical therapy. She attends the Living Church of God.

Kevin Blackston, 16, is a home-schooled high-school junior who attends the United Church of God. He plans to attend Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Ga., and major in telecommunications and radio broadcasting.

As part of the scholarship-application process, applicants wrote a brief autobiography and answered the question, "How can a young adult go through higher education and maintain his or her belief in, and practice of, the Bible Sabbath?"

Some of the essays were reprinted in The Sabbath Sentinel, a free magazine published by the BSA, 3316 Alberta Dr., Gillette, Wyo. 82718, U.S.A. E-mail the BSA at giveshare.org, or phone (307) 686-5191.

"Reading their essays brought tears to my eyes," said Mr. Nickels. "I had thought that this scholarship program was to assist our Sabbath-keeping youth. And it does. But I never realized how much inspiration an adult can receive by seeing these fine young men and women and having a small part in encouraging them to do their best."

Mr. Nickels received Dr. Ward's E-mail announcing the winners in March on the day of the Littleton, Colo., high-school shooting.

"We need more young people like the ones who applied for the BSA scholarships," said Mr. Nickels. "Will we adults do our part in obtaining this goal?"

A new slate of BSA officers, to be elected and take office in the third quarter of 1999, will decide whether the scholarship program will continue.

"Part of that decision will hinge on the level of financial support for the BSA Scholarship Fund," said Mr. Nickels.

Donations (tax-deductible in the United States) to the BSA for the scholarship fund go entirely toward the scholarships.

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