The 22nd annual Walter A. and Earnestine Myles Scholarship Banquet was held August 1 at the Pearson Sports Complex and Civic Center in Pearson. The theme was “We Have Victory in Education”.
Recipients of the 2026 W.A. and Earnestine Myles Scholarship are Jamari Clayton (Atkinson County), Jasmine Fernandez (Coffee County), Santana Green (Bacon County), Briana Harmon (Appling County), Kanya Hughes (Atkinson County), Will McIntosh (Pierce County), Imani Pouncey (Long County), Olivia Sanders (Ware County), Jazmyne Scott (Pierce County), Noah Scott (Pierce County), Rebekah Sirmans (Long County), Kendre Standley (Ware County) and Takigan Stevens (Wayne County). All recipients were awarded $320 in scholarship funds and were presented with a certificate of achievement. Sutton made the presentations.
Afterwards, a new scholarship had its debut. The Owl Care Scholarship is under the leadership of chief executive officer Tonya Davis of Jacksonville, President Melisha Hicks of Blackshear and board members Kevin Davis, Keith Myles and Trenichia Davis, all of Jacksonville. The 2026 recipients of the scholarship are Cayla Martin of Screven and Jaylen Summerbell of Jacksonville. Both received $500. The Owl Scholarship will be given to Florida, Georgia and Tennessee college students.
The Myles’ daughter, Masterbuilder Ardrelle Myles Sutton was the featured speaker for the banquet. She encouraged all the youth to know God as their personal Savior, to stay humble, to always grasp and achieve higher goals and to never settle for less.
The service was brought to order by Sutton. Sutton served as the mistress of ceremonies. She led the opening song “Come Along My Friends, Come Along”.
An electrifying prayer followed, rendered by Elder Kelton Smith Sr. of Jacksonville, grandson of the Myles. The program continued with welcome addresses by Caleb Myles of Jacksonville, also a grandson of the Myles, Mayor Jason Joyner of Pearson and Mayor Donte Griffin of Willacoochee. Mayor Joyner presented the Myles family with a plaque from the city. School Superintendent Melissa Wilbanks and Sheriff David Moore were not able to attend, but sent regards. As the program progressed, the Myles’ grandson, Keith Myles of Jacksonville, read the occasion.
Every year, the Myles family recognizes educators and community servants and dedicates a souvenir booklet to them. Honorees for 2026 are Dr. Calandra Holmes (principal), Shirley Cooper (teacher and principal), Rose Bell (retired teacher), Dorothy Harris (retired paraprofessional), Elder Clyde Andrews (retired custodian), Jeanette Johnson (retired city clerk) and Anita Jeffrey (administrative assistant). The honorees all received an honor of dedication certificate, a trophy and a copy of the souvenir booklet. Elder Jacqueline Wallace of Blackshear, the Myles’ daughter, made the presentation along with Sutton.
The memorial torch was lighted by the Myles’ great-great grandson Carter Myles of Hilliard. The Myles family then rendered a selection, “He’s An On Time God, Yes He Is” led by Elder Kelton Smith Sr.
Next was the offering, which was collected by Keith Myles and the Myles' son-in-law, Larry Sholston of Waycross. Sutton gave the offertory prayer and a congregational song “Hold on a Change is Coming” was offered. The floor was then opened to receive comments about Professor and Mrs. Myles from past students and co-workers.
Recognition was given to both current and retired employees of the Atkinson County School System. They were asked to stand and a round of applause was given for their dedication to education. All were given a certificate of honor. The oldest educator, the Rev. Bobby Harris of Willacoochee, was presented a trophy. The Rev. Harris is a retired bus driver.
Sutton gave words of appreciation to those in attendance and to those who supported the W.A. and Earnestine Myles Scholarship Fund.
The Myles Family sang the tribute song “Praise the Lord”, led by the Myles’ son, Bishop Frank Myles. Bishop Myles also offered the grace. Elder Joyce Moore, the Myles’ daughter, gave the benediction.
The congregation enjoyed a delicious meal of spaghetti, tossed salad, string beans, rolls, cake and Kool Aid.
Music was performed by drummer HerRonn Sutton of Savannah, lead guitarist Isaac Styles and keyboardist Isaiah Styles, both of Douglas, guitarist Daniel Scott of Metter and bass guitarist Jalen Williams.
The 2027 program will be held in Ware County. The scholarship fund is in memory of the late Professor Walter Sr. and Earnestine Myles.
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