Sixteen area students received scholarships at the 21st annual W.A. and Earnestine Myles Scholarship Fund and Memorial Day held recently at the Empowerment Center International Ministry in Douglas.
Recipients include Josiah Brown of Bacon County, Dylan Clark and Kristen Gray of Pierce County, Cole Ellis Contoria McNeair and Carter Pace of Coffee County, Faith Mitchell and Hope Mitchell of Long County, Koenna Sease of Wayne County, Savannah Williams of Atkinson County, Iksel Martinez, Sydney Roppe and Tyra Fedrick of Appling County, Kamiyah Green of Ware County and Myles family members Brian V. Burroughs and Terrill Johnson.
Each recipient received a certificate and a $300 scholarship.
The program began with the singing of “Come Along My Friends, Come Along” by the congregation, led by the founder, Masterbuilder Ardrelle Myles Sutton. The opening prayer and grace was given by the Myles’ grandson, Elder Kelton Smith Sr. of Jacksonville, F. The floor was opened up for the welcome address to the congregation. Sutton gave the address on behalf of the Myles family, Lee Mobley gave remarks from the Coffee County Board of Education and Coffee County Sheriff Fred Cole. Mobley also presented a plaque in honor of Professor W.A. Myles Sr. and Earnestine Myles for their service.
The occasion was read by Elder Smith.
The dedication prayer for the W.A. and Earnestine Myles Souvenir Booklet was given by the Myles’ daughter, Elder Jacqueline Wallace of Blackshear. The lighting of the torch was by the Myles’ granddaughter, Christina Myles of Jacksonville, FL. Dedication ceremony honorees were Yvonne Fletcher Palmer, Joan Hicks, Debra Woods, Vivian Jackson, Marie Hicks, Leola Johnson, Pastor Jo Eva Wilson, Betty Thompson, Irene Murray and Joyce Sheppard. Each were presented with a certificate of honor and a medallion for their work in the Coffee County School System.
A selection “He’s An On Time God, Yes He Is”, led by Elder Smith, was then rendered by the Myles family.
Two Myles family members, Dr. Yolanda Daniels of Douglas and Kevin Joron Davis of Jacksonville, FL were also recognized.
Dr. Daniels recently received her doctorate. She is a former assistant principal at Mary Hayes Elementary School in Broxton and Davis recently received his master’s degree in the medical field from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
An opportunity was then given for remarks by those who taught with the W.A. and Earnestine Myles during their education careers.
A word to the students was delivered by Co-Pastor Isaiah Staten of Alma. Staten is a former recipient of the scholarship. His words rang loud and clear to the students and all who were in attendance enjoyed the message.
An offering was rendered by Davis.
Yvonne Fletcher Palmer was recognized as the oldest educator present. She was presented with a trophy. All Coffee County School System employees were recognized with a rising vote of thanks and were presented with certificates.
The appreciation was given by Missionary Sutton. She gave thanks to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. She also thanked the pastor, Bishop Frank Bussey Jr. and church members of the Empowerment Center International Ministry for hosting the event.
Musicians were also recognized including HerRonn Sutton, bass guitar, Dennison Styles, drummer and Daniel Scott, keyboard. A special thank you was also given to the parents, educators, family, friends and special guests.
The Myles family sang the traditional tribute song “Praise the Lord”, led by Missionary Sutton. The song is performed at every observance.
A few words were given by the Myles’ daughter, Roberta Sholston of Waycross.
The benediction was rendered by the Myles’ oldest daughter, Elder Joyce Moore of Blackshear.
A delicious meal was prepared for everyone. The meal consisted of spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, tossed salad, rolls, cake and lemonade. A special thanks was given to Melisha Hicks for her help in the kitchen.
The next observance is scheduled for August, 2026 in Atkinson County.
Dr. Yolanda Daniels (l-r) and Yvonne Fletcher Palmer were recognized by Missionary Ardrelle Myles Sutton. Dr. Daniels recently received her doctorate and previously served as the assistant principal at Mary Hayes Elementary School in Broxton. Palmer was recognized as the oldest educator present.
W.A. and Earnestine Myles, namesakes of the Scholarship Memorial Day are pictured at the memory table.
Leola Johnson was recognized for her service as an educator.
Kevin Joron Davis. Davis recently received his master’s degree in the medical field from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
