Shreveport Church Honors College Student for MLK Recognition Day
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: January 16, 2012
If the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. was alive today he would've celebrated his 83rd birthday.
Instead, a Shreveport church held a special recognition service this morning to remember his legacy by honoring a special young lady with big dreams.
A proud mom, and an even prouder grandma watched a vibrant young lady receive a scholarship in the name of MLK Jr.
"It feels good to know that not only am I getting supported just by financial aid, but I'm actually getting supported in the name of someone before me that did a lot for the United States," said Tylar Bedford, scholarship recipient.
The MLK Scholarship Foundation presented Bedford with a check during a special MLK Re cognition church service at Baptist Bible Fellowship Church.
"For thirty years we have worked to give scholarships to needy young people in our community," said Pastor James Jenkins.
In front of her friends, family and her church, this year's MLK Foundation recipient hoped her successes inspired other young people in her congregation.
The funds will pay for tuition as she finishes up her biology major at Northwestern University. However, she's not satisfied because she's got big dreams much like the civil rights leader the scholarship is named for.
"I plan on being a pediatrician knowing I would be around a lot of kids. My hope is to not just help them medically but also to pursue their dreams," said Bedford.
Foundation Chair Sam Jenkins told church-goers about the big shoes Bedford will have to fill.
"Character is in the things you make and the things you do when nobody is looking," said Jenkins.
The Foundation has given out 34 scholarships to students.
