Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church present eight local students with the Samuel R. Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarshhip at the church’s 30th Annual Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award Program on Sunday.

Scholarship recipients are: Sharla Lynne Benson, East Rowan High School; Trishena Q. Bolt, North Rowan High School; Detra Hames, East Rowan High School; Katoncia L. Holder, West Rowan High School, Jeremy D. Krider, North Rowan High School; Aishah Stepnenson, Salisbury High School; Tiffany Faye Thomas, South Rowan High School; and Sierra Watkins, Henderson Independent School.

The selections are based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities including religious involvement and citizenship.

Benson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Benson, was president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of FHA, president and co-founder of the Recycling Club, National Honor Society of East Rowan High School. Benson has been a volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity, Operation Christmas Child and the Angel Tree. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Salisbury where she has been actively involved with the children and youth. She is a freshman at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte.

Bolt, daughter of Cheryl Bolt-McLeod, was treasurer for the North Rowan High School D.E.C.A. Club and a Youth In Action member. A member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Salisbury, Inc. she volunteered with A.S.T.E.P. – a tutorial program, was a member of the Youth Choir and Liturgical Dance Ministry. She is attending the University of North Carolina – Greensboro.

Hames, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hames, an East Rowan High School honor roll student and a member of SADD and FCCLA. She is an active member of Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church where she serves on the Youth Choir, an Usher and Vice President of the Youth Ministry. She was also Miss J. C. Price Post 107. Hames is a student at Johnson C. Smith University.

Holder, daughter of Alicia Holder, was a member of West Rowan High School Bands, President of the Art Club, Diversity Club President, Key Club and Senior Class representative for the SGA. She also served on the Baccalaureate committee and was baseball manager. A member of Cornerstone Church, Holder is a current student at Coastal Carolina.

Krider, son of Bill and Jackie Krider, was a member of the North Rowan High School’s Honor Society, reporter and parliamentarian of FBLA and the Anchor Club, a member of the track team and band. Krider is a devotional team member at his church, choir member and junior deacon in training. He is a student at Pfeiffer University.

Stephenson, daughter of Bettina Jamison, a member of the Salisbury High School Key Club, Future Teachers of America, Honors Chorus and Color Guard captain. She has also served with the Rowan Regional Medical Jr. volunteers. She is a current student at University of North Carolina – Charlotte.

Thomas, daughter of Ted and Sabrena Thomas, was a Scholar Athlete and member of the South Rowan High School National Honor Society and Who’s Who Among American Students. A member of SWAT, the Spanish Club, Marching Band and Basketball team. Also, a Gatorade Rookie of the Year and MVP for basketball. She has volunteered for the March of Dimes, Relay for Life and Special Olympics. Thomas a member of her church youth ministry and Choir is a current student at University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Watkins, daughter of William and Valarie Houston Watkins, was a Honor Roll student at Henderson Independent High School. She is also a member of FCCLA. Watkins is a freshman at Johnson C. Smith University.

On Friday, the Hefner VA Medical Center Chaplain Service hosted a program to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Rev. R. Thomas Wyatt from Dorsett Chapel United Church in Spencer was guest speaker.

A Hefner VA employee received the Humanitarian Award and Tara D. White received the Community Humanitarian Award. The winner of the MLK Jr. Essay Contest will read the award-winning essay.