The Owensboro Chapter of the NAACP presented several awards to students and members of the community Saturday evening at the annual Freedom Fund Banquet.
The chapter has been supporting students in the community through the Travis Leon Jackson Scholarship since 2015. Named in honor of Reverend Larry Lewis’ late son, the scholarship is gifted to students in the community to help them pursue their educational endeavors and who showcase leadership potential.
Over the 7 years, the organization has awarded $12,000 in scholarships in the community.
This year’s 2022-2023 scholarship recipients include:
- Tyler Bard, Owensboro Community & Technical College
- Ava Bouy, Western Kentucky University
- Kelton Moorman, New York University
Each recipient received $500 toward their education.
NAACP also honors individuals who “optimize service or good works” in the community for the NAACP Community Service Award. The award was gifted to Travis Owsley for his work with his nonprofit Beverly’s Hearty Slice.
“At a young age he decided that his life goal was to teach young people how they can be more within their environment,” Banquet Champion Richard Brown said.
Through his work with Beverly’s Hearty Slice, Owsley has served the community through gifts of food, supplies, clothing, toys, and more year-round.
The organization also presented the NAACP President Award to Brionna Greer for her contributions to the community through her nonprofit Breaking the Cycle.
“She is like a woman on fire that wants to make a difference in the lives of young people,” Chapter President Rev. Rhondalyn Randolph said.
Greer’s organization sets out to break the cycle of gun violence, poverty, and mental health issues, along with helping students pursue higher education and the workforce after graduation. Randolph said that not only does Greer want to instill that motivation in others but she also in herself.
