Ohio University-Zanesville Celebrates Martin Luther King

with Scholarships and Recognition

Click here to view photos from the event

The theme for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund Prayer Breakfast held in Zanesville recently was “Being Led by the Best.” The event celebrates excellence and service in the African American community with awards and scholarships being presented to those who exemplify the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr.

Among the community leaders honored where Monica Jones and Liesta Walker of the Zanesville campus. Other Honorees in education included Zanesville Mayor Howard “Butch” Zwelling, and local school administrators Terry Martin, Flora Martin, David Goins, Carlotta Workman and Karen Mayle Robinson. 

Two of the honorees were surprised with scholarships awarded in their names. Scholarships were given to Lisa Rooks of Zanesville in honor of Monica Jones and to Linda Todd of Cambridge in honor of Liesta Walker. The presentations were made by Zanesville Campus Dean Jim Fonseca in celebration of Jones and Walker’s contributions to education at Ohio University-Zanesville. In addition, Rebecca Mayle, a Nursing student from Chesterhill, was awarded the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship from Ohio University-Zanesville.

“Through tears of joy I was honored to accept this award on behalf of the MLK Foundation,” says Todd, who is completing her Bachelor’s of Specialized Studies degree. “It would not have been possible without the work of Dr. Martin Luther King.” She went on to thank God and her family in addition to the Foundation for providing the opportunity to receive a scholarship. With a quiver in her voice she adds, “A special thank you to Liesta Walker and the staff of Ohio University-Zanesville.”

Lisa Rooks, also a Bachelor’s of Specialized Studies degree student, echoed Todd’s sentiment and added, “Can't is not a word we use, Try is a word we can use. We may not be the best at all the things we try, but if we do not strive to do the task how can tell what is your best. Always, Always, do your best and let that best be done with excellence.     You can be proud of any accomplishment you have done, because it holds within it your  work of excellence” She explains she works with Girls Scouts, 4-H members and youth in her Sunday School class. This motto is something she lives and encourages others to do the same. It is this dedication and pride that helps students such as Rooks and Todd succeed in college and in life. 

High school students who are considering enrolling at Ohio University and who received scholarships during the event include Carletta Johnson, Bryant Keith, Matthew Laulusa, Sarah McDonald, Alicia Myers and Xiao Mark Sun Each of these young people thanked God and their families for their accomplishments as they accepted their recognition. “I also want to thank the teachers and staff at Zanesville High School,” said Alicia Myers, a senior who plans to become a sonographer.

Keynote speaker Dr. Annette Jefferson summed it up well in character of Sojourner Truth when she said, “Keep goin’ on young folk. It don’t matter where you come from, but it do matter where you’re goin’!” She ended with, “As long as you have breathe you have purpose.” Each of those honored during the breakfast know they have purpose and appreciate God for giving them the courage, strength and resources to keep the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. alive and well. As Senator Joy Padgett said in her welcome, “Every time we help, we remember Martin Luther King’s legacy.”