About us-Marcella Guthrie Scholarship Fund

The 30th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet is January 12, 2024. Metro Tech Conference Center 1900 Springlake Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 - 7pm. We are currently accepting donations. For information on tickets and how to donate, please call La Juan Lewis @ (405) 210-6059 or email scholarships@marcellaguthrie.org

Scholarships

  

Monica Moham Scholarship - $1,000

            The Monica Moham Scholarship is the most prestigious award given to an African AmericanStudent by the Marcella Guthrie Board.  It was established in the memory of Monica Moham, an outstanding Oklahoma State University student, who was tragically killed in her senior year in an automobile accident.  “Although Monica is no longer with us, her memory lives on, not only as a source of inspiration for anyone whose life she touched, but as an impetus for us to encourage other African American students to develop the type of qualities that she so constantly portrayed.”  The Board will also look at the applicant’s character, citizenship and credentials.

            The Monica Moham Scholarship is a one-time award, payable in $500 increments during the Fall and Spring semesters.

            The applicant must: have an overall GPA of 3.5 or above, submit three(3) letters of recommendation (one(1) must be from your pastor and two(2) from faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

Shun T. Walton Unsung Hero Scholarship - $2,500

            This award was established by friends of Shun T. Walton due to his tiredless efforts as an Unsung Hero.  A lot of times there are Angels in the Community that do a lot of work that others do not know about.  This award is for those individuals that do not mind giving a helping hand to those in need.  Who is not looking to be recognized for their acts of kindness.  A person of good character whom feels blessed and loves using the gifts that God has given them to share with others.

            This award is available to a graduating high school senior that has either an interest in entrepreneurship, education, or operating or working with a community based non-profit.  This individual would have plans to attend a degree base school of higher education or attending a Vocational School.  This award is a one-time award of $1,250 per semester during the Fall and Spring semesters.

The applicant must: have an overall GPA of 3.5 or above, submit three(3) letters of recommendation (one(1) must be from your pastor and two(2) from faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

Julia Terrell Scholarship-- $500

This award was established by family members of Mrs. Julia Terrell. She loves to talk about the goodness of Jesus and is a dynamic Sunday School Teacher. She has been a faithful member of Avery Chapel AME Church since 1964 and continues to serve in various leadership roles. She says “you are never too old to learn about the Bible.”

This award is available to a graduating high school senior who has plans to pursue a career in the medical field at a university or vocational school. The applicant must also be involved in extracurricular activities. This award is one-time of $250 per semester during the Fall and Spring semester sessions.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or above,
submit 3 letters of recommendation One (1) must be from an Individual or Family friend not from your school, two (2) from faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.

 

Bettye L. Walton Memorial Scholarship - $1,000

            This award was established by the family and friends of Bettye L. Walton an outstanding community leader and activist in the Oklahoma City area.  She touched so many people over the years through her thoughtfulness and kindness.  She was known as one of the best Culinary Artists around who loved life and offered words of wisdom and encouragement to others.

            This award is available only to graduating seniors that have either an interest in a Business degree or attending a Vocational School.  This award is one-time of $500 per semester during the Fall and Spring semesters.

            The applicant must: have an overall GPA of 2.5 or above, submit three(3) letters of recommendation (one(1) must be from your pastor and two(2) from faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

Arthur L. Houston, Alpha Phi Alpha Aspiring Educational Leadership Scholarship Award - $3,000.00

            “Knowledge is Power”  Teacher’s are an important resource and backbone of this country.  Everyone is not able to have the patience and creativity to be a teacher.  God has given those that are in that profession a special gift.

            This award is available only to a male graduating high school senior who plans to study Elementary or Secondary Education and also pursue additional knowledge for  School Administration.  The applicant must also be involved in extracurricular activities. This award is one-time of $1,500 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions. An individual that has the desire to pledge to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at a four year college or university.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

 Bates Sisters Memorial Scholarship-- $1,000

This award was established by Shun Walton and other family members.  They were community activists who  stressed the importance of a good education to all they came into contact with.

This award is available only to graduating high school senior who has an interest in history or foreign studies.  This award is one-time of $500 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

 Donnie Mae Johnson Memorial Scholarship-- $1,000

This award was established by friends and family of Mrs. Donnie Mae Johnson.  A lady with a kind and gentle heart who was a devout Christian.  Sister Johnson believed in helping others in her community and no matter the circumstances if you trust in God everything will be alright.  She was an active member of her church, Avery Chapel AME.

This award is available only to an African American graduating high school senior female who has the desire and interest in studying the Humanities.  The applicant must also have a commitment to the betterment of the community.  This award is one-time of $500 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

Eunice Hunt Jones and Cornelia Walker Roach Educational Scholarship-- $1,000

This award was established by Shun Walton and other family members.  These ladies were tireless educators who touched several lives in the community by conveying the value of a good education.  Some students would not have finished school had it not been for these ladies being a part of their lives.

This award is available only to a graduating high school senior who plans to study Elementary or Secondary Education.  The applicant must also be involved in extracurricular activities. This award is one-time of $500 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

 John H. and Lillian Hayes Memorial Scholarship --$1,000

This award was established at the request of Brother Hayes.  This couple worked together in the community, church (Avery Chapel AME), and both belonged to different houses within the Masonic family.  They were married for over 50 years and showed each other love and respect in their everyday walk of life. 

This award is available only to an graduating high school senior planning to pursue a course of study a  in the Healthcare Field at either a university, community college, and/or vocational school.  This award is one-time of $500 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

John “Jack” and Genese Brown-Jones Scholarship-- $1,000

This award was established by the family and friends of the Jones’.  Hardwork is good for the soul.  This couple not only worked hard for themselves and their families but, showed others hardwork and being steadfast will take you a lot of places in this world.

This award is available only to an African American graduating high school male senior planning to study Engineering.  They must also have a proven commitment to the betterment of the community.   

This award is one-time of $500 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions.                              

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

Kenneth and Vicki Maillard - $1,000

            This award was established by friends and Shun Walton.  The Maillard’s have been a couple that love their community and this city.  Both are hardworking, honest, and loyal.  They are always willing to lend a hand to those in need and offer a wonderful smile as they greet you.  Active not only in their church, but also school organizations, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and University of Oklahoma.  They show in their daily walk with God that Honesty, Integrity, and Great Work Ethics will take you a long way in life.

This award is available to a graduating high school senior who plans to study, Accounting, Marketing, or Political Science either at a Community College, University, or Vocational School.  The applicant must also be involved in extracurricular activities.  This award is a one-time of $500 per semester during the Fall and Spring semester.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.

Lillian and Maurice Benefee Aspiring Entrepreneurial Community Business Leadership Scholarship Award - $1,000.00

            As community leade’rs the Benefee’s strived to set high standards, with the love of community they have given back in countless ways.  They have been an inspiration to those who have known them for years.

            This award is available only to an African American graduating high school senior who has the desire and interest in studying Business and becoming a Business owner.  The applicant must also have a commitment to the betterment of the community.  This award is one-time of $500 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions.

                The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch , send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview
 

Santricia La Shon Hall Memorial Scholarship-$500

            This award was established by Espaniola Bowen and Shun Walton.  A young lady with a heart of gold devoted to business and entrepreneurship.  Santricia believed in promoting new business ideas and gaining  respect in the community would make your business opportunities go far.

            This award is available only to African American graduating high school students planning to study in the field of Business and Entrepreneurship.  This award is one-time of $250 per semester during the Fall and Spring semester.

The applicant must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

David Alan Bailey, Jr. (DJ) Memorial Scholarship-$500

            This award was established in loving memory of David Alan Bailey, Jr. who was lovingly called “DJ” by his family.  He loved the Lord. He loved to help people. He loved to read (the bible especially). He was very kind and compassionate. He loved telling jokes to make people laugh. He was a very good athlete.  His favorite scripture was "I shall not die but live to proclaim the works of the Lord", Psalm 118:17.

This award is available only to a graduating high school senior who plans to study Education.  The applicant must also be involved in extracurricular activities. This award is one-time of $250 per semester during the fall and spring semester sessions.

            The applicant must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or above, submit 3 letters of recommendation one(1) must be from their pastor and the other two(2) from  faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.
 

Need-Based Scholarships - $750

            Need-Based Scholarships are awarded to applicants whose household income does not exceed a certain amount.  The $750 award will be payable in $375 increments during the Fall and Spring semesters.

            Priority will be given to applicants majoring in Business.  Additionally, the applicant must:have an  over-all GPA of 2.0 or above, three(3) letters of recommendation(one(1) must be from your pastor and two(2) should be from faculty members),  submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and submit a copy of one’s household W-2 form(s) from the previous year.

At-Large Scholarships - $500

            An At-Large Scholarship is a one-time award.  The applicant must: have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above, submit three(3) letters of recommendation (one(1) must be from your pastor and two(2) from faculty members), submit a one page autobiographical sketch, send a wallet-size photo, and be present for an interview.

            An At-Large Scholarship is payable in $250 increments during the Fall and Spring semesters.

**For all scholarships the applicant must enroll as a full-time undergraduate, (at least 12 hours) or as a full-time junior college student, (at least 12 hours) or as a full time trade school or vocational school student (full-time as determined by the institution’s guidelines).

 **An applicant must show proof of school enrollment before the scholarship is awarded.**