AMB Foundation reaches $56,500 scholarship milestone during Memorial Baptist Graduation Service

The AMB Foundation reached a significant milestone Sunday, reaching $56,500 in scholarships and educational support distributed since 2019, during Memorial Baptist Church’s annual Graduation Recognition Service.

The foundation, which publishes Our Times Newspaper, awarded three $1,500 scholarships to local students as part of its ongoing commitment to education, leadership development, and community empowerment. Since its inception, the scholarship program has helped ease the financial burden of higher education while recognizing students who have demonstrated academic achievement, resilience, and a commitment to their future.

The Adrian M. Brooks Sr. Foundation was established in 2018 and is dedicated to raising and awarding funds for college scholarships. Its mission is rooted in the belief that every student who desires to continue their education should have the opportunity to do so.

In 2022, the Foundation acquired Our Times Newspaper to preserve its legacy and strengthen its role as a trusted community institution. Today, the nonprofit independent newsroom serves the Evansville region through community-centered journalism while helping advance the foundation’s broader commitment to education and opportunity. As the publication grows, so does its ability to support scholarships, youth development initiatives, and future community investments.

“Supporting Our Times means supporting the community,” said AMB Foundation board member Serita Cabell.  As our newsroom grows and becomes more sustainable, we can continue investing in students and creating opportunities that help young people succeed.”

The scholarship presentations were part of Memorial Baptist Church’s annual graduation recognition service, a celebration honoring student who have completed high school and college degree programs.

AMB Foundation Scholarship Recipients

The following students were awarded $1,500 scholarships through the AMB Foundation:

• Roneshia Evans
• Jayden Jones
• Ka’Mhya Robertson

In addition to the foundation scholarships, Memorial Baptist Church’s HIV/AIDS Ministry awarded three $500 essay scholarships to students who demonstrated excellence through their written submissions.

Memorial Baptist Church HIV/AIDS Ministry Essay Scholarship Recipients

• Kei’Maya Davis
• Avery Proctor
• Effie King

The church also presented the Peggy Jo Gulley Culinary Scholarship, which supports students pursuing educational and career opportunities in the culinary arts.

Peggy Jo Gulley Culinary Scholarship Recipient

• T’Orah Funches

The service also recognized graduates from area high schools and universities whose accomplishments were celebrated by family, friends, church members, and community supporters.

High School Graduates

Castle High School

• Ky’Rique McCleary

Central High School

• KaMarion Fellows
• Mahalo Wagner

Evansville Christian School

• Ji’Miah Johnson

Harrison High School

• Audra Green

North High School

• Ashlyn Cayce
• Loyal Elliott
• Aman Kincaid

College Graduates

• Deylan Fox-Boone, Indiana State University, Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies
• Jasanni McAlister, North Carolina Central University, Dean’s List, Bachelor of Behavioral and Social Sciences
• Darian Porter, University of Southern Indiana, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

As graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives, they do so with the support of a community that believes in their potential and is willing to invest in their future. The AMB Foundation’s scholarship milestone serves as a reminder that educational success is not solely an individual achievement, it is also the result of a community working together to create opportunities for the next generation.