On Sunday, July 28th, the 7th Annual The Gift of Praise Scholarship Foundation, under the stewardship of its Founder and Coordinator, Arthur D. Sutton, was successfully held. This significant gathering facilitated the bestowal of 17 scholarships to local students who are set to pursue higher education at college.
The celebration occurred at Acme M.B. Church, 8747 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL. Bishop Bernard Sutton is the lead servant at this church.
The ceremony began with an uplifting performance by The Gift of Praise, who energized the crowd with a song from their eagerly anticipated upcoming album, set for release later this year.
The recipients had to meet certain criteria for the scholarship award: – The applicant must be a current student or plan to attend the Fall Semester.
– The applicant must have a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
– The applicant must be a current/active member of a church or Non-Profit Organization.
– Additionally, the applicant must write a 100-word essay about why education is important and explain why they require financial assistance. They must also abstain from alcohol abuse and the use of non-prescription drugs.
Dr. Tinisha Davis expressed her deepest appreciation to attorney Arthur Sutton for his generosity and support in helping students pursue higher education.
“Receiving this scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a validation of your hard work, determination, and commitment to your academic and personal growth. Education is not only about acquiring knowledge; it’s about transforming lives. Each of you is gathered here today because you share a common belief in the power of education to shape the future,” Dr. Davis said.”
Arthur made a point to share that he was born in Mississippi. He fondly recalled living in the Robert Taylor projects, situated just off the Dan Expressway, the white and the red one. His upbringing took place right across the street from DuSable High School, and that’s where he proudly graduated from.
“I’m not ashamed to say that’s the way I came up. My parents didn’t get past the third and fourth grade. I’m the youngest of 10 siblings. I was a first-generation college student, and with the help of the Lord, I thank God for what he’s done. Arthur provided.”
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy V. Cunningham said, “I am here today to congratulate you and to encourage you to create a blueprint for your future. I applaud you as the next generation of leaders in our society. Have you heard that correctly? The next generation of leaders, including myself and Attorney Sutton, are on the other side. We climbed the hill. There is a real difference in whether you have an education or not. What is she talking about? I’m going to tell you. I’m here to keep you informed and to tell you that there is a payoff in life, a perfect example of what I just said. As I told you, I am a black woman from a poor family. My father was dedicated, and my mother had a high school education. I come from a family of five kids. Both of my parents understood that education was a get-out-of-jail or ghetto card. They knew that their children may have the opportunity to play that card for themselves.”
Other notable guests included: Former scholarship recipients
Gabrielle Moore and Sigma Chapter Attorney Michael Stuttley (Retired Judge).
“I want to express how proud I am of the Gift of Praise Scholarship Foundation. Since 2016, this Foundation has helped several students on their journey to higher learning in academic or vocational training. I want to congratulate those students who desire to expand their minds and place themselves in a better position to reap the benefits this society has to offer in reaching their lifetime career goals. We are glad to be a part of your success story, Arthur said”
In closing, ASGOPS extends its gratitude to the attendees for their generous financial support in our fundraising endeavors in 2024. Arthur emphasized the significance of cultivating strong relationships and garnering community backing as crucial elements for achieving success. He further imparted words of encouragement to the current students, urging them to strive for elevated levels of achievement in their social, academic, and spiritual pursuits.
Congratulations to the 2024 GOP Recipients:
William Allen, Jabori M. Antwine, Jessica Banks, R’Riyon R. Draine, Demayia DuBose, Jordan Elliott, Tremaine D. Floyd, Kayla D. Griffin
Jaila Kirkwood, Marvin Morton, Dhati L. Robertson, Micah Saulsberry, Shanya Shepard, Jaylan Spires, Justin Todd, Xavier Traylor, and Mary A. Walker.
A big thank you to 3:16 Magazine for providing media coverage and special thanks to the generous donors who made it all possible:
Rev. Kevin Black, Charles Bradfield, Carrie Brister, Doris Carter, Dorothy Coleman, Mother Shirley Day, Deacon Eddie Davis, Bishop George Deal, Evg. Jacqueline Hillson, Kathryn B. Henderson, Ralph A. Jones, Attorney William Laws, Bishop Amos Matthews, Yolanda Morton, Tracy Peny, Jewell Pugh & Willie Pugh, Joe D. Reaves Sr., La Quinta Salisbury, Carolyn Smith, Gloria White, and Juanita Barnes-Williams.
Contact and send donations to:
Arthur Sutton & The Gift of Praise
P.O. Box 1368 |
Matteson, IL 60473
708.747.3233 /
Email: [email protected]
