Every Donation Appreciated!

The downturn in the U.S. economy has made the work we do and the donation you give even more important. The parishes served by the Scott Fund were already some of the most impoverished in the country, but the recession has added to the economic problems faced by many living there. The scholarships awarded by the Scott Fund each year help young people and their families afford a college education so they can help themselves and their families elevate financially. The 2009 first place recipient, Fred Reed III, described his life as being marked by economic difficulties but he persevered, and with financial assistance, he feels he can complete his college education and leave a trail for others who would follow him. Your dollars, large or small, will help us assist others like Reed to complete college and give back to their community and to others. Thank you so much for your continued support. Now is the best time to give, EVEN IF YOU’VE NEVER GIVEN BEFORE!!

Reed/Jones Awarded Scholarships

The John H. Scott Memorial Fund scholarship and awards program was held on Saturday, May 2nd at the Madison/Tallulah Civic Center. Fred Reed III of Lake Providence High School was awarded this year's first place scholarship of $2000 and Stormie Jones of Rayville High received the second place award of $1,200.00.  Reed is currently a student at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and Jones is a student at the University of Louisiana in Monroe, LA. The Fund has provided scholarships and other awards to outstanding students in East & West Carroll, Madison, Tensas, and Richland Parishes for 28 years. The Fund was established in commemoration of the legacy of Rev. J. H. Scott who with the support of his wife Alease worked tirelessly for human and civil rights in northeast Louisiana. Reed and Jones join six other students who are currently receiving scholarship payments from the Fund.  Other students who competed for the scholarship were Chelsea Britton of Tensas High and Porche Stubblefield and Shaletta McDade, both of Delhi High. All applicants who attended the program received gifts consisting of useful items for school.

Amatullah Umrani, one of Rev. Scott’s daughters, gave this year’s keynote address. Umrani, who is a clinical social worker in Milwaukee, drew upon her practice and experience to help students and attendees become more aware of and prepared for two of life's challenges—“The Test of Plenty and the Test of Free”.

New Officers Elected

At the Fund’s annual meeting, Louis Scott, son of Rev. John H. Scott, was elected as the new president of the Fund. He follows Elsie Scott who had served as president since December 2004 and who was presented a commemorative clock and photos at the annual meeting in recognition of her outstanding service. Louis resides in Tallulah, LA and practices law in northeast Louisiana. Ivory Toldson, a grandson of Rev. Scott, was elected Vice President replacing Harriet Scott Pullen who also served in her position since 2004 and was president prior to that time. Dr. Toldson is a counseling psychology professor at Howard University and a Senior Research Analyst for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Jewel Scott, one of Rev. Scott’s granddaughters, remains in the position of secretary and Johnita Scott, a daughter of Rev. Scott, remains in the position of treasurer. Many thanks to Elsie and Harriet for
their service and best wishes and much success to the new officers!

Important Notices

Memorial Fund on Facebook: Become a fan of the John H. Scott Memorial Fund fan page on Facebook. Go up to the tool bar at the top of the Facebook page and where it says “Search” in the right hand corner, type in “John H. Scott” in the search field and enter. When the results have loaded, look in the “Pages” section for John H. Scott and click on “John H. Scott” to load the fan page.

Electronic Newsletter: Help us reduce costs. If you are willing to have your newsletter sent electronically in 2010, please indicate this on your donation card or e-mail us at ScottFund@yahoo.com. To reduce the possibility of the newsletter being sent to your spam folder, please add the Fund’s e-mail address to your “safe” e-mail list. Thank you for your support in this area.

Fast Way to Donate: Want an easy way to make your donation, one that does not involve a trip to the Post Office? This year, consider making your payment on-line. It will only take a minute--okay—a couple of minutes. Go to the Fund’s website, www.jhsfund.org and click on “Donations” on the left side of the home page. On the “Donations” page, just click on the “Make a Donation” button and it will take you to a Pay Pal secure donation site. On that site, enter your payment information and you’re all done—all in a couple of minutes!