New Orleans, LA – July 25, 2017 – The R. C. Blakes, Sr. Scholarship Foundation announces the 2017 R. C. Blakes, Sr. Scholarship recipients.  Six college-bound students were awarded scholarships valuing $34,000 at the annual R. C. Blakes, Sr. Scholarship Banquet on Friday, June 23, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.  The sold-out event featured gospel-recording artist Kierra Sheard, national speaker Kenston Griffin, and a surprise performance by T-Ray the Violinist.

Benjamin Franklin High School graduate Chelby Sterling was awarded a renewable $20,000 scholarship.  The honor student will be attending Emory University in the fall to pursue a degree in political science and African American studies.

L.W. Higgins High School graduate Destiny Grear was awarded a renewable $10,000 scholarship.  The first generation college student will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana in the fall to pursue a pharmacy degree.

Graduates Myles Anderson of Lusher Charter School, Imani Gaudin-County of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts of Louisiana, Teyonce’ Peyton of the High School for Law and Justice in Houston, Texas, and April West of Cohen College Prep all received $1000 book scholarships.

The R. C. Blakes, Sr. Scholarship Foundation was founded in memory of Prophet R. C. Blakes, Sr. “Prophet Blakes recognized the importance of higher education, and the foundation honors him by inspiring new generations of underprivileged students to see higher learning as a real possibility,” states foundation president Karen Wells Roby.  The foundation seeks to recognize young adults who have distinguished themselves through their passionate commitment to their faith, education and community.

The 2018 application period will open January 1, 2018. The application and requirements are online at www.rcblakesscholar.com.