THE CHARLES E. MANUEL/ETHELIND SIMMONS STROUD SCHOLARSHIP
History
Brother Charles E. Manuel and Sister Ethelind S. Stroud were lifelong members of Beaver Creek AME Zion Church (now known as Simon Temple AME Zion Church) from the 1920s through 1988.
Brother Manuel was a Christian whose devotion to the welfare of this church knew no boundaries. He was employed as a civil service worker at Fort Bragg and worked as a custodian at MacPherson Presbyterian Church on Cliffdale Road.
He served in several capacities within our church, including such positions as: Chairman of the Trustee Board, Superintendent of the Sunday School Program, President of the Usher Board, President of the Booster Club, Program Committee Director, and was a member of the Men of Distinction Club. His daughter, Romalia (Bonnie) Manuel Young, is still an active member here at Simon Temple.
Sister Stroud served as the only pianist (and choir director) for our church for many years. She served as a Girl Scout leader and a Youth Director. Sister Stroud was an educator for more than 40 years and retired from teaching at William H. Owen Elementary School, located on Raeford Road in 1973.
During the early integration era, she advocated for the African American teachers at her school. These teachers had never been previously selected to serve as a member on any of the school committees. However, Sister Stroud is enduring work brought about a change in that process. African American teachers were able to become committee members and some even became chairpersons. The old directory on the left side of the front of the church bears her name and is a lasting memory of who she was as a person.
Brother Manuel and Sister Stroud have transitioned from labor to reward and Simon Temple AMEZ. Church is proud to have a scholarship that bears the names of two such dedicated Christians.
Recognition
The Simon Temple AME Zion Church recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, service to community, and the desire to pursue higher education through its annual scholarship awards. Scholarships are awarded to church members who are currently enrolled in a traditional high school, private school, military academy, early high school college programs or FTCC. Recipients of the scholarship must pursue post-secondary education at a community college or a four-year college/ university. Members are eligible to apply up to age 21. However, students that are currently enrolled in college are not eligible. You must be entering your first semester or quarter of college.
- Individuals who have been active members of the Simon Temple AME Zion Church for two full years at the time of application. For individuals who are from military families and have been at Simon Temple AME Zion Church for less than a year, a letter from your previous church can be submitted. Please note, this information will be verified through our church office. All information that is submitted will be verified.
- Must currently be/have been an active participant in a minimum of two (2) ministries in addition to regular worship service attendance (i.e. Acolyte Ministry, Youth Choir, Steward Board, Usher, District Activities, Youth (4th Sunday) Service Participant, Drama Ministries, VBS Volunteer, Outreach, Parking Lot Ministry, Media, Mime, Praise Team, etc.). Information will be verified.
- Applicants must have a G.P.A of 2.5 or greater.
- All applicants must be a member in good standing (all new members classes have been completed)
- All applicants are required to participate in a virtual interview on June 16, 2025. Please come professionally dressed and allot at least 30 to 40 minutes for the complete process. You will receive a designated time and link for your interview prior to June 16, 2025. So, make sure your contact info is correct, and you arrange your schedule accordingly.
- Applicants must place all application materials in a sealed envelope. All required documents must be submitted to the church office no later than Noon on June 09, 2025.
ALL COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKETS, ALONG WITH ALL REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ARE DUE BY Noon on June 09, 2025.
Late or incomplete application packets will not be considered.
The Selection Criteria
- Earn a high school diploma or GED and be accepted to a post-secondary institution.
- Have consistent participation in church activities/auxiliaries. Applicant must submit one letter of recommendation signed by a ministry leader who is familiar with the individual’s participation.
- Be involved in community organizations or activities. Letters of recommendation from each community organization/activity must be submitted on official letterhead. A completed and properly signed verification form must be submitted with each letter of recommendation.
- Design and present a Social Justice service project. Guidelines are listed below.
- Must be degree seeking and enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credit hours. The scholarship does not pay for Continuing Education classes.
- Must submit all final grades from previous semester or quarter to Simon Temple AME Zion Scholarship committee to qualify for second disbursement in the spring semester. A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required to receive second disbursement.
- Must submit a copy of your post-secondary institution (college) acceptance letter.
Note: This scholarship is a one (1) time award (Fall/Spring).
Delayed entry into college after high school forfeits the scholarship.
- The scholarship application with all sections completed
- An official copy of high school transcript in a sealed envelope or an official copy of the GED certificate
- A letter of acceptance from a post-secondary institution
- A letter of recommendation and completed verification form documenting participation and involvement in church/youth department activities.
- Letter(s) of recommendation and completed verification form for each letter of recommendation documenting participation and involvement in community organizations/activities.
- Service Project Presentation Narrative – A brief description of your project. Save the details for the presentation.
An official copy of a high school transcript or an official copy of the GED certificate must be submitted in a sealed envelope.
A copy of the letter of acceptance from the post-secondary institution where you plan to attend must be attached with your application.
Social Justice Service Project Presentation
While the COVID-19 pandemic has made life more challenging in several ways, it has taught us many lessons. It has also changed the ways in which ministry is done. Prepare a 10–12 minute presentation detailing how you impact social justice issues with middle and high school students, both now and in the future.
At a minimum, the presentation must have the following:
- Purpose of the presentation: Clearly state the purpose of the presentation.
- Problem statement: What is the problem being addressed?
- Importance of the issue: State why the issue is important, to include what the Bible says about the issue. You must provide a reference from Scripture.
- The proposed solution: This is the project. You should provide details on the project and how you will accomplish it, to include:
- How the project addresses the issue
- Resources required (money, people, time)
- Collaboration with community partners: Who would be involved.
- Conclusion/Questions: Restate the importance of the project. Leave space for the audience to ask questions.
Apply Online
Instructions:
Please complete the entire application. Type or print information using blue or black ink. All questions must be answered for the application to be considered for the scholarship.
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