THE CHARLES E. MANUEL/ETHELIND SIMMONS STROUD SCHOLARSHIP
History
Charles E. Manuel and Ethelind Simmons Stroud were lifelong members of Beaver Creek AME Zion Church (which is now our beloved Simon Temple AME Zion Church). They were not only paramount in our church but also served their community faithfully. Collectively, their membership spanned from the 1920s through 1988.
Brother Manuel was a dedicated member who served in many capacities within our church, and was devoted to the welfare of the church. Brother Manual’s dedication to the ministry included the following: Chairman of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Usher Board President, Booster Club President, Program Committee Director, and member of the Men of Distinction Club. His leadership and stewardship are remembered. Brother Manuel was employed as a civil service worker at Fort Bragg; he worked as a custodian at MacPherson Presbyterian Church on Cliffdale Road. His love for Christ, the church, and his community were apparent in his involvement within church and in the community.
Sister Simmons Stroud served our church through the music ministry. For many years, she was the only pianist and choir director. In addition to the music ministry, countless children and youth benefitted from her commitment in ensuring that there were activities for them. Sister Stroud also served as a Girl Scout Leader and Youth Director. Her love and dedication to education, children, and youth were well demonstrated within the church. During the early integration era, she advocated for African American teachers. These teachers had never been selected to serve as a member on any school committees. However, Sister Stroud’s enduring efforts 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 Charles E. Manuel and Sister Etherlind S. Stroud have transitioned from labor to reward, and Simon Temple AME Zion Church is proud to have a scholarship that bears the names of such dedicated members. Scholarship recipients will benefit from the legacy of Brother Charles E. Manuel and Sister Ethelind Simmons Stroud. The positive influence, wisdom, inspiration, and kindness of Brother Charles E. Manuel and Sister Etherlind S. Stroud continue to influence us and direct us. Their accomplishments and initiatives have left a lasting mark at Simon Temple AME Zion Church.
Brother Charles E. Manuel and Sister Etherlind S. Stroud both have family members who are still members of Simon Temple AME Zion Church or who are still connected to our church.
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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Have been involved in a community organization/activity, high school sponsored organization/activity, volunteerism, or on a sports team during high school.
4. Applicants must have a G.P.A of 2.5 or greater.
5. All applicants must be a member in good standing (all new members classes have been completed)
6. All applicants are required to meet with the Scholarship Committee; this meeting will be in person or virtual at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. The meeting date will be provided. Please dress professionally (even if your meeting is virtual) and allot at least 30 to 40 minutes for the complete process. You will be contacted and provided a designated time and/or link for your interview upon receipt of application packet.
7. Applicants must place all application materials in a sealed envelope. All required documents must be submitted to the church office no later than Sunday, July 12, 2026. Late or incomplete application packets will not be considered.
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.•
Must
submit a copy of your post-secondary institution (college) acceptance letter.•
Have consistent participation in church
activities/auxiliaries. Applicants must submit one
letter of recommendation signed by a ministry leader who is familiar with the applicant‘s participation.•
Have been involved in a
community organization/activity, high school
sponsored organization/activity, volunteerism, or on a sports team during high
school. Applicants must submit one letter
of recommendation for a community
organization/activity, high school sponsored organization/activity, or
sports team; the letter must be submitted on
an official letterhead. If your school’s advisor for a particular club,
organization, activity, or coach for a team is unavailable, a letter of
recommendation from a school administrator or counselor will suffice.•
Prepare an original essay that is thought provoking, honest,
and demonstrates the ability to respond to the given prompt without omitting
required information as outlined in the rubric..•
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 the first semester or quarter (Fall 2026) to Simon Temple A.M.E.
Zion Scholarship Committee to qualify for
second disbursement for Spring 2027. A GPA of
2.5 or higher is required to receive the
second disbursement.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 your high school transcript in a sealed envelope or an official copy of the GED certificate. Contact your school’s Student Service/Guidance Department as needed for assistance.
A letter of acceptance from the post-secondary institution you will attend
One letter of recommendation signed by a ministry leader who is familiar with the individual’s participation.
One letter of recommendation for a community organization/activity, high school sponsored organization/activity, or sports team; the letter must be submitted on an official letterhead.
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.
Essay Requirement:
In a well-developed essay (600-800 words), please address the following:
As a follower of Christ, your ministry extends beyond the walls of the church and into every area of life, including your college campus, workplace, and community.
○ Describe your current involvement in ministry, service, or leadership within your church.
○ Explain the gifts, skills, and experiences you have gained through serving in your church.
○ Discuss how you plan to use those same gifts and experiences in a college setting to lead others to Christ, share God’s love, or demonstrate Christ-like character through service, leadership, and good works.
- Share specific ways you hope to be a positive Christian influence on your college campus.
- Explain how you will maintain your faith while navigating the academic, social, and personal challenges of college life.
- Identify your favorite Bible verse or passage.
- Explain why this scripture is meaningful to you and how it has influenced your faith, decisions, character, or life journey.
- Describe how this scripture will guide and encourage you as you pursue your educational and career goals.
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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