Seven scholarships awarded at Michele Mitchell Awards Reception in Bayonne - NJ.com

It was a passing of the torch moment at Bayonne Masonic Lodge Saturday afternoon for the 14th annual Michele Mitchell Scholarship Awards Reception. Previous scholarship recipients were on hand to award seven high school graduates with awards and money towards higher education.

One of the earliest recipients of the scholarships, which have been handed out since 1989, Minister Jonathan Smith, Esq., was on hand to mc the event, while the mother of the young lady whom the event is named after, Michelle Mitchell, was on hand to congratulate the new recipients.

"We are very proud of them, and are extra proud because one of the young students is our grandson," said Mitchell. "These are young people that are striving for higher education and we support that 100 percent."

Mitchell's grandson, Devaughn Mitchell, was one of seven high school graduates to receive scholarships towards their tuition and books at college. Devaughn will be attending Burlington County Community College in the fall and will be studying exercise science. 

"It means a lot to myself and my family to receive an award named after my late aunt," said Devaughn. "I am grateful that she is helping pay for my education."

The rest of the scholarship recipients were Benjamin Fye, Asja Gordon, Brianna Lanier, Devoyne Sanford, Thomas Slippe and Tyrone Taylor. Each of them will be attending various colleges and universities in the fall, including Lanier who will be studying at Ramapo College.

"There were many obstacles but with god I was able to overcome them," said Lanier. "With the help of my mentors and guidance counselors I chose Ramapo and plan to study business management." 

Reverend Anthony Smith, who has had three children receive Michelle Mitchell scholarships, came with his co-pastor and wife, Sonia Smith. Both are happy to see the legacy of the award ceremony continue on and grow in size.

"The first year there were three award winners," said Smith. "Now in the past we have had as many as 10 or 11."