The TJ and Ethel Kearney Scholarship Fund and Rankin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at Gould will host the second annual scholarship fundraiser at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at Rankin Chapel.
The Kearney family of Gould founded the scholarship in December 2013. In 2016, the TJ and Ethel Kearney Scholarship awarded two $1,000 scholarships to Mia R. Scott of Gould, a graduate of Dumas High School, and Jalyn P. Ward of Star City, who graduated from Star City High School. A $250 scholarship was awarded to Terica Brown, a graduate of Star City High School.
All students graduating from schools in Lincoln and Desha counties are invited to apply for next year’s scholarships which are awarded based on academic excellence, community service and essay composition.
“TJ and Ethel Kearney were cotton sharecroppers who resided for over half a century in in Lincoln County,” a spokesman said in a news release. “The couple were recognized by President William J. Clinton, the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, and Ebony Magazine for their outstanding contributions to their family, their community and the state.”
Eighteen of the 19 Kearney children were college graduates. Two worked for a U.S. president. Several worked for Arkansas governors as agency directors, managers, judges and lawyers.
“For over 40 years, the Kearney family has gathered at Rankin Chapel Church during the annual Kearney Family Reunions, to celebrate their family and their blessings,” the spokesman said.
TJ Kearney died in December 21013. Ethel Kearney died in March 1982.