On March 22, at least one student will be the recipient of a scholarship named after veteran youth sports activist

J.D. Taylor.

Taylor was instrumental in local youth sports activities in the 1960s and ’70s. For 52 years, he was a supervisor for seven playgrounds in the area, and in the 1950s a field in East Selma was named in his honor.

According to Bobby Page, chairman of the scholarship fund committee, the drive to raise funds for the scholarship will kick off Saturday.

He added that the drive would last through Feb. 28.

Page said the committee is raising funds this year with an ad booklet that will be filled with advertisements from businesses. Page also said each business can spend $25, $50, or $100 to purchase space in the booklet. Patrons can also donate $10 to have their name printed in the back of the booklet.

However, Page added, the committee will accept all donations.

Bobby Page said that initially committee members will go door-to-door asking for donations to the scholarship fund.

Afterwards, they plan on contacting the businesses by phone.

The booklets will be handed out to all contributors and to the public on the day of the event.

In addition to making the ad booklet, Bobby Page said that the committee is planning on renting space to food vendors on the day of the event in an effort to raise funds for the scholarship.

Johnny Leashore, public relations officer for the committee, added that vendors could rent a space for $50.

Leashore added that the purpose of both the ad booklet and the vendor’s space is to raise funds for the scholarship.

The scholarship, Leashore said, will be $200 this year. However, Leashore added that as the yearly event continues and more funds are raised then more scholarships will be awarded to an increasing number of students.

The event, which will take place March 22 and 23, will feature the scholarship presentation, but will also include a ceremony honoring Elton Reese and Ernest Bennet in addition to hosting a softball tournament.

Reese is an ex-coach and former assistant principal of Selma High School and will receive a plaque for everything he has done for youth in the community.

Bennet’s family will receive a plaque for his work with the YMCA. He passed on in 1982.

Businesses or individuals interested in the J.D. Taylor Scholarship Fund can contact Page at 875-1383 or committee member Johnny Manuel at 875-5776.