What’s a good way to tell if spring is here? Check the softball field.

This Saturday five teams will kick the season off at the Coach Reese/Sonny Bennett Softball Tournment. The tournament, which will start around 1 p.m. Saturday at the J.D. Taylor & Sonny Bennett Softball Complex on Plant Street, is part of a larger celebration for Taylor &045;&045; veteran teacher and mentor to a multitude of children over the years.

One of those children &045;&045; now a grown man &045;&045; is Johnny Lehshore, member of the J.D. Taylor Scholarship Fund Committee. Lehshore said that March 22 will host not only a softball tournament, but also a ceremony honoring Earnest &uot;Sonny&uot; Bennett, Elton Reese and three scholarship awardees.

At an hour-long ceremony Saturday, three high school seniors will receive a $200 scholarship each. The awardees &045;&045; Jasmine Woodson of Selma High School; Jessica Olds of Southside High School; and Natasha Johnson of Keith High &045;&045; will be to use their scholarships towards expenses such as books, according to Lehshore.

Goldie Page, another committee member, said the event’s purpose was to give accolades.

Bennett and Reese are being honored this year because of their service to the community. Michael Bennett, &uot;Sonny&uot; Bennett’s son, will receive plaques on behalf of his father, now deceased, on Saturday.

Reese, Selma city recreation department director, will be honored for his work as a basketball and football coach with Selma City Schools and for his years as a school administrator.

Taylor, who turns 86 today, will take more of a backseat in this year’s festivities. Taylor began working with the city’s recreation department in 1949, and still works with it in an advisory position.