The 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund Prayer Breakfast, held at North Terrace Church of Christ in Zanesville on January 19, 2026, offered moments of reflection on the impact MLK left and continues to leave, while also looking to the future by providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
“32 years is a long time to really establish a legacy within a community. To have this much energy, to have this much focus, to have this much drive, to have folks come and participate on a Monday morning dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. and the legacy that he has given us. And we focus on this idea of scholarship and purpose, and we honor students who have given a significant amount of their time to work very diligently … These students have paid a price educationally for the opportunity to be here today. It is our hope in the future to give more, to give more, to give more. But this year our students have surpassed so many things, grades, community service, all kinds of things to be here. And I am thankful,” said Philip Tabler during his opening remarks.
16 Students were presented with scholarships during the breakfast, among those receiving MLK Book Scholarships were: Karisa Bowers, a third-year psychology major with a minor in criminal justice; Teaelyn Dickinson, a criminology major at Capital University; Mason Griffin, majoring in education at Ohio University Zanesville; Morgan Smith, a senior at John Glenn High School; Jadalyn Zakany, a senior at West Muskingum High School; Minh-Lien Scott, a senior at West Muskingum High School; Noah Shumate, a senior at John Glenn High School; Kilynn Mayle, a senior at Tri-Valley High School; Jasmine Pranoto, a senior at Tri-Valley High School; Kayona Hostutler, a senior at Zanesville High School; Joshua Curtis a senior at Zanesville High School; Jaclyn Connell, a senior at Bishop Rosecrans High School; and Emelia Baird, a senor at John Glenn High School. The 2026 Brantley Family Scholarship was awarded to Teriauna N. Brandford, a senior at West Muskingum High School. The Rachel McDonald Memorial Scholarship and Enterprise Muskingum Award went to Athena Jackson-Wright, who is planning to major in bookkeeping and accounting, and to Brooklyn Burd, who is pursuing a degree in nursing at Ohio University Zanesville.
“Through this scholarship fund, Dr. King’s legacy is not just remembered, but is actually lived out,” said Congressman Troy Balderson. “The scholarship recipients we celebrate today represent hope, determination, and promise. By investing in their education and their future, you are opening doors and helping shape the next generation of leaders right here in this community.”
Also recognized at the Prayer Breakfast was 2026 MLK Jr. Award Honoree, the Animal Shelter Society Inc. Executive Director, April Gibson, accepted the award on behalf of the shelter.
“This means a lot to the Animal Shelter Society,” Gibson stated. “We have come a long way as an organization, and we have a long way to go, but this award gives us hope, and you know gives us a confidence that the community is seeing what we are doing. We just are very thankful and appreciative to be the recipient of this award.”
The final award of the morning went to Dr. Keith Brantley for his involvement with the event over the past 32 years. The award was presented to him by his son, Krandall Brantley, who was also one of the hosts that morning.
“Dr. Brantley, recognition, extraordinary 32 years, unwavering generosity, and steadfast support of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund. And bringing in over 30 years of expertise to the community. Your enduring commitment has opened up doors, inspired dreams to generations of students. Through your faithful giving, you have carried Dr. King’s legacy and vision of education, equality, opportunity. From the true guardian of hope in our community. Thank you for being a pillar of service, a champion for youth, a living example of what it means to invest in the future,” said Krandall before welcoming his father to the stage.
“I don’t know what to say. But I do want to say that in terms of what was said about the achievements and the work put into this day and for the past 32 years, my wife deserves this more than me. And so I want to honor her with this gift, going to her because she really deserves it,” shared Dr. Brantley.
For further information on the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Prayer Breakfast and the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund, visit mlkscholarshipfund.com.
