Suffolk News-Herald

Derek L. Henry lived a life giving of himself to others through his musical talents. His mother now wants to make sure that he did not die in vain by creating a scholarship fund in his name. She will present the first Derek L. Henry scholarships this year in the amount of $500 each to two graduating high school seniors to begin their college education.

Henry was 24 years old on Feb. 20, 2002 when he died in a single car accident. At the time of his death he had been an assistant organist for five years at St. Paul RZUA Church on Spruce Street. His mother, Minister Carolyn Hodges, said that she wants to keep his legacy alive because he was dedicated in serving his church, other churches and the community.

&uot;He was a blessing to me and now I want him to be a blessing to someone else through these scholarships,&uot; she said.

&uot;Derek was a very talented individual and played the organ, drums, keyboard and bass guitar. He also played at social events, weddings, banquets, with quartets, and other events in locations all over the state of Virginia and North Carolina.

&uot;He was a very unique child especially being raised in a single parent home. He was very understanding, took responsibility for his own actions and understood the value of a dollar when managing his personal finances.&uot;

Hodges said the scholarships will be presented annually and applicants must have a love for God as Henry did. Applicants must also belong to and be involved in a church. Scholarships will only be presented once to high school seniors entering a school of higher learning for their freshmen year or for the first time.

Hodges will raise money for the fund by sponsoring an annual service and banquet each year on the anniversary of Henry’s death. The first banquet was held in February 2003 and another one was held this past February.

Hodges has been an associate minister for the past two years at New Mount Joy Worship Center on County Street and said that offering this scholarship is part of her outreach ministry.

Applications should be filled out and returned by June 7.

To receive an application or for more information contact Hodges at 934-2665.