Scholarship Winners

Two categories of scholarships will be awarded annually to be selected by the J. Sherman Pelt Scholarship Committee. Applicants will be eligible for only one award per year and must submit an application either as a Seminary Student (Category I) or LBC Atlanta Member (Category II). To be eligible, apply during the April 1 – May 31 acceptance period.

J. Sherman Pelt Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations 2022 Recipients!

Category I – Seminary Students

Andrea Wilson:

The life mission for Andrea Wilson, is to win the loss by exposing and imposing mankind to the Word and power of God through music, preaching, prayer, and love. She’s passionate about ministering to those with wounded hearts and broken spirits, and currently has a weekly broadcast every Friday morning at 7:00 A.M. on Facebook Live entitled “Morning Glory”. As an adoptee, she knows firsthand that God is able to heal all of our souls’ diseases and can attest to the priceless, perfect peace of God. She believes prayer is one of the most powerful and effective change agents in this world, and that your feet are the truest testament to what a believer really believes. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree at Mercer University-McAfee School of Theology. An ordained elder at Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, she is an instructional support specialist in a local adult education program helping students realize their postsecondary dreams, goals and providing opportunities that can improve their quality of living. No matter the form of ministry, her dedicated life and love for God permeates throughout her every endeavor.

Category II - Liberty Baptist Church-Atlanta Students

Deja Dennis:

Deja Dennis is currently attending Miller Motte College in Chattanooga, TN where she is majoring in Business Administration. She graduated from Mays High School in Atlanta, GA with a 3.7 GPA. She has faced many trials and tribulations throughout her life but she has learned some great lessons from them all. Furthermore, she is forever grateful for the experiences she has endured because it has strengthened her to be where she is and who she is today. One of her greatest lessons in life has been to take heed to any and everything while realizing that sometimes you don’t know what it is you need until you need it.

William Anthony Pleasant:

William Anthony Pleasant is a focused driven innovative young man who strives for excellence. At an early age he realized math stimulated all of his senses. The art of deciphering and completing math challenges piqued his interests and propelled him to search for a career where math computations would be a cornerstone in solving real world problems. William is currently pursuing a Biomedical Engineering major at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Graduating summa cum laude from Greater Atlanta Christian School with a GPA of 4.33, exemplifies his zeal for education. He gives all the glory to God and a strong village of supporters. Liberty Baptist Church, where he was baptized by Dr. J. Sherman Pelt and his grandparents William and Mattie Smith, members for 55 years, have been the main pillars. While his parents, Tony and Shyronda Pleasant, aunt and uncle Denise Brown and Erick Thomas complete the foundation. His foundation is built on Christian morals that he wants to spread. His prayer is to remain humble and allow God to complete the wonderful work He began in him. William is also an accomplished saxophonist playing both the Alto and Baritone.

Alaina Jane Rearden:

Alaina Jane Rearden is a 2021 graduate and honor student of Woodland High School in Stockbridge, GA. She is currently attending Georgia Southern University majoring in biology with a psychology minor. She plans to participate in orchestra, a variety of clubs, and a sign language program. Her future goals are to complete medical school and become a successful doctor, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her aspiration is to own her own practice.

Journey Wilder:

Journey Wilder is entering her fourth year at Kennesaw State University as an Anthropology major. She is an active member of Liberty Baptist Church where she is involved in the PA Ministry, the Praise Dance Team, the Youth Choir, the Youth Ministry, and the Praise and Worship Team. Journey graduated from DeKalb School of the Arts (DKA) in May of 2019 with a major in Instrumental Music and minor in Creative Writing. At her high school, she was a member of their Chamber Orchestra for two years and was a very dedicated writer in the Creative Writing Department. She also participated in a non-profit video production, was an editor for the school’s literary magazine for two years, and had one of her plays go up in the school’s Dark Knight program. Journey makes it a goal in her life to help others and treat people with kindness, love, and compassion. She is a genuine lover of Christ who does not hesitate to spread the Word of God to others. She is always happy to bring a smile to people’s faces. She further hopes that she can bring her strong Christian and family values in the pursuit of her career as a forensic anthropologist. Her ultimate goal is to bring closure and peace to families who have been a victim of crime.