16th annual Celebration of Life Scholarship Fundraiser for Jerome Ellington
16th annual Celebration of Life Scholarship Fundraiser for Jerome Ellington
On Saturday May 17th 2025 the 16th annual celebration of life
Fundraiser was held at the JCM field house in memory
Of Jerome Maurice Ellington. Jerome lost his life in 2009 to gun violence
and ever since his family awards high school seniors scholarships in
His honor.
Norma Ellington- We started out with two giving out two high school senior scholarships
So I’m pleased to say now we’ve up to 10 we been giving ten scholarships out for at least the last ten years so we’ve been very blessed with generosity of the community and we sell
Barbecue plates and have different fundraisers throughout the year to keep the scholarship funded so.
The ceremony consisted of the past recipients, a speaker and former
Friends and family who knew and loved Jerome. But, one thing that
Really makes it all worth it for the family is knowing the positive
Impact this is having on the kids.
Norma Ellington- Makes me feel great to see these young people like you
said they come and get this scholarships and you know 500 dollars is not a whole lot of money but to a senior in high school entering into college it really is it makes a big difference
They can utilize that money in buying food a couple books dorm supplies they really are grateful and appreciative to receive these scholarships.
Outside of academics one young man was drawn to Mrs Ellington
On a personal level due to them both having lost people that meant so much to them.
Barry Mckinney Jr.- I been through the same situation as she was where my nanny died a couple of years back. It kinda broke my heart. It was my very first heartbreak so it kinda reminded me of this going on helped me push through because she was one of my major supporters.
But don’t get it twisted Jerome loved him some basketball and was a special talent on the court. That’s why they still hold a game every year In his honor. However off the court he always made sure he kept his sense of humor.
Rafael Strayhorn- Growing up one time in my house my mama asked Jerome
To make some koolaid and he used the whole bag of sugar almost and we was just laughing. It was so funny but it was a good time man.
This year in particular the Ellington family hearts are heavier than usual due to Jerome dad Clifton Maurice Ellington passing away in November. But, somehow some way Mrs. Ellington knew she had to keep this going for her son and now her husband.
Norma Ellington- This is the first year he’s not here with us but he is in spirit and so we just the committee definitely wanted to keep this going and so they are also pushing me that we must keep this going.
