Annual scholarship banquet held

Charles Doud/The Madera Tribune

From left are Evelyn Mass, Denise Chambers, First Lady Cynthia Fryer and Dr. Charles Fryer, pastor of Hull Avenue Church of God in Christ.

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Members of the South East Garden Club gathered Saturday night for their 11th annual scholarship banquet and auction at the Madera Municipal Golf Course.

Some 60 attended, and ate chicken and steak dinners, bid on desserts and participated in an auction of prize items.

Since its inception in May 1952, the South East Garden Club has had the goal of helping to promote and establish educational growth among the black students of Madera High School.

They also focused on community beautification.

The first scholarship was a modest one — just $25.

But that has changed. The club now awards three, $1,000 scholarships per year.

The club also has made many charitable contributions.

The founding members were Alberta Blackburn, Lucille Hughes, Marie Edwards Jackson, Nellie C. Nelson and Ruth V. Schmidt.