The T.L. Deveridge Scholarships and Leadership Awards will be presented to students from six area high schools during a special recognition ceremony at 5 p.m. today at Goshen First Baptist Church.

The scholarships and awards are presented by Tommy and Joyce Deveridge of Goshen in memory of their son, Tomaras Lamon Deveridge, who lost his life in an automobile accident in November 2001.

Tomaras Deveridge was an outstanding athlete and student. He graduated from Goshen High School in 1997 and would have received his master’s degree from Troy University in December 2001.

“Tomaras knew the value of an education and was dedicated to helping other young people achieve their dreams through education,” Joyce Deveridge said. “He enjoyed working with young people and was a mentor for the Troy University basketball team.

“We wanted to do something to honor Tomaras’ memory and something that would benefit young people in their quest for a higher education.”

With that in mind and with the support of their church, Tommy and Joyce Deveridge initiated the T.L. Deveridge Scholarship program.

Since 2003, more than 60 scholarships and leadership awards have been presented.

The T.L. Deveridge Scholarships are awarded to qualified students at Goshen High School and the Leadership Awards are presented to well-rounded students at area high schools.

The recipients of the 2013 T.L. Deveridge Scholarships are Brione Cowart and Steven Rodgers.

The Leadership Awards recipients are LaKorda Downie and Alexis Foster, Brantley High School; Jonas Keon Foster, Collins High School; Jhakendra Hampton and Regina Wright, Charles Henderson High School; Ebone Sankey, Spain Park High School; Jared Maddox and Chazlin Williams, Goshen High School; and Dinesha Perdue, Highland Home High School.

Three members of the community will also be honored as 2013 role models. The honorees are Arthur L. Folmar, retired Troy University Postal Service, President Alabama State Laymen Department and owner of Folmar Farms in Goshen; Dr. Jacqueline Lampley-Copeland, Alabama Board Certified physician, Millbrook; and Dr. J. Thomas Sanders, family practice dentist, Luverne.

Joyce Deveridge said she and her husband are thankful for the support of family, friends, businesses and churches that support the T.L. Deveridge Scholarship and Leadership Award program.

“Through the sale of ads for the souvenir booklet and special donations in Tomaras’ memory, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.

Deveridge said St. Mark Baptist Church in Glenwood and the Loyal Christians Club in Troy have recently come on board, making it possible to present a growing number of awards along with the scholarships.

“We thank everyone who contributes to these efforts to further the education of our young people. Education does make a difference. To God be the glory,” Deveridge said.