The theme of Saturday’s Saving Our Youth Scholarship Banquet is “It Still Takes a Village.” LaSonda Martin said the Saving Our Youth Organization in Troy understands that it does take a village to “save our youth” and “we are raising the standard.”

The organization’s scholarship banquet will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at Good Times on 29, which is located six miles from Troy on Highway 29 south.

“Everyone is invited to come out and support Saving Our Youth Organization’s efforts to raise the standards when it comes to our young people,” Martin said.

Banquet tickets are $20 for adults. Ages 12 and under are admitted at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available by calling (334) 268-8021 or 424-8452 and will be available at the door.

The banquet will feature a stellar lineup of speakers including Tyron Moultry of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Troy.

“All of our speakers are outstanding and we are honored to have them,” Martin said. “Franchesca Ross-Jones of Common Cents Tax Solutions in Montgomery and LaCheston Moore, a youth pastor from Birmingham, will speak on specific topics.

“We have two authors among our speakers. T.K. Ware from Macon, Georgia has written 20 books based on Christian principles and seven novels. Katrina Hardison of Eufaula is also an author whose book, ‘Are You Connected for Real’ is very informative and helpful.”

Special recognition will be give to citizens who have made significant contributions to the community during the year. The recognitions will include the Pillar Award and four citizens’ awards.

The Saving Our Youth Organization was founded by Martin and her husband, Clyde Martin III in June 2017. Glenda Kelly is the organization’s advisor.

The organization was founded on biblical principles and is committed to the community and its young people.

The Saving Our Youth Organization raises funds to purchase school supplies at the beginning of the school year and for its scholarship program.

“Last school year, our organization gave out 250 bags filled with school supplies,” Martin said. “This year, we hope to raise that number to 500.”

The organization also provides baskets for those in need at Thanksgiving and Christmastime.

Saving Our Youth Organization encourages those, who are interested in the community’s young people and would like to be a part of raising the standard so they may achieve even greater things, to attend the scholarship banquet Saturday night at Good Times on 29.