Baldon receives Warrior scholarship

MHS senior recognized for scholastic, athletic achievements

By JOHN RECH

Men With a Purpose, along with community football coach Zaccheus Moore, banded together to make a memorial scholarship award to an outstanding student athlete in the county. This year Marion High School Senior Kennedy Baldon landed the $500 Ralph Lytle Warrior Award.

Baldon plans on attending the University of Kentucky to pursue a degree in media arts. He achieved a 4.0 GPA and served as senior class vice president. His grades earned him membership in the National Honor Society. The student athlete was part of the football and track team for the Patriots.

The veteran youth sports coach explained the purpose of the award.

“This scholarship is to bless a child out here (on the field) and should be honored for hard work in the classroom,” said Moore. “Now I want to change a senior’s life on their way to school. None of this is done without the help of the eight-member board of Men with a Purpose.”

Moore explained the inspiration behind the Ralph Lytle Warrior Award and its recent development into a scholarship.

“Thirteen years ago, I had a player to pass,” said Moore. “I promised his family I wouldn’t let his name be forgotten. In this promise I started the Ralph Lytle Warrior Award. I’ve given the award to 10 in the last eleven years. Last year God put it on my heart to do a scholarship and fund it through a charity flag football game, the Ralph Lytle Flag Game.”

Men with a Purpose planned two sperate $500 awards next year. Requirements standards for a senior were maintaining a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA, demonstrated community involvement, played sports though Crittenden County Boys and Girls Club, where the late Ralph Lytle last played, and writing two paragraphs on why they should win the award.

“Men with a purpose are trying to make a difference in the community and bless a senior on the way to college,” said Moore. “We have out two scholarships so far with more to come.”

To contribute or find more information on the award email Moore at coach. zmoore@gmail.com.

Photo submitted

Celebrating the 2022 Ralph Lytle Warrior Award were left to right Lytle’s grandmother and mother, Mary Lewis and Shameki Jones, scholarship winner Kennedy Baldon, Coach Zachaeus Moore Sr. and Dana Moore.