DUE WEST, SC - Erskine College has announced that William Brandon Martin of York, S.C., and Jason Brent Tompkins of Williamston, S.C. have been selected as the winners of the 1998 E.B. Kennedy Scholarships, two full scholarships covering room, board, and tuition. The value of the scholarship for 1997-98 is over $60,000.

Martin is the son of William Patrick Martin and Linda Pickens Martin of York and Tompkins is the son of M. Brent Tompkins of Williamston and the late Brenda D. Tompkins.

Ranked second in his class of 222 at Clover High School, Martin (left) is active in Student Council, the Math Competition Team, the Socratic Society, the National Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He participated in Palmetto Boys' State and Youth in Government.

Martin is a member of Allison Creek Presbyterian Church in York, where he has been active in Sunday School and Youth Group. He has served as a tutor at his school and has volunteered his time gathering samples for a Kings Mountain Water Studies project. He has also been a volunteer visitor at York Care Facility.

"Brandon is an all-round great student and a tremendous asset to our school," said Clover High School Guidance Counselor Tracey Pickard. "He has been a wonderful help in working with the underclassmen as a tutor."

Martin's hobbies and interests include photography, tennis, guitar, and computers. He plans to major in chemistry at Erskine and pursue a career in pharmaceutical research.

Tompkins (right) is ranked first in his class of 247 at Wren High School in Piedmont. He serves as co-editor of the school newspaper and parliamentarian of the National Honor Society. Active in the service organizaton Serteen Club and on the Math and Academic teams, Tompkins is a member of Beta Club and serves as a math tutor. He was named a National Merit Semifinalist and attended the Governor's School and Boys' State.

"Jason is an outstanding, self-motivated student," said Wren High School guidance counselor Barbara Brown. "He doesn't need anyone pushing him to do his best. We are very, very proud of him." Brown noted that Tompkins has been taking college-level courses this year for dual credit through Wren High School's program with Tri-County Technical College and is also taking an Advanced Placement course in environmental science.

An active member of White Plains Baptist Church in Pelzer, Tompkins has volunteered for Meals on Wheels and participated in various service projects with Serteen. He enjoys reading and "backyard sports." He plans to major in chemistry at Erskine and go on to medical school.

These two E.B. Kennedy Scholarship winners have been chosen from among 24 finalists, who were selected from among the semifinalists interviewed in December. Inspired by Dr. E.B. Kennedy, beloved Erskine alumnus, teacher and respected minister, the scholarship is awarded to high school seniors demonstrating leadership and service in their communities, churches, and schools. Awards are based solely on merit, with emphasis on candidates' Christian commitment, leadership potential, scholastic achievement, and vigorous outlook.

Dr. E.B. Kennedy was a member of the class of 1889 at Erskine College, where he received his A.B. degree. He received the Master of Arts degree from Yale University and the Doctor of Divinity degree from Presbyterian College.

In 1898 he graduated from Erskine Theological Seminary and accepted his first pastorate in Bartow, Fla., where he served until 1905. In 1913 Dr. Kennedy became professor of Latin and French at Erskine College, where he remained on the faculty for 35 years. An Associate Reformed Presbyterian minister for over 50 years, Dr. Kennedy passed away in 1962 at the age of 91.

The E.B. Kennedy Scholarships are funded by the Edward C. Stuart Foundation, Inc., in Bartow, Fla., and an E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Fund. Mr. William "Bill" Stuart, Jr. of Bartow serves as Chair of the E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Program.

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