“Taylor Made” Scholarships

The MKS Foundation scholarships are designed to supplement financial aid received by students. The Foundation strives to provide scholarship recipients with “Taylor Made” Scholarships based on their academic, professional, and personal needs.  Students can request assistance with funding for books, housing, travel, computers, etc. MKS Foundation understands that students encounter a plethora of additional needs. Therefore, we honor the request of the students selected for scholarships whenever possible (within non-profit laws).

The unique component of “Taylor Made” Scholarships is the opportunity for our donors to create scholarships they desire to fund. Donors may coordinate with the MKS Foundation to develop scholarships for students at specific institutions of higher learning or students in particular areas of study. Additionally, scholarships may be made as a tribute to honor persons or organizations. The MKS Foundation is housed in Alabama. However, students from across the Southeast states are eligible to apply for a scholarship. MKS Foundation does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.

  • Students must be graduating high school seniors or undergraduate or graduate students attending an accredited institute of higher learning.

  • Students must submit an Acceptance Letter or a Letter of Good Standing from an institution of higher learning.

  • Students must submit a letter (1) of recommendation from an advisor, counselor, or instructor.

  • Students must submit a personal essay (about their need for funding) (500-word limit).

  • Students must have an overall GPA of 2.0.

  • Students must be a US citizen.

  • Application Date: Nov. 1st - Mar. 1st

 
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Marshall Latimore Journalism Scholarship APPLICATION

The Marshall Latimore Memorial Scholarship is for journalism majors or creative writers. It was created and funded by Mrs. Mary Latimore and friends in memory of her son, Mr. Marshall Latimore, who passed away in March 2021. It is a tribute to his life’s work in journalism and his love for writing.

Marshall Latimore attended Birmingham public schools and was Salutatorian of his 2002 Woodlawn High School graduating class. He graduated from Tennessee State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and was part of the 2017 class for the Poynter-NABJ Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media. 

He worked at several jobs in journalism, including as a page designer for Alabama Media Group, publisher of AL.com, The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times, and the Mobile Press-Register, from 2012 to 2014.  At the time of his passing, Mr. Latimore was the Editor-in-Chief and Chief Content Officer of the Atlanta Voice in Atlanta, Georgia.   

Requirements:

  • Students must be undergraduate or graduate students attending an accredited institution of higher learning.

  • Students must submit an original written essay or article of no less than 750 words double spaced (approximately 2-3 pages) on the title: “This Is My Story.”

  • Submit one (1) Letter of Recommendation

  • Students must be in good academic standing.

  • The student must be a US citizen.

  • Application Date: Nov. 1st - Mar. 1st

 
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THE KEVIN D. SUTTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Kevin D. Sutton Memorial Scholarship is for students who make significant public service contributions to their community. It was created and funded by Ms. Taylor Danielle Sutton in memory of her father, Kevin D. Sutton, who tragically passed away on April 30, 2017. It is a tribute to his life and service to the community he loved.

Kevin D. Sutton was a product of Birmingham public schools and a 1981 graduate of Phillips High School. Upon graduation, he pursued higher education at Mississippi Valley State University on an academic and football scholarship.  He later received a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration from Athens State University. In 1994, he became a daring firefighter with the City of Fairfield.  His innate desire to be the best in all his endeavors and engaging personality led him to various roles within the department. He excelled from firefighter to fire marshal, and then he became fire chief of Fairfield in 2004, serving in that position for 13 years.

Under my father’s leadership, the Fairfield Fire Department became an integral partner with the Fairfield community. He coordinated programs for seniors and children in the city, which involved all middle and elementary schools in Fairfield.  He led the department’s involvement in charitable works, played Santa at Christmas, and went a step further to set up a GoFundMe for displaced city workers. He was the immediate past president of the Board of Directors for Better Basics. This nonprofit

provides literacy intervention, enrichment programs, and educational opportunities for elementary and middle school students throughout Alabama.  He was also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Some called him Kevin, others called him Chief Sutton or Chief Bruno, I was proud to call him Dad. As his daughter, I invite you to join me in keeping his memory of service excellence alive!

Sincerely,

Taylor Danielle Sutton

Requirements:

  • Students must be an undergraduate or graduate student attending an accredited institute of higher learning.

  • Students must hold a leadership position in an organization(s).

  • Students must have a minimum of 50 hours of community service.

  • Students must be a US citizen.

  • Students must submit one (1) Letter of Recommendation.

  • Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0.

  • Application Date: Nov. 1st - Mar. 1st

 
 

Marcus A. Latimore MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The Marcus A. Latimore Memorial Scholarship was created in November 2019. Marcus played sousaphone in the marching and symphonic bands at Woodlawn Magnet High School. Upon graduation in 2002, he was honored to receive a band scholarship and furthered his education at Alabama A&M University. Marcus was commended for his willingness to assist others and his charismatic smile.

The Marcus A. Latimore Scholarship is explicitly tailored for Woodlawn Magnet High School Business Academy senior students. His mother, Mrs. Mary Latimore, sponsors this scholarship annually, ensuring that his legacy and love for helping others will continue.  

Requirements:

  • Students must be graduating seniors enrolled in the Woodlawn Magnet High School Business Academy.

  • Students must submit an Acceptance Letter from an accredited institution of higher learning.

  • Students must submit a Personal Statement (500-word minimum - single-spaced) on “The Importance of Ethical Values in Business.”

  • Students must submit a Letter of Endorsement from the Business Education Instructor.

  • The student must be a US citizen.

  • Students must have an Overall GPA of 2.5.

  • Application Date: Nov. 1st - Mar. 1st

 
 

For additional information on any of the above scholarships, please contact:

Ms. Marsha Kelley-Sutton

kelleys@mksfoundation.net

(205) 276-8758