Ladarous “Pee Wee” Wilson (right) received the first ever Ranger Foundation Scholarship, sponsored by Judge James E. Lockemy (left). (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
Wilson was presented the award at a special ceremony held by the Dillon Kiwanis Club on Tuesday, July 12.
Under the details of the scholarship, $200 will be deposited into a bank account every year on Wilson’s birthday between the ages of 12 and 20. Judge James E. Lockemy will be in charge of the account, which will accrue interest each year, amounting to a total of over $1600 by age 20. In the event of Lockemy’s death, his estate will donate $1,000 to the winner.
The recipient must meet strict criteria to earn the award. He must be a Kiwanis Dixie Youth baseball player, and must go to college or post secondary school by the age of 20. A committee selects the winner based on attitude, need, sportsmanship, and the effort he gives in school and both on and off the field.
“The game of life is more important than baseball,” Lockemy said. “We want kids to appreciate life and contribute to society in all facets.”
Wilson played on Lockemy’s Dixie Youth major league team, the Justice Rangers, earlier this summer, and was a notable player, picking up several wins on the mound and getting hits in almost every game.
