WARREN, Mich. – Last week, seniors Derrelle Murray and Bronson O’Kray learned they have earned Ted Bates Memorial Community Scholarship awards.

The two college-bound Pilots will receive $1,000 gifts, which are proceeds from the annual Ted Bates Memorial Community Service Scholarship Golf Classic held annually in September.

Two students from nine different high schools, including Bishop Foley, Center Line, Cousino, Fitzgerald, Lincoln, Mott, Regina, and Woods Tower, received awards sponsored by Warren Lions Club, the Sancho Caravan of Alhambra, Warren Kiwanis Club, and Warren Rotary Club. 

The Bates Scholarships are offered annually to students who have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher and have completed 40 hours of community service and submitted a community service biography. 

The scholarship is named for Bates, the former mayor of Warren, who died in 2011.

“We are so pleased to learn that Bronson and Derrelle have earned this scholarship,” said Chris Dean, De La Salle’s assistant principal for academics. “Both of these young men are very dedicated and hard workers in all that they do and it is fantastic to see them gain this well-deserved recognition. In their time as Pilots, both have done everything they can to make their school and families proud of them.”

O’Kray carries a 3.75 cumulative grade-point average and participated in the Michigan Math Prize Competition last October. An Advanced Placement student, he played soccer through his sophomore season. In the fall, he hopes to attend the University of South Carolina, Michigan State University or Central Michigan University.

Murray is an accomplished student-athlete, who participated in football and track and field since his freshman year. He earned his first varsity letter as a freshman throwing shot put and discus on the Pilots’ track team. He received his second varsity letter in his junior year as a member of the Pilots state championship squad.

Murray maintains a 3.57 cumulative GPA while taking three Advanced Placement classes amongst his workload this year. He plans to attend Albion College this fall.

Murray has always cultivated a sense of gratitude, looking for ways that he can give back to his community. 

“At De La Salle, it is expected to be active with community service by volunteering as often as possible,” he said. “As a team and individual I did activities within the Warren and Detroit communities to help those that were in need. I also worked with kids in the Warren area in providing them with school supplies and tutorial services.”

Along with his mom, Larrita Murray, he continues to volunteer at area soup kitchens too.

A golf outing that supports the scholarships is scheduled for Sept. 25. For information on the scholarships or golf outing, contact Karen Joyce at 586-759-6500.