Queen Oliver Youths Honored
by B. J. Easterling
The Queen Oliver Youth Award was named after the late Mrs. Queen Oliver who was devoted to
the Middle Baptist Youth Ministry. She is remembered for the encouragement she provided to
our young people. She always offered praise for their many accomplishments and was very
candid with them when she offered advice regarding their obligations if success was their goal.
To continue her legacy each month a young people is recognized in her honor as “Youth of the
Month”.
KeNora Keshaun Robinson was the November 2012 honoree. She is a junior at Fairley High
School where she volunteers as an Office Assistant and maintains a 3.8 grade point average.
She attends Sunday school, Monday Night Bible Study, a member of Youth Walking in Christ,
and a former member of the Angel Choir and the Number Three Ushers Ministry. KeNora served
as a delegate to the Tennessee BM&E Youth Encampment for two years
Her grandmother, Essie Robinson stated, “She has a beautiful smile, a giving spirit, and is a
loving person who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She love traveling and has
“gifted” hands which she uses to practice cosmetology. She plans to attend college and study to
become a nurse. I am extremely proud of her.”
The December recipient is Excellence Martrise Hinds, is a ninth grade honor student at White
Station High School, with a 3.64 grade point average and a member of the White Station Junior
ROTC Drill Team. While enrolled at White Station Middle School, she was a Peer Mediator and
a member of the Dance Team where she received first place in the 2012 national Junior Hip Hop
Division. She is a member of Girls, Inc. and participates in the Junior League of Memphis, the
Mentor in Training program and the Bib/Lil Sis Program.
In July, she was spotlighted in the “One Great Kid” section of the Commercial Appeal. Just
recently, she was nominated to attend the 2013 National Junior Leadership Forum on Medicine,
a program reserved for the highest-achieving students with an interest in and an aptitude for a
career in Medicine. She plans to pursue a course of study in kinesiology and become a successful
physical therapist.
Excellence Church involvements include a member of Youth Walking in Christ, the Youth and
Young Adult Choir, and the Monday Night Bible Study.
Her mother, Erika Thompson stated that, “She makes her father and I look like the perfect
parents. We love her spirit of having a positive attitude and her willingness to help in any
situation.” “She definitely tries to make the best out of any rough situation,” said her father
Kenneth Thompson. Other parental comments include: “She loves to watch TV, is addicted to
her IPod, and enjoys hanging out with her friends. Although she is small, she loves to eat. All in
all, she is growing into a beautiful young lady and we are very proud of her. She exemplifies her
favorite scripture: Exodus 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long
upon the land which the Lord thy God has giveth thee.
Middle Baptist Church family congratulates both honorees on their accomplishments and wishes
them much success in their future endeavors. Dr. Lester Basken is pastor and Geraldine Bussell,
director of the Youth Ministry, made the presentations.