Not everyone can have a legacy such as the one left by Dr. James F. Goodwin, Jr.; one that continues to influence the lives of young men and women long after his passing. The African-American physician, who practiced medicine in Bethlehem in 1935, had struggled to get his education. According to a biography, the experience led him to start a scholarship program to “help deserving Negro students who needed financial assistance.”

That legacy has continued to this day as the J. F. Goodwin Scholarship Fund, in ceremonies at The Meadow of Saucon Valley in Hellertown June 23, awarded scholarships to students, all from the Bethlehem Area School District.

Other students received grants from area churches.

Keynote speakers were all former recipients of the Goodwin scholarship.

One of those, Jerome Hatfield, said, “Even though I was on a partial athletic scholarship, dollars from the Goodwin Scholarship Fund eased the challenge and burden of keeping me in school.”

Hatfield is a former New Jersey State Police officer originally from Bethlehem.

Speaker Nicole Levy said, “Never forget who you are, who you belong to, your loyalty to God, and to yourself. You are the person in charge of your destiny.”

“If you’re the smartest person in the room,” said speaker Eric Williams, “you’re probably in the wrong room. Education has always been the great equalizer.”

This year’s recipients include Aissatou-Ramou Ndiaye from Liberty HS, who was awarded the 2018 J. F. Goodwin Scholarship for academic achievement. She graduated with a 4.35 GPA.

Sarah E. Bossons from Liberty HS and Spencer Oliver from Freedom HS received Goodwin grants.

Bethlehem NAACP President Esther M. Lee presented the Olivia Palmer Clark Memorial Award to Shyla Marshburn from Freedom HS.

Sam Burgess presided over awards from several churches to recipients. Grace Deliverance Baptist Church gave an award to Tatyanna Paul of Phillipsburg HS. St. Paul Baptist Church gave an award to Liberty HS graduate Jereca Alvin who said she plans to study mental health at Temple University after completing studies at Northampton Community College. St. John A. M. E. Zion Church gave an award to Taja Hess who was not present. The Second Baptist Church gave an award to Arianna Shade.

Dr. Wandalynn Enix transferred custody of the historical records of the Bethlehem Chapter of the NAACP to Bethlehem Area Public Library’s Rayah Levy.