Thirteen young individuals were recognized with scholarships from the Mozel Sanders Foundation

Indianapolis, Indiana – This holiday, as families came together to celebrate around the dinner table, many homes in Indianapolis were marked by empty chairs, a poignant reminder of the impact of homicide on the city’s youth.

This year, IMPD has investigated close to 200 homicides, with almost 25% of the victims being 24 years old or younger.

It was truly uplifting to witness over a dozen teenagers receiving $500 college scholarships from the Mozel Sanders Foundation during the annual Thanksgiving Dinner event.

Ten thousand meals were served to the community by volunteers, who received support in the form of a $500 check from Indianapolis Indians Chairman Bruce Shumacher.

Governor Eric Holcomb and Mayor Joe Hogsett were present, greeting the scholarship recipients with a handshake.

“Education and access to quality opportunities for learning are the quickest routes to prosperity. Each of these individuals is on that journey, and hopefully, some may even become mayor one day,” stated Hogsett.

Messiah Belton, a senior at Lawrence Central High School, is among those teens.
“I believe this demonstrates that my efforts are beginning to yield results,” stated Messiah. “I’m still working on understanding college and figuring out how to cover various expenses related to it.”

Messiah is a graduate of Reverend Malachi Walker’s Youth Men Inc., recognized as one of Indy’s leading summer programs aimed at providing kids with a more promising path than simply transitioning into the streets.

“I mentor, but I also learn from the kids I guide. I share my insights with them, reminding them that life is about choices. The decisions they make can lead to positive outcomes, as exemplified by one of the 13,” he stated. “I prayed for my hard work to be recognized, and for my talents and gifts to shine. I must continue to pursue them, and this journey doesn’t end here.” “This is just the beginning.”

Messiah stated that he is considering opportunities at several universities to participate in college football next fall.