By By Adrienne McKenzie
Brandon Marshall's hard work during his high school years paid off Sunday morning when Chuck Stevens presented him with a book scholarship for college at The Greater Mount Triumph Missionary Baptist Church.
"Brother Marshall is here this morning and we can't forget what all he has done," Greater Mount Triumph Rev. Willie Hawthorne said. "Brother Stevens is here celebrating the achievements of Brother Marshall."
Marshall graduated from Escambia County High School as valedictorian for the Class of 2007.
"Becoming the valedictorian is something I worked hard at all four years here at Escambia County High School," Marshall said in a previous interview.
While in high school, Marshall had a 4.5 grade point average, was the president of SGA, vice president of the National Honor Society, event coordinator for the Future Business Leaders of America, a member of the marching band and ensemble band, a member of Health Occupational Students of America, vice president of Future Teachers of America and a member of the varsity basketball team.
Stevens chose to recognize Marshall for his dedication to school by awarding him with a book scholarship, which will cover all the costs of his books. Also, Stevens has agreed to award each ECHS valedictorian from now on with a book scholarship.
"(My wife) Rhonda and I wondered what could we do to honor Brandon," Stevens said. "He set a standard of excellence for those to come in Atmore. I was so impressed by him. Because of him and his standard of excellence, we will give the top student at ECHS a book scholarship called 'Chuck Stevens Automotive Brandon T. Marshall Book Scholarship.'"
Marshall said he feels honored to have the book scholarship in his name.
"I'm shocked, but very happy and blessed," he said. "He's (Stevens) a very generous guy and I do thank him. May God bless him and his career."
Atmore Advance sports editor Matthew Nascone contributed to this article.