Haynes Heroes Scholarship Program

In Honor of Reverend Watson Haynes, II
Presented by the Pinellas County Urban League
Rev. Watson Haynes was a principled leader whose life’s work centered on expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and developing future leaders. Through his leadership, he challenged institutions and individuals alike to pursue excellence with purpose and integrity.

He believed deeply in the power of education as a pathway to advancement and consistently invested in young people who showed promise and determination. His commitment to community service was not symbolic; it was active, visible, and sustained over time. He built relationships across sectors, bringing people together to address real needs and create lasting impact. Those who worked alongside him knew him as both a collaborator and a steady force for progress.

The Haynes Heroes Scholarship was established to carry that work forward by supporting students who reflect his values of academic excellence, leadership, and service. In doing so, it ensures that his legacy remains active, relevant, and felt in the lives of the next generation, with this effort directly fueling continued investment in students and rising leaders who will shape the future of our community.


"Education is not just the path to opportunity—it's the foundation of a just society." – Rev. Watson Haynes

Haynes Heroes Scholarship Awards Brunch

Saturday, May 02, 2026

12:30 PM | Enoch Davis Center

Investing in Future Leaders. Honoring Unsung Heroes.

Join us on Saturday, May 2, 2026 12:30 - 2:00 PM, at Enoch Davis Center (1111 18th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712), for an afternoon that brings together purpose, recognition, and impact. The Haynes Heroes Scholarship Awards Brunch celebrates the 2026 Class of Haynes Heroes Scholars and Haynes Unsung Heroes whose work continues to strengthen our community while raising critical support for the next generation of leaders.

The Haynes Heroes Scholarship exists to remove barriers and create access for students who are already demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and service.

This year’s cohort reflects that standard:

  • Average weighted GPA: 4.05

  • Average community service: 943 hours

  • Average SAT score: 1142

To date, we have supported 23 students and awarded 35,000 dollars in scholarships, with scholars attending institutions across the Southeast.

 This year, we recognize four Haynes Unsung Heroes whose work has created meaningful, lasting impact across our community. They lead without spotlight and serve without recognition.

  • Carla Bristol
    Transforms St. Petersburg through urban agriculture, youth development, and arts initiatives

  • Gershom Faulkner
    Strengthens communities through military service, political leadership, and entrepreneurship

  • Rev. Ellis Hodge
    Empowers individuals and families through decades of faith-based ministry and outreach

  • Samantha Richardson-Hardy
    Leads initiatives delivering food access, education, and community resources across Pinellas County

Your presence and support directly contribute to expanding this impact. This is more than an event. It is a commitment to leadership, service, and opportunity.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Align your organization with impact, visibility, and purpose. Sponsorship of the Haynes Heroes Awards Reception connects your brand to leadership, education, and measurable community outcomes.

This is not passive recognition. It is active alignment with real results.

Featured Opportunity

Presenting Sponsor – $10,000

  • Event naming rights

  • Premium table of 8

  • Branded scholarship opportunity

  • On-stage presentation role

  • Full-page program ad

  • Premier logo placement

  • Dedicated social spotlight

Additional Sponsorship Levels

Academic Excellence Sponsor – $5,000
Table of 8, program recognition, half-page ad, signage placement, podium recognition, social media and post-event visibility

Leadership Sponsor – $2,500
Six tickets, program placement, sponsor slide, podium recognition, social media mention

Community Impact Sponsor – $1,000
Two tickets, program listing, sponsor slide, social media acknowledgment

Table Sponsor – $500
Table of 8, program listing, table branding, social media acknowledgment

Friend of Haynes Heroes – $100
Program recognition

Whether you attend, sponsor, or support, your involvement directly shapes the opportunity for students and recognition for those strengthening our community every day.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR UNSUNG HEROES!

Rev. Ellis Hodge

Rev. Ellis Hodge

Carla Bristol

Carla Bristol

Gershom Faulkner

Gershom Faulkner

Samantha Richardson-Hardy

Samantha Richardson-Hardy

The Haynes Heroes Scholarship Fund was established to honor the memory and enduring legacy of Rev. Watson L. Haynes, II, a community icon and the former President & CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League (PCUL), who passed in 2022. Rev. Haynes was a fierce advocate for education and community advancement. This scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers for minority students pursuing higher education, and to support those who reflect his values of leadership, service, and academic excellence.

To Join the information list, send an email to haynesheroesscholarship@gmail.com or call 813-308-9362

About the Scholarship Fund

Donate to the Scholarship Fund