Jequaries Martin and Santana DeJarnett (center) each received a $500 scholarship to assist in college from the West End Neighborhood Watch. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

The West End Neighborhood Watch awarded $500 scholarships to Jequaries Martin and Santana DeJarnett during a ceremony at the West End Community Center on Wednesday.

This was the first time that the West End Neighborhood Watch had handed out scholarships to deserving members of the community.

“We expect to give out even more with every year,” said Jackie Baker, president of the West End Neighborhood Watch.

Both Martin and DeJarnett attended and were recent graduates of Chilton County High School.

Martin played football and basketball at Chilton County High School and DeJarnett is the daughter of city councilman Greg DeJarnett.

The criteria for the scholarships involved being a recent high school graduate and a letter that acknowledged their acceptance into college.

“We appreciate the community for what they are doing to help out,” Baker said. “The money that we collect from dues and grants is being put right back into the community. It’s a blessing.”

The neighborhood watch was established in 1990 and currently has about 50 members who take part in the meetings that take place the first Thursday of each month.

According to Baker, the support has picked up since 2013 and the membership has continued to grow with every meeting that passes.

The scholarships are a continued sign of the growing support gained from residents and city officials.

“People have begun to see the different things happening around the community and they want to join in,” Baker said. “We have come a long way and put a lot of money into renovating the center. It is definitely the hub of the community.”