A well-known Evansville pastor and a local high school student have received statewide awards.
The Reverend Adrian Brooks received the 2016 Chairman’s Award at the 25th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration in Indianapolis.
A news release from the event notes Brooks has been a minister since 1980 and has served as the pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Evansville since 1993.
Under his leadership, the congregation has grown to more than 4,500. The church also offers more than 50 ministries for the Evansville community, including a Childcare Center, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Youth Educational Programs.
In 1994, Rev. Brooks founded the Memorial Community Development Corporation, which works to improve the community through renovation and economic growth.
Brooks also serves on civic and community boards. He was recently removed from the Police Merit Commission in a controversial vote by the Evansville City Council.
Meantime, Memorial High School sophomore Mary Schiff received the Passing the Torch Award after winning the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Writing, and Mixed Media Contest.
Schiff also participates in the school’s theater program.