Mike Wolanin | The Republic Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship recipients Chandler Harris, from left, Rihanna Blizzard, Ladaishia Logan, Julie Merial, Malachi George and Kaleb Urquidi pose for a photo during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Six local high school seniors were recognized Monday as being outstanding students and community members, receiving college scholarships for their efforts during the annual breakfast celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday morning.
A portion of the event recognizing the life and work of King celebrated six students who were awarded scholarships based on academic performance, community involvement and extracurricular activities.
Six $1,000 MLK Scholarships were given out on behalf of the African American Pastors Alliance, which was paired with a matching $1,000 from Ivy Tech Community College.
John Sims, associate pastor at Calvary Community Church read off the names of each recipient and shared a little bit about each student.
This year’s recipients are as follows:
Chandler Harris, Columbus East High School
Harris was an active member of the multicultural club and volleyball team at East. She also is a coach for the Columbus Select volleyball team “showing leadership and a heart for mentoring others,” Sims described. Harris plans to attend Ball State University to study social work, with a goal of making a meaningful impact within the foster care system.
Rihanna Blizzard, Columbus East High School
Blizzard is highly involved in a cosmetology program through C4 and hopes to own her own beauty salon. Known for being hard-working and driven, Blizzard is able to balance online coursework, cosmetology program hour-requirements and a job at the same time, Sims said. Blizzard plans to attend either Ball State or Indiana University-Bloomington to study business.
Ladaishia Logan, Columbus East High School
Logan is a multi-sport athlete, competing in softball and basketball. She is also involved in band, where she plays multiple instruments. Logan has enlisted in the Indiana National Guard as a frontline support specialist, attending basic training in July. She plans to attend Vincennes University to study criminal justice and hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Julia Merial, Columbus North High School
Merial is an accomplished student actively involved in show choir and Future Health Professionals Club (HOSA). Known as highly intelligent, disciplined and hardworking, Merial plans to attend either Indiana University-Bloomington or Ball State where she will study medicine. Merial is planning to become a pediatrician.
Malachi George, Columbus East High School
George has a deep passion for culinary arts and has been cooking and creating his own recipes since he was 3-years-old. Though new to the community, George “has quickly distinguished himself through focus, hard work and commitment to pursuing his goals, Sims said. After high school, George plans to attend a school for culinary arts to further pursue his passion for cooking.
Kaleb Urquidi, Columbus North High School
Urquidi competed as an athlete as member of the Columbus North football and track teams. He is also a member of the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy. Urquidi plans to attend Indiana University-Bloomington and study corporate law, with a goal of becoming a corporate lawyer.
