ROCKINGHAM – John Searcy served over 25 years in the criminal justice field, all here in Richmond County. He was a policeman for 10 years and then was appointed as a magistrate with the Administrative Office of the Courts system. He served in that capacity for 15 years prior to his sudden death on October 2, 2014.
In April, 2015, Sandy Searcy established the John Searcy Memorial Scholarship program in memory of her late husband.
The program awards scholarships to students who have elected to attend Richmond Community College and pursue a degree in criminal justice. Since its onset in 2015, Searcy stated, “We have awarded 7 scholarships. We again plan to award a scholarship at the awards ceremony to be held on May, 17, 2018 at Richmond Senior High School.”
Searcy shared, “John also worked at the high school in the extended day program where kids that could not excel in the day classroom were given the opportunity to attend classes in the evening. This is where John had the opportunity to instruct those kids and help them push pass their obstacles, overcome their struggles and succeed to graduation. He had a desire to see every kid succeed. This is why the scholarship was formed in his memory and honor, so that he can continue to assist those students to success.”
The scholarship committee sponsors a golf tournament to support the scholarship cause. Searcy said, “We are preparing for the 4th annual tournament that will be held on Saturday, April 21 at Scotch Meadows Country Club in Laurinburg, NC.” Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:00 a.m. and tee time is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided at 1:00 p.m.
The tournament will be accepting donations for golf hole sponsors ($50) as well as donations for prizes and silent auction items. Space is limited to the first 22 teams.
“The community has rallied behind this tournament and has donated items, prizes and their time,” Searcy stated. “We have awarded 7 scholarships in 3 years, totaling close to $10,000.”
Searcy states, “Our family continues this tournament and scholarship as a way for us to always remember John, his values, work ethic, commitment and to keep him alive in our hearts and homes. She continues, “It is such a blessing for our young son to witness the admiration and love others had for his dad.”
Individuals wishing to participate or donate to the cause can do so by contacting Searcy at 995-5040, Jason Grant at 995-2229, or Pete Swails at 206-1519. They can also be reached through Facebook.
Date: Saturday, April 21st
Location: Scotch Meadows Country Club, Laurinburg
Time: 8:00 a.m.- registration & breakfast, 9:00 a.m.- tee off
1:00 p.m.- lunch served
Price: $50/golfer, $200/team
Hole Sponsor: $50
