At its celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, Cavalry Baptist Church presented three scholarships in honor of Dr. King: to Maya Tavares, a senior, Jacarra Stephens, a 2018 graduate, and to the East Hampton football team. Each of the honorees received flowers, a certificate of recognition, and $500.
Maya, a three-sport athlete and active member of the Cavalry Baptist community, also spoke at the celebration for a third year. Amanda Hayes presented her award. “Maya, please know you will always have a family here at Cavalry Baptist Church. We are proud of you.”
Jacarra was recently baptized in the church and just earned her clinical medical assistant degree. She has been offered a position with Stony Brook Medicine. “Your Cavalry Baptist Church family stands with you, cheering you every step of the way,” Ms. Hayes said.
Anthony Hayes presented the last scholarship of the evening to the East Hampton varsity football team, honoring Coach Joe McKee and his athletes for their incredible run in the fall.
“To Coach McKee and the coaches and players — we extend our heartfelt congratulations for an extraordinary and historic 2025 season,” Mr. Hayes said. “This has been one of the best seasons in Bonac football history. You competed with heart and determination.”
After the ceremony, Coach McKee reflected on the season and his student-athletes. “I’m so honored, humbled, and thankful,” he said. “A great group of kids. Not only were they great football players, they were just great, great kids, and also great students. They’re going to some really good schools — Tulane, we got kids applying to Penn, University of Southern California — just a great, great group of kids, great athletes, an absolute joy to coach, and it was quite the year.”