The 26th annual Freedom Fund banquet and awards ceremony on Saturday, March 15, 6 p.m. at the Georgia International Horse Park's Carriage Room highlights the importance of education and raises money for local scholarships.

This year's theme, "Building the Future Using Education as the Foundation," highlights the Rockdale County NAACP's decades of support for education in the community. Scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,000, are given at the end of the school year to one deserving senior from each Rockdale high school.

Organizer Allene Eatman said the scholarships help students with educational supplies and expenses. "We do realize the cost of education has gone up. The cost of books have gone up."

This year's guest speaker is state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, who represents the 91st district covering parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties.

The Jean Williams Community Service Award will also be given at the ceremony to a community member who has served above and beyond.

Tickets are $40 per adult in advance. Tables of 10 are $400. Children 12 years old and under are $20. For tickets, contact organizer Allene Eatman at 770-715-4836 or Gladys Brown at 770-918-1349.