The Rockdale Chapter of the NAACP continues its focus on education with the 23rd annual Freedom Fund banquet on Mar. 19, at 6 p.m.

This year’s Freedom Fund banquet theme is “Education is the key to succeed in life.”

The proceeds from the event are used to provide a scholarship to one senior from each Rockdale high school. Students who are interested in applying for a scholarship can pick up an application at their high school counselor’s office. Deadline to apply is April 16.

In the past, the scholarship amount was $500 each. However this year, the Rockdale chapter has been able to raise enough funding to provide a $1,000 scholarship to each of the three students, said Rockdale NAACP President Willie Gibson.

The Gene Williams Community Service will also be presented to a person to be announced at the event. The award recognizes a local who has gone above and beyond in their service to the community.

Springfield Baptist Church Pastor Eric Lee will be the keynote guest speaker. Initially, WSB producer Royal Marshall, who had spoken at the Freedom Fund banquet in years past, was set to be the guest speaker before he passed away earlier this year.

“Pastor Lee said to call him whenever we need him, and we put it to the test and gave him a call,” said Gibson.

The banquet will be held at the Georgia International Horse Park Carriage House. Tickets are $40 each and banquet organizers ask that ticket orders be placed by March 11.

For more information on tickets, call Allene Eatman at 678-413-9520.