DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Through the generous proceeds of the Wanda Wilson Foundation, Bethune-Cookman University trustee board member Rufus L. Wilson recently helped to provide two high school graduates a chance at higher education with a pair of scholarships to attend a college/university of their choice earlier this week at a banquet in Avon Park, Fla.

Started by Rufus L. Wilson and named after his mother, the late Wanda Wilson, the Foundation has provided a college/university scholarship for a high school graduate for over four years. Wanda Wilson was a graduate of Bethune-Cookman College, earning her degree from the school in 1960. For more than 30 years, Wanda Wilson served as a popular trailblazing educator and counselor in Highlands and Polk County, and she was a staunch advocate of higher education as a path to success.

This year's recipients of the Wanda Wilson Foundation Scholarship were Josianne Fils and Kayla Wilson, with the Foundation electing to give two scholarships for the first time in its existence. Fils will attend the University of Florida in the fall, while Wilson will attend Bethune-Cookman University. Both young ladies graduated with honors from Avon Park High School in Avon Park, Fla.

“I see the kids as our future,” said Rufus Wilson. “I'm giving back to help them because someone reached out and helped me in my life. We're doing this to better the community, and I know that's why the Lord put us on this earth – to help others and pay it forward.”

Rufus Wilson played football for Bethune-Cookman College from 1978-82, graduating with a degree in Education in 1983. He served as a captain on the football team during his junior and senior year, playing under then head coach Bobby Frazier.

A longtime supporter of Wildcats athletics, Wilson was currently elected to the B-CU Trustee Board by President Dr. Edison O. Jackson. He currently resides in nearby Port Orange with his wife Janice, also a Bethune-Cookman graduate (class of 1980).

-www.BCUathletics.com-