My name is Branden Mims, and I am the Senior Pastor of the Greater Metropolitan
Church of Christ located in the heart of Kansas City’s urban core. Each year we endeavor to
provide support for deserving high school graduates who are attending institutions of higher
learning. These individuals usually come from diverse and challenging backgrounds and are
often first-generation college students. Given Kansas City’s high gun violence and homicide
rate, we are convinced the more educational opportunities’ we provide for our cities youth, the
less likely they will become involved in violent crime.
This year we are expanding our scholarship to include vocational/trade school
applicants in addition to those seeking to attend traditional four-year institutions. Our goal is to
encourage young people to enroll in an institution of higher learning or a skill based technical
college. We have chosen 8 recipients who have shown great character and leadership skills
both in and out of the classroom. They are active in sports and serving their community. We are
proud to call them ‘Greater Scholars” and even more proud of the potential impact they will
have on our community and the world.
Should you find it in your heart to donate, please visit www.greatermetro.church and
click the link labeled, “Greater Scholars”. There you will be taken to a landing page with
additional information on our recipients and be provided with a donation button! Thank you
again for your time and consideration! Above all, we solicit your prayers and thoughts as we
prepare to send these young people out into the world!
In His Service,
Branden A. Mims, Senior Pastor

Donate to the Greater ScholarS fund here

MEET OUR 2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Joh’Don DeShawn Frazier

Joh’Don DeShawn Frazier is a graduate of Grain Valley High School class of 2022 in Grain Valley, Missouri. Joh’Don’s intent is to become part of THRIVE a two year residential PROGRAM at UCM Warrensburg, Missouri. He will focus on Transformation, Health, Responsibility, Independence, Vocation and Education.

Darius Tre'Von Booze

Darius is a graduate of Ray-Pec High School’s class of 2022 in Raymore, Missouri. After journeying in choir classes for several years, Darius earned the achievement in Senior Concert Choir of winning Gold Medalist in Ensemble Music. Darius will be attending the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree to further his education. His affinity for music has inspired him to major in Music Engineering and his leadership qualities and strong will for change has contributed to his desire to minor in Criminal Justice.

Vichelle Johnson

Vichelle graduated from University Academy High School with honors in 2019. She is currently attending Fisk University in Nashville, TN where she will graduate with her BS in Biology in 2023. Thereafter, she will advance to medical school to accomplish her goal of becoming an OB GYN physician. This young lady also has her sights set on improving the foster care system. BIG tasks ... but Vichelle is confident that she can/will effect change as she's no stranger to dedication and hard work. She has habitually excelled in her studies while participating in various organizations, extracurricular activities, volunteer services, and maintaining steady employment. Amongst many things, Vichelle is most grateful for God and the village He's yet assigning to her.

Justin D. White II

Justin is a 2022 Honors Graduate of Northeast High School and an Early College Academy graduate of Penn Valley Community College, earning his Associate of Arts. Justin is a four year member of the Kansas City Kappa League, a program designed to aid leadership talents in every phase of human endeavor, Kansas City Youth Court, where he served as a defense attorney and Judge, three sport letters in soccer, two in track and field and one in football. He was also named All-district wide receiver and All-conference linebacker. Justin was also nominated and recognized by the City of Kansas City as a 2022 KC Star Scholar-Athlete. Justin will continue his post-secondary studies as a Pomeroy at Saint Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, IN being offered a scholarship through their football program. As a Pomeroy, Justin plans to study Business & Finance using his degrees to travel the world as a commercial builder and realtor.