ALTON - Heaven Everage, Justice Haynes and Rayna Raglin were recognized by the Friends of the 60s/Alton Black Alumni Association with scholarships for Alton area students, according to information provided Aug. 5, 2026, as the organization continues its work to support youth pursuing education and to carry on the legacy of Leo Cox, one of the founders of the service organization.
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The Leo C. Cox Memorial Scholarship Golf Scramble serves as a meaningful community initiative dedicated to empowering local students through scholarship support and educational opportunities.
Everage received a scholarship from the Friends of the 60s/Alton Black Alumni Association. Haynes and Raglin also were listed as recipients of Friends of the 60s/Alton Black Alumni scholarships.
Everage also received several other scholarships and honors, including the Josephine Marley Beckwith Scholarship, Presbyterian Lorelle Webb Memorial Scholarship, Elijah P. Lovejoy MAPO, 2026 Rotary Student of the Year, Salem Baptist Church Scholarship, Wigger Memorial, Liberty Bank and 3 Purple Coats Productions Scholarship.
Rhonda Cox, one of the organizers of the annual summer golf tournament, said the scholarship effort is meaningful because of Uncle Leo Cox’s memory and his commitment to the community. Cox said Leo was one of the charter members of the Alton Black Alumni Association, which began as a social organization for students who graduated from Alton High in the 1960s and celebrated their achievements and the situations they overcame.
“The Alton Black Alumni Association exemplifies service,” Cox said, adding that the organization’s annual golf tournament is its biggest fundraiser.
Cox said the organization gives three scholarships, including two recurring scholarships, each year to Alton area students who meet the criteria.
The organization “is definitely doing its part to carry on my uncle’s legacy,” Cox said. She said his community spirit was known throughout Alton and that the scholarship enables Alton area youth to “continue their education journey.”
Golf Tournament Photographer - Chandler Herron
