The Share America Foundation, Inc. announced its first 2008 scholarship recipient at its June 13 Sacred Sounds Fridays concert featuring Master Peace, the Barker Brothers and Deborah Taylor at the Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga.

The monthly events help fund the organization’s Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship. Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks, "Officer Randy Goode" from TV's "In the Heat of the Night." The scholarships honor students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts.

Jeremy Barker, 18, of Copperhill, a graduate of Copper Basin High School, is the 2008 winner of the scholarship. The organization scholarship committee including both education and music professionals scored applicants on academics and musical abilities.

Barker appeared at the event singing “Stay in the Boat with Jesus” and playing “Lost Indian” along with a full set of gospel songs performed with the Barker Brothers featuring his brother Jonathan, father Scott, his mother Angie and Westley Harris.

“The Barker Brothers are extremely talented and it shined through to our enthusiastic audience,” said Joe Turner, Share America chairman. “It is wonderful that we can recognize the passage of a musical family tradition from parents to sons by honoring Jeremy.”

Barker received a $500 scholarship to be used towards his educational needs at Cleveland State Community College. He said his plans are to eventually transfer to East Tennessee State University where he will minor in its bluegrass program while he pursues a degree in secondary education to teach history.

“Jeremy desires to spread the traditional music of Appalachia among the students he will teach for years to come. By using the funds our board, volunteers, donors and concert attendees have helped us raise to encourage someone with this goal, how can we not be overjoyed by that potential effect his life will have on others,” said Randall Franks, Share America Foundation president. “Jeremy and his brother Jonathan are carrying on the musical traditions which our organization strives to foster. It is an honor to be able to recognize one of them with this scholarship.” He added, “Mom and Dad’s spirit of encouragement will shine on all those that Jeremy’s life touches,” he said.

Board members include Franks, Turner, Gene Lowery, vice chairman; Adam Cathey, secretary and Jerry Robinson, Sr., vice president.

Barker said after college he desires to return to Copperhill and teach in the local high school. “I hope to assume a leading role in continuing the promotion of our acoustic music program,” he said. “I hope to enrich the area’s cultural heritage through the music that I share.”

Barker is the son of Scott and Angie Barker of Copperhill. He is the grandson of Fred and Betty Verner of Turtletown, and the late Wilford and Ola Barker of Copperhill. For more information about The Barker Brothers, visit barkerbrothers.com.

Sacred Sounds Fridays concerts are produced 10 times each year at the Ringgold Depot. The next event is July 11 with The Watkins Family and Steel String Session.

Two additional scholarships will be presented in 2008, Franks said. For more information about the organization and its programs, contact Share America, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or visit www.myspace.com/shareamerica.