Allan A. C. Griffith, Sr.

Allan A. C. Griffith, Sr., from the District of Columbia, served as the third National President from 1940 to 1951.  The Education Department remains a memory to him because of his love for young people.

The Educatioin Department was established to encourage, inspire and assist our youth in obtaining fuller and richer lives through the pursuit of higher education.

Each year at the National Convention, the Education Department continues to supervise the National Scholarship Contest.  Second year high school through first year college students can participate in the five fields, Oration, Vocal, Essay, Instrumental/Piano and the Spelling Bee.  

The funds from which scholarships are now awarded are the results of a vision by R. E. Harshaw, Jr.,  to establish a scholarship fund based upon each usher giving 52 cents annually.  Three engraved R. E. Harshaw, Jr. plaques are given to the three states bringing in the highest amount of money toward our scholarship fund. The plaques are presented at the National Scholarship Contest.

In addition, the R. E. Harshaw Jr. Foundation Board of Trustees provides yearly grants of $250, which are matched by state funds for a total of $500, and are awarded to deserving students in each member state.

From the small seed planted by George T. Grier, the Speakers' Bureau has grown to become a mighty oak from its initial leadership under Charlie H. Jones.  

The Speakers' Bureau has been renamed the
Allan A. C. Griffith, Sr. Education Department.