District Court Judge Ken Ellis may be retired from the bench, but he has not forgotten the many people who were helpful during his tenure. Ellis decided one way to remember his long time colleague and friend, the late M.E. "Zeke" Creech was to provide an annual scholarship to a deserving student at Lenoir Community College.
Creech served as clerk of Lenoir County Superior Court for many years. "It is an ideal way to remember Mr. Creech and his service is to contribute to students pursuing an education."

Ellis said that Creech ran a very good office. "He and his staff took serious the business the obligation of serving the public. He was very supportive."

"This donation is given not only in Mr. Creech's memory, but also in appreciation of the support and assistance he and his staff gave me during my tenure as District Court Judge," he said.

The scholarship was awarded to Aaron Layden of Snow Hill, a 2005 Greene Central High School graduate. Layden is enrolled in the Business Administration Program at LCC and hopes to open his own landscaping business or become involved in beach construction. A volunteer fireman, he works part time at a day care. He is the son of Sherry and Tully Layden of Snow Hill.

Ellis added that the scholarship not only was a tribute his friend (M.E. "Zeke" Creech) but he hoped the community recognized that community colleges are on of the real success stories in North Carolina. "LCC gives people an opportunity to go to school and stay at home, by being productive citizens in their home counties.