I’ve been missing in action for a while.

My column usually runs on Thursdays but because of the sheer volume of stories we’ve had lately, I haven’t had the time, space or inclination for a column.

Since it has been a while since I wrote a column, I didn’t take the time to thank those who made the Lt. Nick Brantley Scholarship Tournament and the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Holiday Classic sponsored by United Country Joe Murray Realty successful.

At the scholarship tournament, we were able to present six deserving young people with $500 scholarships in the name of Nick Brantley. They were provided by Joyce and Keith Brantley, the co-workers of Joyce Brantley, Joe Mizelle of Mizelle’s Accounting, Ralph Brinkley, Dr. Robert Cooke and the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald.

It is the second time we’ve held the tournament and the second time we’ve been able to offer scholarships to the student-athletes who participate in it.

This year, the committee honored Parker Brown and Lori Coggins of Northeast Academy, Miles Newbern and Hayes Bryant of Ridgecroft School, Mindy Miller of Bethel Christian Academy and Kendall Street of Lawrence Academy. We’ll be doing more a more in depth feature on them soon.

I am proud of what the Lt. Nick Brantley Scholarship Tournament stands for and what has been done to honor the legacy of such a fine man. We’ll be doing even more soon and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.

In the ‘Classic, we were able to add a new twist this year by offering three $500 scholarship to the student-athletes who participated there.

The scholarships honored two men who have been involved since it began: Hertford County High School Athletic Director Charles Simmons and Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Editor Cal Bryant. It also honored the service of the late Representative Howard J. Hunter Jr.

The scholarship were awarded to Parris Moore of Hertford County High School, Satora Swain of Bertie High School and Demar Smith of Northampton County High School n East.

The money for the scholarships was donated by the Howard J. Hunter Jr. Scholarship Foundation, Northeastern Orthopedics, Catherine’s Restaurant and Golden Skillet.

We look forward to adding at least one more scholarship at next year’s Classic and may even have a few more wrinkles for the 18-year-old tournament.

Anyone who wants to get involved in helping with the scholarships for either tournament should contact me at 332-7211 or thadd.white@r-cnews.com.

I am proud of the way both tournaments were conducted this year. By-in-large the student-athletes and fans at both places were exemplary. Thank you for your attitude, your willingness to be part of the tournament and your support of your teams.

Questions? Comments? Snide remarks? All are welcome.

You can reach me at thadd.white@r-cnews.com or call me at 332-7211.

Be careful out there and be good sports.