Two Howard Payne University students were recognized recently as 2013 Young Maston Scholars during the T.B. Maston Lectures in Christian Ethics, an annual conference hosted by Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon Seminary.

Trent Gainey, a junior biblical languages major from Kermit, and Joshua Puckett, a senior Bible major from Hobbs, N.M., were nominated for the honor by Dr. Donnie Auvenshine, dean of HPU’s School of Christian Studies, and other HPU faculty members.

“Trent and Joshua are outstanding examples of the caliber of those studying through HPU’s School of Christian Studies,” Dr. Auvenshine said. “They daily live out their commitments to Christ in everything they do. We could not be prouder of their accomplishments.”

The Young Maston Scholar designation is awarded by Hardin-Simmons University in conjunction with nominations made by HPU and other Texas Baptist-partnering universities in an effort to recognize outstanding undergraduate students for their interest in, engagement with and integration of Christian ethics.

Nominations are based upon a student’s demonstrated faithfulness to the ethical example of Christ; a commitment to Christian ethics lived out in theological inquiry and academic excellence; an established reputation among peers for ethical Christian leadership; and an articulated clarity in an occupational expression of ministry, though it is not required to be in a congregational setting.

In addition to receiving formal recognition during this year’s lectures, Gainey and Puckett participated in an auxiliary ethics retreat sponsored by the T.B. Maston Foundation, as well as an exclusive ethics roundtable with this year’s Maston Lecturer, Dr. Molly Marshall, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kan.

Both the Young Maston Scholar designation and the T.B. Maston Lectures in Christian Ethics seek to honor the legacy of Dr. T.B. Maston, longtime professor of Christian ethics and pioneering Baptist ethicist, known for his writing and teaching in the areas of biblical ethics, race relations, family life, the Christian life and vocation, church and state, and character formation.

Pictured above:  Two Howard Payne University students were named 2013 Young Maston Scholars by Hardin-Simmons University. They are pictured with Young Maston Scholars from partnering universities. Bottom row (left to right): Joshua Puckett (HPU), David Bertrand (University of Mary-Hardin Baylor), Yvonne Harold (UMHB), Jorge Arias (East Texas Baptist University); Middle row: Deborah Isosaki (Baptist University of the Américas), Jordan Upchurch (ETBU); Top row: Matthew Molina (Wayland Baptist University), Kendra Holt (HSU), Venantie Uwishyaka (HSU), Adrianna Martinez (BUA), Andrew Humphrey (Baylor University), Trent Gainey (HPU).

Photo and information in news release was provided by HSU Communications.