Gadsden State Community College presented almost 700 scholarships to students across Alabama.
The scholarships included those awarded at traditional awards days at 101 Alabama high schools; Presidential Scholarships to three student leadership participants; and dual enrollment scholarships for winners of the Worlds of Work Instagram Contest.
“It is an honor for us to reward deserving students with scholarships to Gadsden State,” President Dr. Kathy Murphy said. “We are proud of their success and achievements and look forward to seeing them on campus.”
Thirty Gadsden State employees traveled across Alabama in April and May to present various scholarships to graduating seniors. Scholarships were awarded in academics, athletics, fine arts and workforce development.
“We traveled the state from north to south, east to west,” Assistant Director of Enrollment Services Whitney Hall said. “It is such an honor to present well-deserving students with scholarships that will enable them to continue their education and prepare them for direct entry into our workforce.”
Student leadership programs are hosted by the Chambers of Commerce in Gadsden State’s service area. The programs are designed to provide opportunities to high school students that will develop positive leadership qualities. Gadsden State provided one scholarship per student leadership program in Etowah, Calhoun and Cherokee counties.
“The ultimate goal of our student leadership program is to ensure the students possess a unique understanding and appreciation of the inner workings of their community,” said Christi Robinson, president and CEO of The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County. “Our program provides students with the knowledge, tools and contacts to become better leaders.”
The three winners received the Presidential Scholarships, which includes full tuition and fees at Gadsden State. The winners are Ethan Fair, a graduate of Student Leadership Calhoun County and a student at Jacksonville Christian Academy; Kaylee Green, a graduate of Student Leadership Cherokee County and a student at Cherokee County High School; and Madalyn Lankford, a graduate of Student Leadership Etowah and a student at Sardis High School.
“These students went through a competitive selection process to be a part of the Student Leadership program, and they were all successful completers,” Murphy said. “They are among the best of the best, and we can-not wait for them to be Gadsden State Cardinals.”
Five juniors were awarded $500 dual enrollment scholarships as winners of the WOW Instagram Contest. The event, which was held in March in Oxford and hosted by East AlabamaWorks, provides eighth-graders and juniors the opportunity to explore different careers through hands-on activities. Careers explored included healthcare, marketing, transportation, public safety and education. In the marketing and communications sector, students were asked to create an Instagram post focusing on Gadsden State, their future career goals or their WOW experience. The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah funded the $500 scholarships through its Partnering for Prosperity Campaign.
“The Chamber is proud to be a part of WOW and is honored to partner with Gadsden State to award these scholarships to creative, deserving students,” Robinson said. “The scholarship will pay for one dual enrollment class for each student during their senior year of high school. It will give them a jump start on their collegiate careers.”
Winners of the WOW Instagram Contest scholarships are Isabella Asbury from Oxford High School; Michael Reese Hines from Jacksonville High School; Ella Jane Steward from Faith Christian School; Phillip Nash Keener from Pleasant Valley High School; and Jayda Smith from Jacksonville High School.