The Gadsden Woman’s Club awarded academic scholarships to four local high school students during the club’s luncheon meeting on Tuesday, April 23.
Assistant State Superintendent of Education Dr. Melissa Shields was the guest speaker at the event. The following students received this year’s scholarships to be used at the college of their choice:
Mary Alice Anglea from Southside plans to attend Auburn University and major in Interior Design. Mary Alice has an exceptional academic record and is the SGA President and an active member of the school’s Key Club, Leo Club, FCCLA, FBLA, ASTRA, Peer Helpers and National Honor Society. She also is captain of the Front Ensemble of the Pride of Southside Band. Mary Alice is active in her youth group at Meadowbrook Baptist Church and has helped with fundraising events in the community such as the annual Spina Bifida Bowl-A-Thon, The Blue Ball and the Girlfriend Gala. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Jan Anglea.
In addition to her numerous athletic awards, Abigail Bunt from Glencoe is an excellent student who will attend the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga this fall on a partial softball scholarship and plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy. Abigail was selected from her school for participation in leadership programs such as American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, Etowah County Sheriff’s Department Student Leadership Academy and the Etowah County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy. She is the daughter of Shane and Dawn Bunt.
Chosen from Gaston was Kendall Michaels, who is enrolled for the fall semester in Pre-Veterinary Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Leadership. Kendall’s goal is to become an Equine Veterinarian with a focus on genetics and reproduction. She has been an animal lover all her life, particularly with horses. Kendall is active in many extracurricular activities at Gaston, including SGA, Future Farmers of America, Yearbook Committee and Beta Club. She has volunteered/participated in several civic organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Family Career Community Leaders of America, Girl Scouts and Gadsden Youth Chorus, Kendall is the founder and president of Gadsden Dreamcatchers. She has coached Gaston High’s Forestry, Creed Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking teams this year. Sheplans to continue her involvement with this organization through her minor in Agricultural Leadership. Kendall is the daughter of Scott and Sherry Michaels.
Claire Upton was selected from Westbrook Christian School as the school’s nominee for the scholarship. Claire is a captain of the Westbrook Cabaret Dance Line. She serves as Senior Class Chaplain, is a member of the Prayer and Leadership Team and is a Warrior Representative at Westbrook. Claire has served her school and community by helping with the Fall Festival, Camp Seale Harris Diabetes Walk, Etowah County Children’s Camp and the DEKA Challenge. Her major at Auburn University will be Business Marketing. Claire has been interning at Laura E Boutique in Rainbow City with the goal of owning a successful business in a few years. She is the daughter of Bryan and Christi Upton.
Each year for the past 26 years, The Woman’s Club of Gadsden has presented one or more scholarships to deserving local high school seniors. The scholarship committee sends application information to counselors at all area schools in early spring. Along with other faculty, the counselors select only one applicant from each school for consideration for the Charlotte Chrisman Cox Memorial Scholarship.
Submitted by Marie Whitaker.