FLORENCE-The 29th annual scholarship competition held at UNA’s Guillot Center Auditorium on March 9, 2013 hosted the largest turn-out of scholarship seekers ever witnessed. While past years participants averaged in the mid-60s, this year’s entrants more than doubled – totaling 141 students representing the following High Schools: Lexington (57), Phil Campbell (47), followed by Florence (11), with Wilson, Cherokee, Vina, West Morgan, and Rogers High Schools averaging between 5 to 7 students each.
1st place scholarship award of $750 went to Raleigh Killen of Rogers High School, while 2nd place ($500) 
presented to Zeb Williams as Seniors was followed by Allison Rieff ($250), a Junior from Florence High.
Jason Laird, a teacher from Lexington High School accepted the Team Certificate. The highlight of enthusiasm after winning the Big Brain competition and certificate award went to Ryan Truitt, also from Lexington.
UNA Department of History and Political Science staff headed by Dr. Chris Maynard and other team members that include Drs. Jeffrey Bibbee, Sarah Franklin, Carolyn Barske and other faculty, also included TVHS Board members, Mary Perry, Phyllis Shoemaker, Betty Martin and Tom McKnight.
Though this was a successful turn-out, TVHS President Tom McKnight invites the following to register their students in next year’s competition: Colbert County, Colbert Heights, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals, Deshler and Russellville High Schools. Parents whose students attend these institutions are encouraged to liaise with Principals and Guidance Counselors to promote and support this event.
The long standing TVHS/UNA scholarship endowment fund partnership comprising the Society’s $25,000 contribution resulting in a UNA matching grant guarantees a virtual scholarship opportunity for all eligible H.S. Juniors and Seniors. Any school wishing to be added to the competition mailing list should contact UNA Department of History and Political Science at the following address: HISTORY@UNA.EDU
