The Tennessee Valley Historical Society (TVHS) and UNA Department of History and Political Science held its 30th annual history scholarship competition at the UNA Guillot Center on March 7th. Guest presenter, The Honorable Senator Roger H. Bedford after delivering an inspirational message to students of the value of an education and highlighting the historic attractions unique to northwest Alabama that have impacted the area, nation, and the world awarded scholarships to:
Caleb Vinson of Lexington High School – $750; Brendon McCollum of Cherokee High School – $500; and Cameron Ridgeway also from Lexington High School – $250.
Among the 135 students who participated in the event, this year’s milestone achievement (following last year’s 2013 record of 141 students) was the first time registration and participation of two Franklin County high schools – Tharpetown and Phil Campbell thanks to the cross county mobilization effort and support of Ms. Chris Ozbirn, Colbert County resident and Franklin County Archives Director, Mr. Rex Mayfield and Mr. Gary Williams, Superintendents of Russellville and Franklin County schools respectively.
TVHS is looking forward to an expanded effort from Board of Education officials in surrounding counties to support next year’s competition so that more students have access to scholarship funds necessary to bridge the financial gaps that plague our students seeking to pursue their education, career and social mobility dreams.
For more information regarding the competition please contact the UNA Department of History and Political Science at (256) 765-4306 or by email at history@una.edu https://buildingthepride.com/tvhs/
Photos courtesy Dr. C. Barske
media release/tom mcknight /tvhs
