Black Warrior awards 10 scholarships to area students

Even though the school semester was cut short this spring by the coronavirus, Black Warrior Electric Membership Corporation continued to recognize and reward the hard work and accomplishments of students in West Central Alabama by awarding scholarships to 10 area graduating high school seniors.

The $500 scholarships are awarded through the Electric Cooperative Foundation, created by Alabama’s electric cooperatives as a means to give back to their communities.

“We know the virus and the steps that have been taken to try to keep it from spreading have created real hardships for many of our members,” Black Warrior Board of Trustees President Terry Barr said. “We hope these scholarships help ease the burdens at least a little for these families. For certain, these students have earned this recognition by their achievement in the classroom. We commend them and their families.”

To qualify for a scholarship, a student must be a graduating high school senior who is the dependent of a Black Warrior Electric member. The money is awarded directly to the school of the student’s choosing.

This is the fourth year Black Warrior has awarded scholarships. This year’s winners are:

• Madison Ann Collins of Pine Hill, a student at Clarke Preparatory School, plans to major in education.
• Kimberly Paige Lonergan of Linden, a student at Demopolis High School, plans to major in engineering.
• Madison Alexis Phillips of Linden, a student at DHS, plans to major in nursing.
• Taylor Elizabeth Smith of Gallion, a student at DHS, plans to major in nursing.
• Nigel Jamar Speights of Boligee, a student at Greene County High School, plans to pursue a career in welding.
• Lillian Catherine Holmes of Forkland, a student at Hale County High School, plans to study biology.
• Mackenzie Lee Miller, a student at Millry High School, plans to study technology.
• Mary Kendall Glass of Linden, a student at Patrician Academy, plans to major in education.
• Kathryn Anne Wigley of Gilbertown, a student at South Choctaw Academy, plans to major in business.
• Paxton Dayle Westbrook of Pine Hill, a student at Thomasville High School, plans to major in science.

Black Warrior General Manager Daryl Jones said the scholarship certificates were mailed to this year’s winners. “Our members are going through a lot right now. This is a tough time for everyone, for Black Warrior members and our employees” Jones said. “We want them to know we are thinking about them and praying for them. We as a community will get through this.”

Jones said the scholarship applications were evaluated by the Electric Cooperative Foundation. The foundation, on behalf of the electric cooperatives, has been awarding scholarships to vocational and trade schools and four-year colleges and universities since 2001. The foundation has awarded scholarships totaling more than a half-million dollars.