1 of 5
Madison Miller
University of Montevallo President John Stewart
University of Montevallo President Dr. John Stewart addresses the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce at its June luncheon.
2 of 5
Madison Miller
South Shelby Chamber of Commerce scholarships
Chelsea High School graduate Ashton Baker receives a scholarship from the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.
3 of 5
South Shelby Chamber Luncheon
4 of 5
South Shelby Chamber Luncheon
5 of 5
South Shelby Chamber Luncheon
The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce awarded student scholarships at its luncheon on June 4. Students from three Shelby County high schools were chosen to receive $1,000 scholarships after completing an application process with the chamber.
Fundraising for the scholarships is a yearlong endeavor, Chamber Executive Director April Stone said. The chamber’s silent auction, the Shelby County Shindig and other events help to provide funds for the scholarships throughout the year. The chamber previously awarded scholarships of $500, but recently decided to increase the amount to $1,000.
“$500 just doesn’t go a long way anymore,” Stone said.
Interested students submit an application to be considered for the scholarship, including a 100-word essay and history of what they have accomplished throughout high school. The chamber also looks at community involvement and employment history.
“All three young ladies who received scholarships today held down part time jobs during high school and put in time to volunteer in the community,” Stone said. “We’re looking for well-rounded individuals.”
This year’s scholarship recipients included:
- Ashton Baker from Chelsea High School: At Chelsea High School, Baker was a varsity cheerleader and golfer. She also participated in Future Teachers of Alabama, Future Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club and National Honor Society. Baker plans to attend Auburn University in the fall and pursue a degree in elementary education and graduate studies. She hopes to become a teacher for the visually impaired.
- Madison Harbin from Vincent High School: Harbin is a graduate of Youth Leadership Shelby County and Shelby County Leadership Development. She participated in Future Business Leaders of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Student Government Association, leadership member in ROTC and Campfire USA Addiction Coalition. Harbin will attend The University of South Alabama in the fall and study international marketing.
- Jordan McKoy from Shelby County High School: McKoy was the Family Career Community Leaders of America vice president. She was also involved in Beta Club, Future Teachers of America, Student of the Week and participated in varsity softball and volleyball. McKoy will attend Troy University and major in elementary education.
Chamber members also heard from University of Montevallo President John Stewart. Stewart returned to speak for the chamber after first speaking several years ago after he first began his term at Montevallo. Though the school was experiencing difficulty, Stewart took his role in 2010 and was able to develop a plan to help the university grow revenue. Rather than focus on cutting costs, Stewart and other officials at the university focused on ways to grow.
“It’s a whole lot more fun to grow more revenue than it is to cut costs,” Stewart said.
With fewer students going to college in the state and state funding being cut, Stewart knew the importance of investing in curb appeal. Over the past five years, the university has formed new graduate and minor programs, built new classrooms, a bookstore, an entrance to campus, a track and field facility, a lake and fitness trail and a softball stadium. These new additions not only help to draw students in, but also help show the state what the university has to offer, Stewart said.
Through new additions, programs and community outreach, the university has increased its overall enrollment by six percent and has increased the size of its freshman class by 25 percent.
“Don’t be afraid to ask. Ask for business. Just go get it,” Stewart said.
