SCHOLARSHIPS
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME
harrisfuneralhomeinc.com
Auburn High School
Beauregard High School
Beulah High School
Loachapoka High School
Opelika High School
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2021 Winners of the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship
As Harris Funeral Home celebrates thirty years of providing personal and professional funeral service during a family’s time of need, we continue to salute and assist outstanding students as they maintain their highest standards of conduct and academics. It has been twenty-one years since Jeffery Harris decided that giving back to the community is as important as serving during a time of hurt and healing, thus the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship was established.
“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have” is the philosophy that has made the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship an annual event. This scholarship program strives to recognize high school seniors in area schools. It is based upon academic and scholastic achievement, work experience, community service and personal goals that are expressed in an essay response.
The Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship is intended to help students reach their educational goals. Each recipient is awarded a scholarship in the amount of $500.00 and it can be applied toward any educational-related cost. Final selections were made by the Harris Funeral Home Scholarship Committee where Cornelia Johnson serves as scholarship coordinator. Other members of the committee are Teresa Smith of Dothan, AL and Harriet Billups of Auburn, AL. To date over $62,000 have been awarded to different area students.
This year’s five recipients of the scholarships are:
Carmen Nunn is a 2021 graduate of Opelika High School. She is the daughter of Chris and Katrina Nunn. She is presently studying at Jacksonville State University majoring in Forensic Investigation. Her plans are to use her degree to further her studies and become an attorney. To foster unity in our country, Carmen believes that everyone should be treated the same and given equal opportunities, no matter the race or gender. Carmen was very active with extra-curricular activities in high school, especially on the Cheer Squad. Her experience as a cheerleader taught her that hard work and persistence will eventually pay off. She desired to be the captain of the team in her junior year in high school but was not selected, instead of giving up, she continued to work hard, co-operate with her team mates, foster those good relationships with her squad members and then in her senior year was named Captain of the Cheer Squad. She describes herself as someone who is loving, caring and persistent, always being there for others no matter what. One of her personal accomplishments was graduating with an A in each of her classes, after such a difficult year, with the Covid-19 Virus. Her philosophy is, “You only live once”, so being a peacemaker and making others smile is something she and her friends really like about her. Her plans to become an attorney will afford her the opportunity to give a voice to those who feel disenfranchised and marginalized in society. No matter where life takes her, being able to help others will make her happy and successful.
Michaela Jackson graduated from Beulah High School in May 2021. She is the daughter of Patricia Jackson. Michaela is presently studying at Troy University where she is majoring in nursing, with a possible career as a labor-delivery nurse.She feels to foster unity in our country we need to talk with each other, discuss different situations and pray to God for guidance. In her community she volunteered with Relief for Life and assisted with the Blood Drive. Michaela sees herself as someone who is energetic, tough and beautiful. Being very active in high school sports and majorette captain in the band caused her to develop that toughness for herself and others. Not being emotional in public and staying strong are qualities that she developed early. In school, she learned a very valuable lesson about studying and being prepared are so important even when you think you know it all. Becoming the first Black majorette and captain of the squad at Beulah High School was a personal achievement that made her extremely proud. Her philosophy in life is, “Things change, friends change and life doesn’t stop for anybody”. Being a quiet person is a quality her friends like most about her, being one who listens and hear how others feel is something that she feels is important in life. As a labor-delivery nurse, she knows that working hard with long hours, assisting patients in whatever they may need will require dedication and devotion on her part, but something that she is looking forward to.
Jireh Ray is a 2021 graduate of Loachapoka High School. She is the daughter of Calvin and Tabitha Ray. She is presently studying at Auburn University where she is majoring in Marketing. Jireh was very active in her high school and community. She believes that in order for our country to move forward we need to understand the past, study the history and address the issue of racism that is still prevalent in today’s society. Jireh sees herself as someone who is determined, intelligent and reliable. Applying for scholarships as a part of college preparation, Jireh was informed that she did not meet the criteria to be selected for the first one she applied for, but she did not give up, she kept the faith and as time passed, she received several scholarship offers. Even though she was not awarded the first one, keeping the faith and not letting one denial discourage you, taught her that you do not give up. A personal achievement that she is extremely proud of is being chosen as first chair in the ASU Honor Band, after having worked hard as a musician from sixth grade through her senior year in high school. In life, Jireh believes that the only thing that stands between you and your dream is reluctance. Being someone who is reliable and available for her friends to help them through tough situations is something they really admire about her. Helping others and giving advice means a lot to Jireh. She hopes to use her marketing degree to open her own business and help others learn the nuances of the marketing industry. Financial stability and a having a family are things that Jireh believes will help her live life to the fullest.
Ta’Nala Welch is a 2021 graduate of Beauregard High School. Her parents are Shalanda Welch and Travis Gillyard. This fall Ta’Nala has become a part of the Jacksonville State University Family, where she is majoring n Exercise Science and Wellness. She hopes to use her degree to become an Athletic Trainer. She was very active in high school and in her community, always wanting to use the gifts that God has given her to give back. In order to foster unity in this country, she believes that we have to recognize and understand our differences. Ta’Nala believes we are all children of God and He created us differently so that we can provide different gifts to others. She feels true unity can only begin when we learn to respect each other regardless of race, gender or religion. Ta’Nala describes herself as someone who is ambitious, confident and loyal. A lesson learned in life was when she tried out for the elite competition in dance but failed each time, not realizing that God was preparing her for so much more. Remaining on the intermediate team provided her with lessons in leadership, dedication and patience, so when she later became a member of the elite competition team, she had the opportunity to not only compete, but compete as a senior solo. Her philosophy of life is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Her friends admire her sense of humor, loyalty and being that “voice of reason” to family and friends. Ta’Nala is always willing to be there and help where necessary. She sees herself following the path that God has set for her, using her gifts to help others and the knowledge she has gained through education to benefit her community.
Hailey Clayton graduated from Auburn High School in May 2021.She is the daughter of Reuben and Taffye Clayton. She is presently studying at Auburn University, majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. Hailey’s plans are to have a career in some form of Educational Leadership. She was very active with extra-curricular activities in high school and made meaningful contributions there and in the greater Auburn Community. Hailey gave her time, planning and facilitating events that forged relationships with the greater community, the younger members of the community, as well as the community’s most vulnerable population. She believes unity will come to America when we learn to view fellow citizens as an extension of ourselves, understanding the impact we all have on each other and construct a government that serves the people. Hailey sees herself as someone who persistent, an advocate for others and compassionate. Even though hardships may come, she believes one must persevere and extend that same grace we receive from God, to others. Through a failure and disappointment, she learned that you can choose “gratitude” as the lesson. When you work hard at something and others do not see the fruits of your labor, it is okay, because the work itself is still meaningful. Deciding to take care of herself and nurture both her mental and physical health are accomplishments she is very proud of. Her philosophy of life is “My pain will be made purposeful”. Being someone who is dependable, prepared and “a voice of reason” in situations where others may not, are qualities her friends admire about her. Although she is unsure of her desired career path, she knows it will be something that will, encourage others to become their best selves, nurture families and restore communities.
2020 Winners of the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship
As Harris Funeral Home celebrates twenty-nine years of providing personal and professional funeral service during a family’s time of need, we continue to salute and assist outstanding students as they maintain their highest standards of conduct and academics. It has been twenty years since Jeffery Harris decided that giving back to the community is as important as serving during a time of hurt and healing, thus the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship was established.
“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have” is the philosophy that has made the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship an annual event. This scholarship program strives to recognize high school seniors in area schools. It is based upon academic and scholastic achievement, work experience, community service and personal goals that are expressed in an essay response.
The Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship is intended to help students reach their educational goals. Each recipient is awarded a scholarship in the amount of $500.00 and it can be applied toward any educational-related cost. Final selections were made by the Harris Funeral Home Scholarship Committee where Cornelia V. Johnson serves as scholarship coordinator. Other members of the committee are Teresa Smith of Dothan, AL and Harriet Billups of Auburn, AL. To date over $58,000 have been awarded to different area students.
This year’s four recipients of the scholarships are:
Miles A. Tolbert is a 2020 graduate of Auburn High School. He is the son of Prentice and Sharon Tolbert. Miles has become a part of the Alabama A&M University Family Bulldogs. At A&M he is majoring in Forestry with a possible career as a Wildlife Ecologist/Biologist. Miles was very active with extra-curricular activities while he was in High School, including Agricultural Projects, which helped prepare him as he pursues a degree in Forestry at A&M. He feels to foster unity, we all need to stop being judgmental, accept our differences because we all have faults. He sees himself as someone who is intelligent, inquisitive, and positive, qualities he uses as he strives to always learn more and do more for others. A failure in life has taught him to never give up, when you get knocked down you get back up, keep fighting and keep trying. Being accepted at Alabama A&M is one of his proudest achievements. His friends see him as someone who is positive and self-motivated, someone who is willing to work hard to achieve his life’s goals. He feels having a successful career with the USDA is a way to educate his community and himself, as we confront the challenges in understanding the importance of how to take care of our environment. With “The Bible” as his favorite book, Miles understands humility and how seeking the Lord in all you do and thanking Him for all we have, is the best way to live each day.
Cory LaGrand Askew, Jr. is a 2020 graduate of Beauregard High School. He is the son of Tasha Fuller and Cory Askew, Sr. He is presently attending Tennessee State University, where his major is Business Management, with a future goal of a career in Retail. Corey loved track and basketball in High School where he learned a valuable life lesson. After losing one game by a few points, then winning the next by a much larger number, taught him the importance of patience. You sometimes have to just wait, and things will work out. He sees himself as someone who is creative, optimistic, and outgoing. He believes that unity can come about when we take the time to see who deserves the achievements so that no one will go unrecognized. Corey was an outstanding athlete in High School. His great performance didn’t go unrecognized and it was demonstrated by him being named “player of the year”. His friends see him as someone who plays a positive role in their lives, he often tries and make them laugh in different situations because he believes that laughter is so important, as we go through life. His goal is to be the owner of his Buy, Sell, Trade Store. He wants to use his education to help people in similar situations as his, “To know that whatever you want to do in life, it is possible”.
LaDerrial Alexis Thomas is a 2020 graduate of Loachapoka High School. LaDerrial is the daughter of Kimberly F. Thomas. She is presently studying at Chattahoochee Valley Community College where she is majoring in Graphic Design. LaDerrial aspires to become a film or video editor. She was very active in High School and in her community. As a volunteer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, she worked to help at risk youth as they participated with different activities at camp. As a citizen, LaDerrial feels we should be able to sit down and discuss any topic without being judged by our personal beliefs or values. She sees herself as someone who is determined, caring and open. While working on a school project she learned a very good life lesson, that no matter how much one prepares, things can still go wrong and not work out as planned. Setting a personal goal to graduate at the top of her class was a wonderful accomplishment that she was extremely proud of. Her friends admire her for being so supportive and someone they can confide in. With her goal as a video editor, she plans to help other young women see that they can be whatever they want to be no matter where you come from, as long as you work hard and keep focusing on your goal. Believing that God will never put more on you than you can bear gives her the strength and courage to face whatever life brings.
Terrain V. Battle is a 2020 graduate of Opelika High School. Terrain is the son of Cameia and Terence Battle. He is a student at University of Alabama majoring in Marketing. He would like to use that degree to have a career as a Market Manager. Even though we all may have different beliefs, Terrain thinks if we stop judging each other based on what one believes, we would be able to get along. He describes himself as someone who is creative, intelligent, and optimistic. These qualities help him as he participates in community projects and he believes these are the same qualities that will help him as he pursues his life’s goals. A failure in life taught him that you just have to keep working and working, even when you think you have worked hard enough, you have to sometimes just keep going and things will work out. Becoming an entrepreneur at the age of eighteen has been one of his greatest accomplishments. His friends say they like that he is kind and easy going. His philosophy of life is, “if you remain humble, things will come your way”. He looks forward to getting an opportunity to work with a major company and shape their marketing strategy, which will help maximize his success in the company. A marketing career and starting a family are things that Terrain believe will help him live life to its fullest.
So, on behalf of Jeffery Harris and Harris Funeral Home we would like to congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to the next year’s applicants. For more information concerning the Scholarship Program, contact Cornelia Johnson at 334-749-6583 or email hmh515@harrisfuneralopelika.com.
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