CULLMAN, Ala. – Thanks to the Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Scholarship Fund,a new $2,000 scholarship is now available for one deserving Cullman County high school senior. This scholarship, created in honor of Sydni Helms-Hipp, is open to students pursuing careers in the medical field or first responder programs.
The scholarship, offered for the first time in Cullman County, is a way of giving back to a community that has embraced Helms-Hipp’s legacy. Angie Payne, co-founder of the fund, shared why they felt inspired to add this scholarship to their growing list of awards.
“When our committee met last month, we began discussing the third scholarship. In this discussion, it was brought up at how much support, financially and publicly, Cullman County gives to our Sydni who was only a resident there for a short time,” Payne said. “The Cullman County community accepted Sydni as one of their own. Her family sees that in all the ways this community gives to her fund and the way they have honored our sweet Sydni since her passing, like the Hanceville Fire Department that has a bench in her honor outside the firehouse.”
“This scholarship for a Cullman County senior is our way to give back to the Cullman community.”
The Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Helms-Hipp’s mother, Loni Helms, and Payne to honor her name and continue her legacy of generosity and ambition. The idea originally stemmed from a family friend, Leanna O’Gwin Williams, who wanted to host a barrel race to support the Helms family after Helms-Hipp’s passing. Instead of using the funds for personal expenses, Helms and Payne saw an opportunity to create something lasting — something that would reflect Helms-Hipp’s passion for helping others.
With the help of Shelia Baxter (Helms’ mother), Kristie Martin, Sheila Guthrie, Andi Adkins and others, they formed a committee dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams, just as Helms-Hipp would have wanted.
That spirit of giving was at the very core of who Helms-Hipp was. For those who knew her, she was known for her big heart and relentless drive, always looking for ways to help others, even at a young age. “If you ever met Sydni, you know no one had a bigger heart than her,” Payne added. “She dreamed big and she still had many dreams she never got to fulfill. Creating the Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Scholarship allows us to see others fulfill the dreams our Sydni never got to complete and allows us to continue her generosity to others.”
This scholarship, along with two others awarded annually — one to a Curry High School senior (her alma mater) and another to a barrel race participant — ensures that her legacy continues by helping students pursue their own dreams.
For those interested in applying, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Applications are currently being accepted and Cullman County seniors are encouraged to apply. For more information, students should contact their school counselor or Angie Payne at 205-522-3409. The next Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Barrel Race will take place on Nov.1, 2025.
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