TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – Five high school graduates from Tuscaloosa and Mississippi were awarded thousands of dollars worth of college scholarships today, all made possible by the Kennis Croom Foundation.
The five graduates walked away with a combined total of $45,000.
Mallory Rucker will apply her $10,000 Kennis Croom Foundation scholarship towards her enrollment at Auburn University this fall where she plans to major in aviation management.
“It feels amazing. I am so appreciative of the family giving me this opportunity. It’s very much a big financial help for my family,” says Rucker.
Another $10,000 for Kalyn King who will soon begin her collegiate career at Maryville College in Tennessee. Her major? English with dreams of going into publishing and editing.
“So happy and so blessed.. so thankful,” says King.
5 high school graduates say they feel happy, blessed and thankful to receive scholarships from the Kennis Croom Foundation. Croom was a Tuscaloosa native but a Meridian, Mississippi Police officer who died in the line of duty while answering a domestic call in June of 2022.
Brother Kevin Croom says the criteria was primarily based on an essay, an opportunity for the students to showcase their character and a desire to further their education beyond high school.
“Something that represents that kid’s character, so the question is made up every year. It’s mainly the thought process put into it like this year’s essay is based on community service and adversity,” says Croom.
Before the oversized checks were awarded, one of Kennis Coom’s older siblings delivered a metaphor for the 5; making good choices by planting the right seeds.
“That could be the seed of perseverance, hard work. It can even by the seed of dedication,” says Teresa Croom Bivens.
“It’s hard because you know what happened but you’re also like his legacy made an impact and urges you to go out into the world,” King adds.
This was the third annual Kennis Croom Foundation Scholarship program. Kevin Croom says the foundation has awarded scholarships totaling $85,000.
Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Copyright 2024 WBRC. All rights reserved.
