Angel of Hope presents $7,500 in scholarships to five graduates – The Andalusia Star-News

Published 2:45 pm Tuesday, July 8, 2025
By Zack Maio
The Angel of Hope for Covington County committee recognized five scholarship recipients and awarded a total of $7,500 during a ceremony and reception at the Chantilly House in Andalusia on Thursday, June 26.
Seniors from each of the six high schools in Covington County were eligible to apply for the scholarship with $1,500 awarded to each recipient. Applicants were required to submit a résumé, transcript, letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. The letter of recommendation had to be from a school employee, and the essay’s topic was focused on finding healing and hope amidst adversity.
“My passion is scholarships. While I didn’t judge them myself, I did read every single application and helped organize them for the judges,” Scholarship Committee Chair Dawn Thompson said. “We received many excellent applications this year, which made it very difficult for the judges because all of you are outstanding. As a former English teacher, I was particularly impressed with your essays. We wanted to help students and provide a little financial support for your college journey.”
The committee thoroughly reviewed each application and ensured all required documents were submitted. Incomplete applications were deemed ineligible. The scholarship payments were made directly to the recipient’s institution of choice.
The 2025 Andalusia High School recipient is Mason Sheridan. He is the son of Whitney Ballard and will be attending LBW Community College.
“I am grateful for the scholarship because I worked very hard on it. While writing the essay, I really had to step out of my comfort zone more than I ever have. I looked at the scholarship, not as a money opportunity, but also as a way to show what kind of person I am,” Sheridan said.
The 2025 Opp High School recipient is Caroline Meyerhoff. She is the daughter of Rhonda Barr and Brent Meyerhoff and will be attending the University of Alabama.
“This scholarship has eased my financial worries. I can put all of my energy into my studies and focus on my involvement on campus. The scholarship is a blessing, and I am thankful for the Angel of Hope for Covington County,” Meyerhoff said.
The 2025 Pleasant Home School recipient is Rylee Straughan. She is the daughter of Ashden and Moy Bougafa and will be attending LBW Community College.
“I am very grateful to be able to receive this scholarship to help pay for my school. I want to be an RN and specialize in endocrinology to help people with type 1 diabetes like me. This scholarship will help me achieve my goals,” Straughan said.
The 2025 Red Level School recipient is Brock Skipper. He is the son of Kyle Skipper and Brittany Ann and will be attending LBW Community College.
“I’m very grateful to receive the scholarship. It not only helps me financially, but it also recognizes me as someone who has been through a lot. I have been able to overcome those challenges,” Skipper said.
The 2025 Straughn High School recipient is Christian Pate. He is the son of Dorri Pate and will be attending Troy University.
“Receiving the Angel of Hope scholarship means the world to me. It truly is an honor to be a recipient of this meaningful scholarship as it will aid me in my collegiate journey. Knowing the meaning behind this supportive organization has only made this accomplishment mean more. I will forever be grateful to the organization and my community for its unwavering support to my family and me, especially during times when it was most needed,” Pate said.
The Angel of Hope for Covington County was founded in 2022 with the goal of erecting a bronze angel statue and Memorial Garden in Andalusia at Robinson Park. Unveiled in September 2023, the monument provides a place of reflection and remembrance for grieving parents and others who have lost children of any age, offering healing and hope to those affected.
“We created the Angel of Hope for Covington County to support families who have lost children. It’s important we recognize their pain and help with their healing process. We also flip the coin and would like to recognize all of you for your leadership qualities and accomplishments as you depart high school and begin the next chapter of your lives,” Organizer Carol Moore said.
For more information or inquire about being an Angel of Hope volunteer call Thompson at 334-464-2023 or Moore at 334-488-0659.


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