Caleb Williams wins 2025 Republican Women of North Shelby County scholarship – Shelby County Reporter
Published 10:12 am Tuesday, September 16, 2025
By Staff Reports
Caleb Williams received the 2025 scholarship for students with intellectual disabilities from the Republican Women of North Shelby County. (Contributed)
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Caleb Williams never dreamed he would be able to attend college but CrossingPoints at The University of Alabama gave him that opportunity. And the Republican Women of North Shelby County made his dream even sweeter when they awarded him their 2025 Scholarship for students with intellectual disabilities at its Aug. 12 meeting at Inverness Country Club.
Williams is currently enrolled in the CrossingPoints program, where he is a sophomore. Traditional scholarships are not available to CrossingPoints students, who pay the full cost of tuition and room and board. The $2,500 scholarship will be a great help in furthering his college education. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Williams of Pleasant Grove. His mom, Tamisha, is the assistant principal at Tarrant High School and his dad, Carlos, is a student resource officer with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. As educators themselves, they have supported and encouraged Williams in furthering his education and were grateful for the award.
According to Dr. Jeremy Reed, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama CrossingPoints Program, Williams is an outstanding young man who has shown remarkable growth and achievement while participating in the program. His experience exemplifies his determination, resilience and steadfast commitment to gaining greater independence and attaining his academic objectives.
“Williams consistently achieves high grades and actively participates in class discussions,” Reed said. “His enthusiasm for learning and his ability to grasp complex concepts impress both his professors and his classmates.”
Outside of academics, Williams is engaged in many extracurricular activities that showcase his diverse interests and talents such as the Afro-American Gospel Choir where he is also the chaplain. He sings in the University of Alabama Gospel Choir and has played a part in the production of the Toy Story play. At Pleasant Grove High School, he played drums for four years, was in the concert band and the concert choir. He clearly has talent.
Williams has volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club of Alabama, working as an aftercare worker and as a front desk assistant. During Summertime, he has worked at the St. Vincent’s Hospital Food Court as well as in the hospital’s patient transport department.
Although he misses his very supportive parents, he “loves being a student at the University of Alabama and the entire college experience.”
The Republican Women of North Shelby County continue to be inspired by the many students in Alabama who are involved in post-secondary comprehensive transition programs for the education of students with intellectual disabilities. Scholarship Coordinator Jo Anne Coggins and co-chair Kamie Gonzalez both emphasized that students like Williams, enrolled in CrossingPoints as well as Auburn’s Eagles program and South Alabama’s Passages program, are studying academic skills for daily living, learning socialization skills to make friends and enjoy life in their communities, mastering independent living skills and gaining vocational skills. They are contributing to their universities, their communities and their state.
“Our goal is to empower these students to serve as an example to other students the positive impact that individuals with intellectual disabilities can have on others,” Coggins said.
The Republican Women of North Shelby County meet on the third Tuesday of each month at noon at Inverness Country Club. Lunch is $25 and reservations are required and may be made by emailing RWNSClunch@gmail.com. For more information on the 2026 RWNSC Scholarship, contact Ms. Jo Anne Coggins: joannehc@aol.com.
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