GADSDEN, AL — The Cardinal Foundation at Gadsden State Community College hosted its annual scholarship dinner on April 22, bringing together donors and student recipients in a celebration of generosity and academic achievement.
Held to honor both the individuals and organizations who make student scholarships possible and the outstanding students selected to receive them, the event highlighted the vital impact of community support across Calhoun, Cherokee, and Etowah counties.
“The Cardinal Foundation, and its board of directors, work tirelessly to fund our scholarships throughout the year,” said Hillary Folsom, director of advancement and alumni relations for Gadsden State. “The dinner is a celebration of our donors’ commitment to supporting the students… It’s also a time to recognize the academic excellence of current and future students.”
Melissa Battles, a Gadsden State graduate and the current Northeast Alabama field representative for U.S. Senator Katie Britt, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. She praised the institution for offering both quality education and flexibility.
“Gadsden State offers a great value, both academically and financially,” Battles said. “Students receive a quality education while receiving support and the flexibility to balance work and school. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. I am truly honored to be chosen as your speaker for this event.”
During the evening, the following scholarships and recipients were recognized:
Benjamin Steinberg Nursing Scholarship: Rosita Zendejas (Nursing)
Boys & Girls Club of Gadsden/Etowah County Career Academy Scholarship: William Anderson (Industrial Automation)
Chad Hawkins Educational Foundation Scholarship: Cheryl Hendrickson (Nursing)
Ford Jamboree Scholarship: James Southers (Auto Collision Repair)
Gerald Acker Scholarship: Bradyn Loggins, Dalton Chandler (Electrical Technology)
GRIP Autocross Scholarship: Julian Tapia Lake (Auto Collision Repair)
Louis & Elaine Marsalis Scholarship: Tamara Rollins (Nursing)
Michael Scott Hatten Memorial Scholarship: Hope Brown (Precision Machining Technology)
Michael Joe Wofford Scholarship: Joshua Long (Liberal Arts)
Cardinal Foundation Past Presidents’ Honorary Scholarship: Artaevious McCloud (General Studies)
Swoop Sprint 5K Technical Scholarship: Kimberly Lopez (Electronics, Mechatronics and Automation)
Swoop Sprint 5K Gadsden State Cherokee Scholarship: William Watts (General Studies)
Swoop Sprint 5K East Broad/Gadsden Scholarship: Layla Kissic (Paralegal)
Swoop Sprint 5K Ayers Campus Scholarship: Dakari Jones (Surgical Operating Room Technician)
Swoop Sprint 5K Valley Street Campus Scholarship: Amari Headen (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
The SPA Kathy Brown Memorial Scholarship: Ashley Hawk (Office Administration)
The Stephen & April Lafollette Scholarship: Kayleigh Lee, Nakia Birdsong (Registered Nurse)
Tim & Laura McCartney Career Technical Education Scholarship: Taylor Elrod, Jacob Herring (Industrial Automation); Kendal McCants (Precision Machining Technology)
Tyler Union Workforce Development Scholarship: Christopher Alvarez, Keegan Huff (Industrial Automation); Jared Kyle Griffith (Electronics, Mechatronics and Automation); Ethan Cash, David Pruitt (Precision Machining Technology)
Tyler Union Electrical Technology Scholarship: Justin Waters, Isaiah Cray, Peyton Harris, Rylee Boyd (Electrical Technology)
William Thomas Dawson Family Scholarship: Kimberly Flores (General Studies); Elijah Hammett (Mechanical Design Technology); Damia Steward (Child Development)
The evening served as a reminder of the power of education and the community support that drives student success at Gadsden State.
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