Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative’s commitment to improving the region shined this spring when its board of trustees awarded $28,000 in college scholarships to seven area students.
“Completing any form of postsecondary education grants the next generation several opportunities for growth,” says Jon Cullimore, CVEC general manager. “The caliber of each applicant was immediately evident, and funding education efforts brightens the futures of both the applicant and our area. We thank our board for allotting the funds for this effort.”
To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must have a parent or guardian that is a CVEC member and demonstrate high academic achievement, strong community service and a financial need.\
Cameron Cheatwood
Cheatwood attended Victory Christian School in Pell City, where he played football, basketball and golf and participated on the school’s prayer team. He was also inducted into the Beta Club. Cheatwood took several honors and dual enrollment classes, posting a grade-point average of 4.47 prior to his final semester of school. He is heavily involved in activities at Victory Christian Church and has participated in fundraisers for Special Olympics and Toys for Tots. Cheatwood plans to attend the University of Alabama-Birmingham and become a physical therapist.
Blair Darby
Darby attended Munford High School, where she earned scholarship offers to play softball on the junior college level. Darby also served on the Talladega Chamber of Ambassadors, as an MHS Ambassador and as Munford’s delegate to Alabama Childhood Food Solutions. Academically, Darby has taken several advanced and dual enrollment classes — registering a 4.15 standard GPA and a 99.9 numerical GPA before her last semester. Darby plans to play sports collegiately before attending Auburn University to pursue a career in broadcasting.
Kimora Heath
Heath attended Childersburg High School, where she participated in several clubs like Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Health Occupations Students of America and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She also supported several community service projects that benefited area children. Heath took advanced placement and dual enrollment classes, posting a 4.14 standard GPA and a 97.5 numerical GPA before her final semester. Heath plans to attend Birmingham-Southern College to major in media studies. She aims to be a film editor and own a media production company.
Marlee Reese Hosey
Hosey attended B.B. Comer Memorial High School in Sylacauga, where she served as captain of the golf and cheerleading teams. She also participated in track and field, softball and several clubs like Beta, Leo and Key. Outside of school activities, Hosey volunteered at her church and delivering meals with the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement. Hosey posted a 3.61 standard GPA prior to her final semester while taking several advanced placement and dual enrollment classes. She plans to pursue a degree in rehabilitation at Troy University.
Bailey Mitchell
Mitchell attended Ohatchee High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, served as the yearbook’s senior editor, and operated as the Future Farmers of America chapter’s secretary. Mitchell scored a 29 on the ACT and posted a 3.89 standard GPA while taking honors classes in language arts. She plans to attend Gadsden State Community College and be employed at Kronospan. “Being gifted this scholarship will allow me to take one step closer to the success I hope to achieve,” she says.
Abby Raye
Raye attended Winterboro High School, where she was the captain of the track and field team and a member of the Upward Bound program. She also served as part of the Key Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She displayed a love of community by volunteering at several events in Talladega and Lincoln, including the Meals on Wheels program. Raye, who wants to be a dentist, posted a 3.85 standard GPA while taking a few advanced placement and dual enrollment classes prior to her final semester.
Brieland Troup
Troup attended Alexandria High School, where she played volleyball and softball. She also was a member of National Honor Society and FCCLA. Troup notched a 3.85 standard GPA while taking dual enrollment classes. She plans to attend UAB and major in dermatology after obtaining an associate degree from a community college. “I believe it is important to be as debt free as I can coming out of college,” she says. “This scholarship will help me achieve my goal.”