Scholarship amount: $500

Deadline to submit: April 30, 2021

Submit applications to:

Attention:
Mrs. Sallie Lawshe

22 Highway 97 Columbiana, AL 35051

sallielawshe@gmail.com

A scholarship fund has been established at the University of Montevallo in loving memory of Tara Owen, who lost her life on October 24, 2001, after a long, courageous battle with cystic fibrosis. Tara, a 1996 UM graduate, often said she had “learned to treasure life, the people I’ve been fortunate enough to have in my life and to be patient with my body. When people first realize I have cystic fibrosis, they think my disease makes me different. When they get to know me, they realize my spirit differentiates me from anyone else.”

In that spirit, a scholarship fund has been established to honor Tara Owen’s memory in perpetuity. The Tara Owen Scholarship Committee is pleased that you are interested in obtaining one of its scholarships for the University of Montevallo. The completed application form must be returned to the Shelby County High School counselor no later than April 30, 2021 together with:

1. A personal letter from you introducing yourself to us;
2. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from teachers or an adult friend;
3. Qualifications are the following:
• Senior who will attend University of Montevallo
• Student must have a 3.0 GPA or above
• Student who has overcome or dealt with a major difficulty in life

Girls who are natural leaders in their schools, make excellent grades, are well-spoken, talented, and are involved in their community always do well in The Distinguished Young Woman Program of Shelby County (formerly known as the Shelby County Junior Miss Program). DYW is not a beauty pageant. This is a scholarship program that awards thousands of dollars in college scholarship money to numerous girls in the areas of talent, self-expression, interview, fitness, and academics (GPA and ACT score).

There will be an informational meeting for rising senior girls on Sunday, April 18th, at 3:15 at Riverchase United Methodist Church in the Fireside Room. If you cannot attend the informational meeting, you can find out more information by visiting the DYW website at www.shelby.al.distinguishedYW.org or emailing us at Shelby@DistinguishedYW.org

The Career Center located in Alabaster can help find students find employment/apprenticeship programs after graduation and they have funds that can pay for school/training. They are located at 109 Plaza Circle and they can reach them at (205)663-2542. Their website is https://labor.alabama.gov/

Students can also find employment and related information at: https://alabamaworks.alabama.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx