Three Jefferson County residents were among 50 recipients of the 2014 Alfa Foundation scholarship. Each recipient received $1,000 in the program’s inaugural year.
The scholarship recipients are:
• Rachel McCombs of Bessemer, a graduate of Hope Christian School and freshman at the University of Alabama studying finance
• Olivia Mims of Vestavia Hills, a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School and freshman at Auburn University studying pharmacy
• Amanda Viikinsalo of Trussville, a graduate of Hewitt Trussville High School and junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studying finance.
Selection for the competitive scholarship program was based on academic record, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals.
“As a father of a college senior, I understand the impact of rising tuition costs on families and students,” said Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. “We hope our gift will ease some of that burden and allow the recipients to focus more on studies and gaining valuable professional experience.”
Almost 800 applications were received for the scholarship program from high school seniors and post-secondary undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll in an Alabama two-or four-year college, university or technical school.
The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies required for coursework.
For almost 70 years, Alfa has proudly supported education by being active in the communities it serves. The Alfa Foundation has helped advance learning through the Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Month programs; investments in colleges and universities; support for career technical education; computer donations; and other efforts.
