BY HALI CAMERON
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Four Southern Union State Community College trade students received Alabama Community College System Building Futures Scholarships during an Aug. 31 ceremony.
The Building Futures Scholarship is a partnership between the Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Program and the Alabama Community College System. The scholarships are intended to help students move forward in their careers, whether they plan to continue their education or enter the workforce or military.
The Southern Union recipients were Chloe Shores, Jameson Lackey, Sam Smith and Brysen Pugh.
Mid South RC&D Executive Director Pamela Hughes recognized several individuals who have contributed to the scholarship and RC&D programs during the ceremony. Among those recognized were Katie Conner, state executive director for RC&D; Sierra Turner, executive director for Coosa Valley RC&D; Amanda Ward, program manager for Coosa Valley RC&D; Gretchen Covington, communications specialist for Coosa Valley RC&D; Jasmine Greer, operations manager for Alabama RC&D; Katie Smith, Krystal Ward, Sherise Carr and Lee County Commissioners Ross Morris and Doug Cannon.
Hughes praised the work being done locally to direct funding where it can have the greatest impact.
“I really appreciate the team we have in Lee County, you should be proud of their representation because they’re all about trying to put the funds in the most useful and needed places,” Hughes said.
She also credited state lawmakers with supporting the RC&D program.
“We couldn’t do what we do without our legislators Sen. Randy Price and Rep. Kristin Nelson,” Hughes said. “They help to determine where the dollars go. And thankfully, they have decided to invest dollars in RC&D so that we can do what we’re doing today.”
Hughes also spoke about the importance of the students themselves and the role they will play in the future.
“But just look at all the students that are here. The future of America is in this room,” Hughes said. “I’m a retired educator, so anytime I get to see students, I like to thank them for being the next generation, because you’re the ones that are going to look after us one of these days.”
She encouraged the students to continue working toward their goals.
“You’re in a good program to be enrolled and making something of yourself, and I just appreciate all of you,” Hughes said.
Katie Conner, state executive director for RC&D, also thanked Southern Union and emphasized the college’s role in preparing Alabama’s workforce.
“We’re so very thankful for the partnership that we have with RC&D and for the work that you guys do,” Conner said. “But most importantly, today, we are so very thankful for Southern Union, for all three of our campuses, for the work that they do to boost our workforce here in the great state of Alabama.”
Conner thanked the students for choosing to continue their education and said they represent an investment in Alabama’s future.
“You are actually what is pouring back into this state, and you are what we are depending on for the future of this state,” Conner said. “Thank you for the time and the effort that you put into furthering yourselves, and we just look forward to what the future holds, not only for Southern Union, but also for our great state of Alabama.”
Price, who is an Alabama State Senator, congratulated the students and praised Southern Union and its partnership with RC&D.
“Regardless of what field you’re going into, you’re getting the right start right here,” Price said. “I congratulate each and every one of you for being here.”
Price said he looks forward to the continued partnership.
“You’re a great institution. We enjoy working with Southern Union. I look forward to working with it many, many years in the future. And I just want to say to you folks in RC&D, thank you for the great job.”
