FROM STAFF REPORTS

BIRMINGHAM – The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation recently awarded more than $57,000 in scholarships to employees or children of employees from Alabama Grocers Association member companies for the 2018-2019 academic year. These included 39 AGEF funded scholarships, 18 Piggyback Scholarships and three Endowed Scholarships for a total of 60 scholarships awarded.

Shelby County scholarship recipients include: Briarwood Christian High School graduate Rebecca Wolf, Oak Mountain High School graduate Andrew Guillory and Calera High School graduate Raven Edwards.

“The Alabama Grocers Foundation has been able to award more than $1.2 million in scholarships to date,” said Ellie Smotherman Taylor, president of the Alabama Grocers Association. “The members of our association are excited to be supporting higher education efforts of Alabama’s students.”

The Alabama Grocers Education Foundation recognizes and aids students who are related to Alabama’s food industry by virtue of their parent’s employment or their own part-time employment by firms that are members of the Alabama Grocers Association.

The scholarship program demonstrates the association’s interest in the growth and development of the leaders of tomorrow by providing financial assistance to deserving students. This year the Foundation received more than 145 applications.

“Our association members and other supporters of the Alabama Grocers Association make these scholarships possible,” said Bob Crawford, chairman of the AGEF Board of Trustees. “The scholarships truly impact young student’s lives for the better.”

Scholarships are awarded by an impartial committee of educators and are based on community involvement and academic achievements. Funds are raised from three annual golf events, a silent auction and the generosity of supporters, members and friends of the Alabama Grocers Association.