By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

“We’ve gotten so much information tonight!”  Angel McPhearson said. “I am so glad that we came. We really needed details on the Alabama scholarships.”

Accompanying her second child, PHS Senior Ellie McPhearson, to this Alumni Scholarship Assistance Program, Angel McPhearson was thankful for the combined efforts of The University of Alabama Alumi Rep Kristy Hammond, Regional Recruiter Christy Hudgens, and the volunteers of The University of Alabama’s Shelby County Alumni Association.

“Mrs. Self sent an email—and Ellie said that the school also sent a Remind message,” said Angel McPhearson. Reporting that her daughter is considering a business or communication major, the University of Alabama was definitely a school the family wanted to explore.

Meeting at the North Shelby Library for this event with a church friend and future roommate, Ellie McPhearson and her mom were happy to have an evening to focus on those UA scholarship details

With older sister Caroline McPhearson already a junior at Jacksonville State University, this younger sister has learned a great deal about college; however, these UA details were exciting.

“Being able to ask questions and take information home that I can refer to later is awesome,” McPhearson said. “I really think that with all of the scholarships and programs that I’ve learned about tonight, Bama will be a good fit for me.

Beginning with a breakdown of the jargon of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans, these University of Alabama leaders shared details about the correlation of ACT scores and GPAs to University scholarships.

Following their informative program, fielding questions about majors, non-traditional programs like New College, and practical matters including dorms and meal plans, both Kristy Hammond and Christy Hudgens provided great insight to the over sixty parents and students attending the event.

“I really enjoy being a part of the Alumni Association,” said Pelham High School 1981 alum and UA Alumni Association member Randy Shealy who served as a volunteer at the event.

“We’re thrilled to have such a great turnout,” said Jim Sasser, President of Shelby County Chapter of the University of Alabama’s Alumni Association. “Roll Tide!”