Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma
- Meghan Ruth McLeroy
- Nicholas Lane Woodley
- Ethan Scott Reed
- Bethany Kate Harris
- Meredith G. Moody
- Linda K. Wood
Meghan Ruth McLeroy
Cullman, Ala.
$12,000 College Scholarship
Washington University
St. Louis, Mo.
Major: English and PNP (Philosophy/Neuroscience/Psychology)
Parents: Darren and Kathryn McLeroy
Meghan graduated from Cullman High School in Cullman, Ala., where she was a National Merit Finalist, member of National Honor Society and lead soprano in musical theater.
Meghan plants to become a lawyer, a decision that was solidified when her law class sat in on a murder trial. Her instructor divided the class into two teams for a debate, and she chose defense.
“I just loved it,” says Meghan. “I got such an adrenaline rush from conjuring a counterargument on the spot, seeing the looks on the opposition’s faces when I made a solid point, and especially from knowing I was defending someone who couldn’t otherwise defend herself.”
Nicholas Lane Woodley
Nauvoo, Ala.
$11,000 College Scholarship
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Major: Business
Parents: Trisha Woodley and the late Rodney Woodley
Nicholas graduated from Walker High School in Jasper, Ala., where he was a member of the drama team and show choir, and played football, baseball, and basketball.
In 2005, his father passed away from a rare form of cancer. Nicholas’s mother went back to college to earn a teaching degree so she could support Nicholas and his sister.
“I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices she has made for our family, and my hope is that this award and my future accomplishments will make her proud,” he says.
Ethan Scott Reed
Greers Ferry, Ark.
$10,000 College Scholarship
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Ark.
Major: Public Relations
Parents: Daren and Karen Reed
Ethan graduated from West Side High School in Greers Ferry, Ark., where he was student council president and a member of National Honor Society.
Ethan was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in Oct. 2011, and has logged nearly 321 hours of community service since April 2010. “Being a servant leader is the greatest thing any one person can be,” he says. “I lead by example, an example of kindness and compassion.”
Bethany Kate Harris
Helena, Ala.
$9,000 College Scholarship
Berry College
Mt. Berry, Ga.
Major: English
Parents: Donald and Tylitha Harris
Bethany graduated from Evangel Christian School in Alabaster, Ala., where she involved in theater and a member of National Honor Society.
She says one of the best feelings in the world is walking offstage after a play and knowing it was successful.
“Theater taught me to go beyond my comfort zone, and it’s led to other things, like teaching, that give me enjoyment and the opportunity to serve,” says Bethany. She serves as a volunteer theater instructor for seventh and eighth graders.
Meredith G. Moody
Lucedale, Miss.
$8,000 College Scholarship
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Miss.
Major: Forensic Polymer Science
Parents: Paul and Sharon Moody
Meredith graduated from George County High School in Lucedale, Miss., where she served as Alderman at Large of the Mayor’s Youth Council, and she was a member of the Christian dance troupe S.T.O.M.P.
Meredith was selected to be a Mississippi senator for the 2011 Girls’ Nation, and she had the opportunity to sing for the president in the State Room of the White House – an experience she says she’ll cherish forever.
“Girls’ Nation gave me confidence in myself and my abilities and showed me that I can do anything,” she says.
Linda K. Wood
Ranburne, Ala.
$7,000 College Scholarship
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Ala.
Major: Mathematics and Physics Education
Parents: Roger and Melinda Wood
Linda graduated from Ranburne High School in Ranburne, Ala., where she was a member of the physics team, Spanish club, marching band and Senior Beta Club.
She wants to be a high school math and physics teacher and says the two subjects go hand in hand. “Since elementary school, I’ve been interested in math but never understood how to use it outside the classroom,” says Linda. “Physics taught me how to apply my math skills to the world around me.”