Shoals Scholar Dollars: Student of the Year 2024

Claire

Retherford Lexington High

Scholar Dollars Student of the Year

Claire Elise Retherford

Claire may be the embodiment of the adage that change is good.

Following the divorce of her parents five years ago, Claire said she became angry and withdrawn. She would never open up or speak, which led to mistreatment from her peers. This continued for three years until she decided to heal and change schools.

Claire enrolled at Lexington High School, where she has thrived and helped her recover.

“I learned that everyone has their issues,” she said. “Because I learned through this and went through so much, I can sympathize with almost anyone in a tough spot.

“I am grateful for every hurtful word that was spoken as well as every argument that I heard. They made me the leader I am today, and I would consider that a major accomplishment.”

Claire can now add another accomplishment to her long list.

Her ability to take a negative and turn it into a positive and keep moving forward with a sense of self-worth and determination has led her to become the 2024 Shoals Scholar Dollars Student of the Year.

“The Shoals and my Lexington family helped to make me who I am now, and I am so proud of that,” she said. “I never imagined that a school or place would have so much influence on my life, but Lexington High School immediately began to heal me. This small town encouraged me to become a stronger person.”

Claire plans to pursue a college

degree in building science so that she can follow in her greatgrandfather’s path to own her own construction company.

“My dream is to, one day, take the main leadership role in my family’s company,” she said. “I plan to pursue this career choice with full knowledge that the percentage of women in construction is in a range of 1% to 2%. I know I will face many false perceptions of my abilities, but I have confidence I can put any concern to rest quickly. I believe that women can do anything men can do in the business world if presented with equal respect and

opportunity. I know myself and I can outwork anyone.”

Claire attributes her work ethic to her father, who she also credits as being her greatest influence.

“He has been my biggest fan and supporter my entire life,” she said. “Since I was old enough to understand, he encouraged me to be my own person

where you want to go. … I know that the reason I am the strong, confident and independent woman I am today is because he taught me to find that within myself.”

dreams wherever they from him that can take

Claire has taken on several leadership roles within her school as a junior. She is editor of the high school yearbook, a member of the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an officer in the school’s Key Club and kids small group leader at Faith Church in Florence.

Her volunteer work began when she was a freshman. She has been a faithful volunteer of Common Ground Shoals and with the Faith Church youth worship team. She devotes two hours a week to both.

“I love the joy I get spending time with the kids who go through [Common Ground Shoals],” she said. “I also get to learn a lot from the other leaders who serve there. I’m so fortunate to live in a nice home and go to a good school, but I also feel like I might not get enough exposure to the challenges others may face.

“I learn so much from this community and its residents. I’ve learned to have courage and pursue through tough situations and how to be happy despite testing circumstances.”

Claire Elise Retherford

12th Grade

Brooks High School

After high school, Gregory plans to attend Northwest Shoals Community College and later transfer to the University of North Alabama. He plans to work part-time to save money, while working to obtain his degree in early childhood education.

While at Brooks, Gregory said many of his classmates referred to him as Grandpa Gregory. He said he’s OK with that because it’s a reflection of his old-fashioned and cheerful attitude.

Simply put, Gregory is an old soul.

That comes from the influence of his grandmother.

“She has always been in my life since day one,” he said. “She has taught me so much in just 18 years, and I am so grateful. She is my mother figure in my life.

“The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome is growing up without either of my biological parents. My father died when I was 8 years old, and my mother has never been in my life.”

Gregory’s old-soul mentality is combined with a love to help.

“I do all I can to go above and beyond to assist those in need, even if it’s simply by giving someone a smile first thing in the morning,” he added.

Most of Gregory’s leadership is seen at school either with the marching band or the chorale group. He served as co-director of the school’s chorale group during his junior and senior years.

Before being a co-director and founder of the high school vocal ensemble, Gregory was the bass line section leader for the school band as an eighth grader and was later co-section leader of the drumline during his sophomore year.

His leadership spread over into his church where he’s been a Sunday school teacher the past two years as well as song leader at his church.

Some of his school awards include being on the A&B honor roll from seventh to ninth grade and again on the honor roll during his junior and senior years.

He was also named the most dedicated student in English and governmental science classes during his junior year and later represented Brooks High at Boys State.

Natalie’s commitment to volleyball has already paid dividends. She was named an AVCA All-State player each year since her sophomore year, and she will continue her volleyball career at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi.

After two years at Itawamba, Natalie hopes to transfer to the University of North Alabama to major in biology or anatomy and then head to UAB to eventually become a pediatrician.

“I’ve always had a passion for children,” she said. “I babysit all the time as well as volunteer at Underwood Baptist’s nursery. So, I’m there every Sunday and Wednesday in the nursery volunteering.

“My mother and my sister are nurse practitioners, so seeing my mom doing that is really my inspiration. And I’ve always really felt connected to kids.”

Natalie considered being a pediatric dentist but changed her mind after seeing her mother and her sister at work.

“It just really clicked with me that I also want go into pediatrics,” she said. “It’s all been kind of sudden these past few months and with my senior year winding up soon, it just seems like it’s God’s call that I become a pediatrician.”

Natalie served as team captain of the high school volleyball team the last two seasons. She also served as her class secretary in her sophomore and junior years.

Natalie also served as a representative on the student council since her freshman year and was elected student council president her senior year.

In addition to volunteering in her church nursery, Natalie volunteered to read to pre-K students in her sophomore and junior years.

Natalie served in many other volunteer capacities by volunteering at the Florence-Lauderdale animal shelter in her sophomore and junior years. She also volunteered to during the school’s blood drives each year since her sophomore year and was an aide during the county Special Olympics her sophomore and junior year.

In addition to her awards during her volleyball career, Natalie was a member of the National Honor Society since her freshman year in high school and was on the All-A honor roll her sophomore, junior and senior years. She served as a member on the school’s homecoming court in her senior year and was named Miss Wildcat Beauty in her junior year.

Natalie Brooke Nix 12th Grade Central High School

Gregory Michael Shockley

After graduating from Cherokee, Teagan plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in agricultural communications with minors in marketing and public relations.

Her love for agriculture flourished by being a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) organization. She served in many leadership roles while in FFA since her sophomore year. She served as president of the high school chapter in her senior year, vice president during her junior year and chapter historian in her sophomore year.

“FFA has given me so much, and I think it’s fitting that I have chosen to go into a career field that will allow me to repay the great debt that I owe to this outstanding organization,” she said. “FFA has taught me how to be a leader and how to work well as a team player. It has taught me the importance of farming and the agricultural community. My public speaking has improved by leaps and bounds, which I credit to FFA.

“The people I have met through my time in FFA are a fantastic network that I can return to for guidance as I navigate college and prepare for my future. I’m so thankful for FFA’s place in my life.”

In addition to her leadership roles in FFA, Teagan used those qualities to serve as class president since her freshman year. She also was president of the Leo Club and the Broadcasting Club during her senior year. She served as co-captain of the school’s cheerleading squad during her junior year as well as served as scholars bowl captain and as vice president of Mu Alpha Theta.

Her awards span from the local to the national level. She took part in the national FFA Dairy Judging competition and was a member of the state championship FFA Parliamentary Procedure team in her junior and senior years.

She also captured the county FFA prepared public speaking titles in her junior and senior years.

As a cheerleader, Teagan was member of the Class 1A Regional championship team in the Game Day category in her junior year and was a member of the 1A Regional championship team in Traditional in her junior and senior years.

Sha also was a Universal Cheerleading Association All-American each year dating back to her freshman year.

Teagan Campbell Lockett

12th Grade Cherokee High School

When Brian thought of what he may pursue in college, history was certainly one of those areas he hopes to continue to study. History has come natural to him, so his hope is to attend the University of North Alabama to major in education and become a history teacher.

“It’s always been interesting to me,” he said. “The Cold War era has always interested me and from the 1950s until now.”

Being a history buff, Brian naturally was drawn to the school’s broadcasting and film club. He served as president of the club his senior year and was one of the collaborators to film a documentary of the 2023 school year at Colbert County High.

“I enjoyed the filming aspect of the documentary and the fact it was something that had never been done before at Colbert County High,” he said. “I would like to see the club kept up for years to come because I think it would be a cool tradition.

“Brandon Underwood, who was the Shoals Scholar Dollars Student of the Year last year from Colbert County High, taught me how to film and do camera work. He taught me a lot.”

Brian also served as president of the student council in his junior year.

As a leader, Brian said being responsible, punctual and being the one to make the hard decision even if it’s not the most popular decision to make, is what he considers to be a good leader.

His grandfather comes to mind as a good leader and an inspiration to him.

“He worked his entire life,” Brian said. “He’s still working and turning 60 and feel like because he’s worked so hard much of his life that he should be retired by now, but he’s not. He had kids at a young age and has been a trash man for the City of Tuscumbia since.

“He may not make a lot, but I respect him a lot because he’s such a hard worker. And he’s certainly someone I want to be like when I get older.”

12th Grade Colbert County High School

McKenna is a self-described overachiever.

But her drive to overachieve doesn’t stop in school. She said her competitiveness drives her to excel in all aspects as a student, athlete and as a person.

“Even when I was in elementary school, I wanted to be the best,” she said. “Some say I have a competitive streak, but I am only competing with myself. Life, to me, is a grand challenge to constantly better myself.”

McKenna plans to pursue a degree in accounting and eventually go into real estate.

Much of her leadership roles she served in were in student council. She served as president of the student council from her freshman year until her junior year. She currently serves as reporter for the student council. She also serves as vice president of the school’s FBLA chapter and the school’s International Thespian Society.

In addition to her leadership roles within clubs, she served as manager of the SkillsUSA Project 256 this year.

“We were able to incorporate fire safety into music and visit various elementary schools across Colbert County,” she said. “I’ve benefited from being part of this project because it pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and I’ve been able to make so many connections with other people.”

As a cheerleader, McKenna was named an All-American by the Universal Cheer Association in her senior year.

Being part of the cheerleading squad, she also was given the opportunity to volunteer in the school’s mini cheer camp in her senior year. Prior to that, she and her fellow cheerleaders volunteered their time to help with restroom renovations within the school during her sophomore year.

McKenna said she learned and used leadership skills while on the cheer team.

“You have to be bossy sometimes, but you can’t be mean about it,” she said in describing what makes a good leader. “You have to be a good listener and encourager because no one wants to hear just negativity.

“Being on the cheer team there’s a lot of negativity sometimes because people get frustrated, so it has taught me patience. That’s a quality that’s not easy to have, but it’s necessary of a good leader.”

Brian David Fisher

Laura plans to pursue a business degree from the University of North Alabama and pursue a cosmetology degree with the hopes of opening her own business as a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician.

She said she’s always been interested in cosmetology since she was 12 years old.

“I’ve always wanted to do people’s hair, makeup and nails and was given a chance to work with a cosmetologist over the summer and I loved it,” Laura said. “It was so fun and a really good experience, which made me really want to pursue this profession.”

While at Covenant Christian, Laura served in many different leadership capacities. She was student council Chaplin as a freshman, student council treasurer in her junior year and secretary of the student council in her senior year.

She also served as the school’s National Honor Society secretary in her junior year.

Being involved in volleyball, softball and cheer at Covenant, she served as co-captain of the cheer team as a junior and captain of the cheer squad during her senior year.

When she wasn’t playing volleyball for her Covenant, she served as a coach of a recreation volleyball team during her sophomore and junior years at the Sheffield Recreation Department.

Laura said volleyball was her favorite sport because of how close the girls on the team were and her math teacher was also her coach.

“I learned so much from her on the court and off the court,” Laura said. “She taught me to be selfdisciplined, but not too hard on myself. I feel the lessons she taught will carry on with me throughout my adulthood.”

In addition to serving as a volleyball coach at the Sheffield Recreation Department, Laura served on the school’s prom committee, homecoming committee, served as an ambassador of the school and assisted each year since her freshman year with the school’s canned food drive.

Laura Lea Ramseyer

12th Grade Covenant Christian School

Lily has always been a self-professed people pleaser.

While she tries to make others happy, she has learned that she can’t make others happy if she is not happy with herself.

“I believe everything happens for a reason, so I try to remember this through the bad times so I can make the best of a bad situation,” she said.

Being a nurturer, Lily wants to pursue a degree in exercise science and eventually go into physical therapy.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to work in the medical field, and I think this fits my personality very well,” she said. “I’ve looked at so many jobs in the medical field and I think physical therapy will be for me.”

While in school at Deshler, Lily was an easy fit into the Bellezza Bella Club which devotes most of its time to serving the community. She served as the community service chairperson for the club in her senior year and has completed more than 80 hours of community service through the club by participating in activities such as the Helen Keller Run, Every Piece Matters Run, GWT Literacy Night, Tiger Roar Run, Jeff DROPO Run 4 Kids and the R.E. Thompson Fall Festival.

As a member of the Key Club, she also assisted with the Shoals Special Olympics during her senior year.

Lily served as class president since her freshman year at Deshler. She also served as president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter and served as co-captain of the cheerleading squad during her sophomore year.

Having served in so many leadership capacities while at Deshler, Lily says a good leader is someone who is not bossy and a good listener.

“You’ll have your own opinions about things, but at the end of the day, you have to focus on the majority of others’ opinions and apply those,” she said. “You can’t do what you want because you’ll have people mad at you. You have to listen to others and find common ground by compromising and learning to work well with others.”

Anna Catherine’s testimony of who has been her biggest influence so far in her young life proves that it does take a village to raise a child.

She said her middle school guidance counselor helped her get through difficult situations for a 12-year-old. Her best friend taught her how to be a good friend to others.

She said her youth pastor opened her eyes in ways she never imagined, and her mother has been her one true constant.

“She has done all of these things,” Anna Catherine said. “She has walked me through it all. I am blessed to have a friend, a disciplinarian, a feminist and a nurturer who has made me who I am.” Anna Catherine plans to pursue a degree in elementary education, continue to volunteer or work with youth groups and eventually become a counselor.

“I feel called to education,” she said. “I thought about law and counseling, but I feel led to education. “When I was little, my mom said I would always say ‘when I’m a teacher, I’m gonna do this.’ So, it’s always been in the back of my mind.”

She attributes her love for education to her teachers at St. Joseph’s Catholic School from first through eighth grade.

“They all were wonderful and encouraging, which is what I want to be when I’m a teacher,” Anna Catherine said.

When she moved over to Florence High, Anna Catherine became a member of the Connection Show Choir. She has been in the top two choirs for two years. She served as an officer during her junior year and a dance captain during her senior year.

“Show Choir has helped me grow in a number of ways,” she said. “I had to push myself to do new things in my first two years and leave my comfort zone. I had to cope with rejection from not getting into the top group or getting the solos I wanted, but I’ve learned to overcome it. My determination brought me to both of the top choirs.”

While at Florence High, Anna Catherine also took part in the school’s Key Club and FCCLA.

Outside of school she has participated in the Trinity Episcopal Summer Series since she was 13 years old. “All of the characteristics I learned from here, I applied to the high school show choir,” she said.

Lillian Grace

James 12th Grade Deshler High School

Shoals Scholar Dollars

make College a Reality for Area Students

Since its inception in 2011, Shoals Scholar Dollars has helped almost 3,000 students in Colbert and Lauderdale Counties be able to attend college. The brainchild of the Florence/Greater Shoals Rotary Club, SSD has maintained its 501(c)3 nonprofit status and continues to further the education of local high school seniors. With our partnerships at Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama, Shoals young people are able to continue their schooling and learn skills that allow them to enter the workforce in our area and become productive members of our community. We are funded strictly through donations and exciting community events during the year:

Please support Shoals Scholar Dollars through one of these fund raisers:

• Shoals Student of the Year

• June Jubilee Golf Tournament

• Speaker Series

• Shoals Dragon Boat Festival

• Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival

• Century Club

• Legends in Concert Series

SHOALS SCHOLAR DOLLARS BOARD MEMBERS

• Chris Estave

• Dr. Crystal Reed

• Josh Russell

• Dr. May Bolden

• Jeremy Goss

• Dr. Greg Carnes

• Jill Chambers

• Lewis Von Hermann

• Julie Hamm

• Dr. Bill Armstong

• Corey Thomaston

• Sarah Wilkins

• Dr. Glenda Colagross

• Jeremy Goss

• Larry Saatkamp

• Liz Thomas

• Bishop Alexander

It may be a toss-up to consider what Brooke is more passionate about – her photography business or her pursuit to be an educator.

It’s easy to say, though, both will be attacked with Brooke energy.

“Managing excellence in the classroom, athletics, leadership positions and being a young entrepreneur is made possible with my passion for learning, creativity and having Brooke energy,” she said.

So, what is Brooke energy?

“The idea of having Brooke energy came from one of my teachers and assistant principal,” she explained. “They often say that about me. It is all about being upbeat, intuitive, intentional, impactful and optimistic.”

Brooke plans to attend the University of North Alabama and eventually earn her master’s degree in secondary math education. She wants to teach in the Shoals and share that Brooke energy.

“While at UNA, I plan to continue my photography business – BP Photography – and take photos at various sporting events,” she said. “I am excited about football season, and I hope to partner with the Shoals Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer photographer. I want to capture pictures of the Shoals that will be appreciated and valued in the years to come.”

Brooke is the valedictorian of the Class of 2024 at Lauderdale County High. She has taken on several leadership roles at LCHS. She served as historian of her senior class, vice president of the Spanish Club and team captain of the school’s softball team. She also took part in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy during her senior year.

While her father is the softball coach at LCHS, Brooke decided to play in her junior year.

“I had played basketball my whole life, but after a series of ongoing injuries, I decided to try something new,” she said. “Learning the basic skills of softball weren’t always easy. More than anything, it has taught me to respect the sport for what it is and to have patience. Choosing progress over perfection is the greatest lesson I have taken from the game, and I have been able to apply it in other aspects of my life.”

Some of Brooke’s community service work includes serving as a tutor since her sophomore year, volunteering as an aide through the Rogersville Church of Christ and at nursing homes and for shut-ins.

She also served in several capacities in different fundraisers for various school clubs.

Brooke Elizabeth Patterson

12th Grade Lauderdale County High School

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Jason Haley Dobbs II

12th Grade

Mars Hill Bible School

Jay considered himself shy when he was younger.

At age 4, his mother said that her son was the most mature 4-year-old you would ever meet.

He later found his way to step out of the shadow of his shyness by talking more and doing more public speaking.

“I have gained experience from Lads to Leaders, presenting devotionals at church, taking part in speech class and being interviewed for multiple football achievements and accomplishments,” he said.

While Jay is busy at school most days, he also is an entrepreneur. He is owner and operator of his lawn care business which grew from a couple clients to several over the years.

Jay plans to attend the University of North Alabama and study finance and continue to run his lawn care business.

“Many of my days consist of school followed by either football or baseball practice and then mow a yard or two after practice before eating dinner and finishing school work,” he said. “I have learned to work hard and to do things the correct way so that I manage my time the best way possible.”

Much of Jay’s leadership comes on and off the sporting fields. He was a team captain of the school’s football team in his junior and senior years.

He also was named Mr. Mars Hill for 2024 and was selected to be the social committee leader for the student council during his senior year.

Jay said football was the one activity in school which had the most impact on him.

“Being a team captain, it taught me many leadership characteristics which I think will help me going forward,” he said. “I have also loved the team aspect of football. While being on a team, I have grown close to the guys around me. We encourage, help each other and make each other better which, overall, makes the team better.”

When Jay is not busy with school activities or his lawn care business, he spends a great amount of time taking part in church activities.

“I am greatly involved with my church and especially my youth group,” he said. “I love being around other devoted Christians who have the same beliefs as me. While doing fun activities, I know that wherever I am, I will be in a Christ-like environment.”

It took Nora 17 years of playing teacher in her bedroom to discover what she hopes to pursue as a career. Nora said she feels called to education to teach English.

“I am beyond excited to use my God-given gifts to inspire my future pupils to use theirs as well,” she said. “I am a firm believer learning comes from stories.

“It is through pain that we learn. It is through hurt that we grow. There is nothing like words. There is nothing else that flows directly from a person’s mind – that taps so deeply into their emotions. For this reason, I cannot wait to show my students the power of words.”

Nora took on several leadership roles in school. She is the student council president. She served as her class president during her sophomore and junior years.

She has served as a student ambassador the past two years and was a team leader during Alabama Governor’s School.

“Even though it was two weeks, I learned more within that beautiful environment than I had in my entire life,” she said. “The mighty oaks in the quad whispered to me an inner potential that I never dream of containing. The regal columns of the buildings revealed to me my unique spirit that is given especially to me.

“I learned within this time to stop comparing myself to those around me that I am not supposed to be good at the same things as they. … Alabama Governor’s School showed me that all my pain had a purpose –it revealed to me my own. Because of this, I can now be myself in all of the other things I participate in.”

Some of Nora’s recognitions and awards include being a DAR Good Citizen nominee, the Distinguished Young Woman of Colbert County, being named the Alabama Governor’s School Most Outstanding Female, being a member of the National Honor Society the last two years and being a National Youth Senate nominee.

Madison believes a good leader is one who sets an example through their actions before becoming a vocal leader.

As a member of the Rogers basketball team, she said her role as a team captain this past season was to practice just as hard, if not harder, than on game day.

“Everything I did was done to show how we as a program do things, not just how one particular person does it,” she said. “After showing through those actions, I also had to be an encourager, but actions often spoke louder than words.”

That love for basketball has set in, and Madison wants to share that love after graduating from college and coaching basketball. She plans on attending Northwest Shoals Community College and then transferring to Athens State University to major in secondary education with the hopes of becoming a science teacher.

While Madison certainly has great respect for her coach at Rogers, she said her mother is her greatest influence.

Before starting Kindergarten at Rogers, Madison’s father was deployed to Afghanistan.

“That was a hard thing for a young person to comprehend since he would be gone for such a long time,” she said. “It was a change that me, my sister and my mother had to overcome and adapt to.”

It was the hard work of her mother that kept the family unit together, while Madison’s father was in Afghanistan.

“My mother is not only my parent, but my best friend who I can go to for anything such as advice and guidance,” she said. “She is such a good example of somebody I want to be personality-wise. She is so kind-hearted, loveable, hard-working and, overall, a person anyone would want to be around. I cannot give my mother enough credit for how well she raised me, and I will forever be grateful for her and our relationship.”

Outside of basketball, Madison was active with the Key Club and HOSA Club. There, she took part in several community service projects from taking part in Special Olympics to blood drives.

“One of the more rewarding activities I’ve taken part in is going to the nursing homes in the Shoals and spending time with the residents there,” she said. “I get to interact with the residents there, and I hope by spending time with them, it gives them as much joy as they do for me.” Thomas Clay

It wasn’t his choice, but it’s one that he never regrets.

Thomas was attending Deshler High, but one day he went with his grandmother to Vanderbilt Medical Center. There, for the first time, he learned his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia.

Without thinking twice, Thomas moved to Sheffield to be closer to his grandmother.

“She always had a smile on her face, even when the [dementia] was setting in,” he said. “Sometimes I would come to see her and she wouldn’t even know my name and then a few minutes later she would say hello to me and knew who I was. At the same time, she always had a smile on her face.”

Thomas said it’s his late grandmother who inspires him to this day, because she always had a smile on her face.

By seeing her and that smile, Thomas remembered how she made him feel every day. As team captain of the Sheffield High basketball team, he used his bright smile and encouragement to lead his band of brothers on the court.

“It was my job to pick up anyone who may have been down if they made a bad play or just weren’t playing well that night,” he said. “I would tell them it was OK and not quit on themselves or the team.”

Beyond the basketball court, Thomas used his words of encouragement to share with younger people through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Aim High mentor program, which he took part in during his junior and senior years of high school.

When he’s not mentoring younger people, he now is busy helping his father on their cattle farm.

“I have learned the value of hard work, dedication and how to own and operate a business,” Thomas said.

His plan after high school is to attend the University of North Alabama and major in engineering.

“Math isn’t my strongest subject, but I’m willing to improve my math skills to become an excellent engineer in the future,” he said.

Madison Shae

Adams

12th Grade Rogers High School

12th Grade

Shoals Christian School

Maggie’s greatest challenge so far in her young life, may have turned into a blessing.

She and her family moved to Alabama from North Carolina when she was in seventh grade. In addition to leaving friends and some family behind, she also stepped out of homeschooling and enrolled at Shoals Christian.

There, she flourished.

“Though the changes felt insurmountable, I never could have guessed how great things would all work out,” she said. “I would not trade my experiences, friendships and new community for anything.”

At Shoals Christian, Maggie has been a four-sport athlete since her freshman year. She participated in cross country, volleyball, basketball and cheer teams.

“My favorite sport is cross country,” she said. “I absolutely love the freeing relief I feel every time I run.”

She served as captain of her cross country team since her sophomore year. She was co-captain of her cheer team in her sophomore year and then became captain of the cheer team during her junior and senior years.

Additional leadership roles she has served within the school include being the school’s National Honor Society president during her senior year and vice president during her junior year. She has also served as student government association secretary since her junior year.

Away from school, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with children at her church. Her love of children has inspired her to pursue elementary education after high school.

“I have a passion for children and thoroughly enjoy teaching and leading,” she said. “After college, I hope to teach at a local school to stay close to my family and community.”

Much of Maggie’s community service has been through her church and school. Some of the activities she has been a participant include vacation Bible school, food drives, Adopt a Family, morning worship childcare and teacher’s aide.

Most of her honors have been school related. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since her freshman year. She has been a member of the National Spanish Honor Society since her sophomore year and has been on the All-A honor roll since her freshman year.

She also served as a student ambassador during her senior year and was a DAR Good Citizenship nominee during her senior year.

Maggie said her mother is her greatest influence on her life by setting an example to be kind and selfless.

“She has inspired me to be the best person I can be,” Maggie said. “She encourages me to serve, to be kind and to go out and make a difference.”

Moving to Waterloo three years ago may have been the scariest and the best thing to happen to Caroline in her young life.

Her biggest challenge that she’s had to overcome is her self-confidence. She normally would shy away from public situations and let others step forward.

“This often meant I was left behind, and I lost my self-confidence,” she said. Fast forward three years, and public situations aren’t quite as scary.

“Since moving to Waterloo, I have branched out more and even spoke in front of an audience at school events. This has improved my confidence and helped prepare me for college,” she said.

After high school, Caroline plans to attend the University of North Alabama to either study education to become a high school teacher or study biology to eventually become a dermatologist.

Since Caroline has been at Waterloo, she has served in several leadership roles as an athlete and as a scholar. She served as captain of the school’s cross country team since her sophomore year and served as captain of the girls basketball team since her junior year.

She was co-captain of the school’s scholars bowl team since her junior year and served as her class treasurer since her junior year.

She was elected student council president in her senior year and served as the yearbook editor during her junior and senior years.

Her biggest influence has been her parents.

“They are great role models,” she said. “They always push me to be my best and help me succeed. I can always count on them to have my back and support me.”

Athletics certainly has shaped Caroline. She said being a member of the varsity girls basketball team has benefited her in many ways.

“Mostly, it taught me the importance of teamwork,” she said. “I am usually the type of person who tries to do everything by myself. However, being part of a team has shown me that everyone needs help sometimes, and having good people you can count on makes all the difference. Working together, we are able to accomplish so much more than we would be able to alone.

“It has also taught me the importance of accountability. My team and my coaches count on me to be at practice every day ... Being a member of this team has made me prioritize being on time and holding myself accountable for everything I do.”

Her hard work in sports has paid off. Caroline was named first team all-area in cross country in her junior year. She was also all-area in softball her sophomore year and all-area in basketball her sophomore and junior years. She also has been a member of the Beta Club since her sophomore year and has been named valedictorian of her senior class.

Margaret Faith Owens

Caroline Elise Lambert 12th Grade Waterloo High School

Emma’s sites are clearly set on a profession in the medical field.

After high school, she plans to attend the University of North Alabama to pursue a degree in nursing and eventually become a registered nurse.

“My favorite activity outside of school is volunteering at the hospital,” she said. “It fills me with gratitude for the health community. I chose to give back to those who have supported me in various ways by performing small tasks to alleviate stress for them.

“My aspiration is to work at the hospital as a CNA and eventually progress to a registered nurse. While this goal is still some time away, I’m grateful for the experience, knowledge and insight gained at North Alabama Medical Center, where I hope to work one day.”

The love for the medical profession comes from Emma’s mom, who she also lists as her biggest influence.

“My mom has always been a massive inspiration,” Emma said. “Several years after graduating high school, she returned to school and found a better life. She became a sonographer and has shown me the beauty in saving lives.”

Much of Emma’s young life was spent without her father by her side.

“My biggest life challenge has been growing up with an absent father. Until I was 12 years old, my father was in prison,” she said. “Seeing others have a bond I could only dream about was very hard.”

Emma has volunteered at the hospital since she was a sophomore. She also took part in various endeavors while in high school through several clubs. She’s assisted with blood drives, Christmas can drives, Alzheimer’s walks and Luv Michael.

Her leadership spans over the last two years of her high school career. She was president of the Beta Club as a junior and was an officer in the school’s Science Club.

As a senior, she served as the class vice president, while continuing to serve as the Beta Club president.

Some of her past recognitions and awards were being an All-A student from her freshman year until her junior year in high school. She was also named “Tops of the Totem Pole” during her sophomore and junior years.

Congratulations to our students nominated for Student of the Year

Emma Faith Goodman 12th Grade Wilson High School

Madison Adams Rogers High School

Caroline Lambert Waterloo High School

Emma Goodman Wilson High School

Gregor y Shockley Brooks High School

Natalie Nix Central High School

Brooke Patterson Lauderdale County High School

Claire Retherford Lexington High School

Thanks to all of our additional corporate sponsors and school table sponsors.

Corporate Sponsors:

Mayor Andy and Sandra Betterton • Charlotte Knight • City of Florence • Florence Utilities

Lauderdale County Teachers Credit Union

• Constellium • Colbert County Board of Education • City of Muscle Shoals

Drs. John & Glenda Colagross • Occidental Chemical • Patterson, Prince & Associates • Bank Independent

School Sponsors:

• Brooks ............................. Brooks High School

• Central ............................. Central High School

• Cherokee ......................... Anonymous

• Colbert County ................ Red Clay Table and Zoe Belle’s

• Colbert Heights ................ First Metro Bank

• Covenant Christian .......... Covenant Christian School

• Deshler ............................. Tuscumbia City Schools

• Florence ........................... Mayor Andy & Sandra Betterton and Florence High School

• LCHS ............................... Morris Lentz (Bank Independent)

• Lexington ......................... Lexington High School

• Mars Hill ........................... Mars Hill Bible School

• Muscle Shoals ................. Avalon Medical Group and City of Muscle Shoals

• Rogers ............................. Rogers High School

• Sheffield ........................... McLeary & Almon Dental, Sheffield Education Foundation, Valley Credit Union, Foster & Foster CPA, Freddie Mills Body Shop, Family Pharmacy, Will Britt - State Farm, Law Office of Tony B. Hughes, Carter Oil Company, Phil Wiginton - State Farm

• Shoals Christian ............... Shoals Christian School

• Waterloo........................... Farmers and Merchants Bank

• Wilson Wilson High School