CHS alumna awarded Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation scholarship

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By Christa Jennings

Senior Staff Writer

 

One of Coosa County’s own is being recognized as a scholarship winner by the Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation, with Central High School alumna Sidney Thornton being awarded a $2,000 ARECU scholarship.

On Tuesday the Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarship program. The scholarship initiative is stated to be designed to “empower and invest in the higher education of deserving students within the Alabama ONE family.”

The scholarship program is intended to offer various opportunities tailored to meet diverse educational needs, from community college support to scholarships for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs.

Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation states that the program reflects Alabama ONE’s “dedication to inclusive financial growth and educational advancement” and that the scholarship program “continues to demonstrate the credit union’s commitment to fostering growth and supporting [its] community’s future leaders.”

“For these bright young individuals, pursuing higher education or a skilled trade can pave the way to a brighter future,” said Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation Board Chair Brittany Floyd. “We’re thrilled to play a part in their journey and assist in financial support for them.”

Thornton was one of 26 students to receive a scholarship through the program. Other 2025 scholarship recipients are:

• ARECU Scholarship ($2,000 each):
  • Athens Green – Cherokee County High School
  • Amberly Tillman – Opp High School
  • Cade Cassady – Andalusia High School
  • Jaden Phillips – Millry High School
  • Graycie Sansom – Andalusia High School
  • Brody McGee – Cornerstone Christian School
  • Abigail Porter – Fayette County High School
  • Katie Thornton – Lee-Scott Academy
  • Sidney Thornton – Coosa Central High School
  • Dale Lucas – Mckenzie High School
  • Austin Gibson – Cherokee County High School
  • Benjamin Johnson – Auburn High School
• Community College Scholarship ($2,000 each):
  • Alana Weathers – Tuscaloosa County High School
  • Callan Hutchinson – Wadley High School
  • Carly Rose – Tuscaloosa Christian School
  • Marianna Etheridge – Southern Academy
  • Brody McGee – Cornerstone Christian School
• Merit Scholarship ($2,000 each):
  • Emily Sabatino – Holy Spirit Catholic School
  • Vivian Sullivan – Washington County High School
  • Jada Williams – Spain Park High School
• Needs Based Scholarship ($2,500):
  • Lily King – Boaz High School
  • Josii Chesser – West Blocton High School
• HBCU Scholarship ($2,000 each):
  • Alinah Williams – Bryant High School
  • Payton Ike – Central High School
• Skilled Trade Scholarship ($2,000):
  • Ella Murphy – Northridge High School
  • Amber Wynn – Bryant High School

These scholarships, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500, will assist recipients with tuition, fees and books at their chosen accredited institutions.

The Foundation states that this diverse range of scholarships reflects Alabama ONE’s “commitment to supporting various educational paths, from traditional four-year colleges to community colleges and trade schools.”

“We’re incredibly proud of these outstanding students,” Floyd stated. “By investing in their education, we’re not just supporting individual dreams, but also contributing to the growth and prosperity of our entire community.”

Alabama ONE congratulates all scholarship recipients and invites the community to join in celebrating their achievements.

For more information about the Alabama ONE Aspire Foundation and its commitment to community support, visit www.alabamaonefoundation.org.