Alabama Club Awards $90K to 9 Outstanding Students

Nine Birmingham-area high school seniors walked away with life-changing news on May 4: each earned a $10,000 scholarship to pursue their college education.

The Rotary Club of Shades Valley announced the recipients at a luncheon held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The awards recognize students who excel not just in the classroom, but also in leadership and service to others.

Mackenzie Jackson, Kimberly Acosta, and Gabriella Brown from Shades Valley High School will head to Montevallo, UAB, and Brenau respectively. Avery Kononchek from John Carroll Catholic High School plans to attend Auburn, while five Homewood High School students round out the group: Lily Trinh, Willa Turner, and William Wallis chose UAB, Isaiah Shull and Jack Weinrib picked Auburn and Alabama, and one student is still weighing options.

"These students exemplify the ideals of Rotary through their dedication to scholarship, leadership and service," says Bill Dean, president of the Shades Valley Rotary Club. The selection process requires students to submit applications, transcripts, financial documentation, and essays before facing interviews with Rotarians.

But the good news doesn't stop there. On May 11, the club will award approximately 20 additional scholarships worth $2,500 each to students pursuing trade schools, community colleges, or certificate programs.

The Ripple Effect

What started in 1971 with a single $750 scholarship has grown into a powerhouse of educational support. The foundation has now awarded more than 570 scholarships over 55 years, totaling an estimated $1.3 million invested in local students.

The growth tells a story of community commitment. By 1991, the program had expanded to 12 annual scholarships at $1,500 each. Since 2004 alone, 237 students have received awards from a pool of 583 applicants.

This investment creates waves far beyond tuition payments. Each scholarship recipient becomes a college graduate who returns skills, knowledge, and leadership to their communities. Many become the first in their families to earn degrees, breaking cycles and opening doors for generations to come.

These nine students will join a network of more than 570 alumni who've benefited from the foundation's support, creating a legacy of service that founder Dan J. McKiever envisioned over half a century ago.