By Thomas McKnight

For the FCT

The Tennessee Valley Historical Society (TVHS) and UNA Department of History and Political Science held its 30^th annual history scholarship competition at the UNA Guillot Center on March 7.

Guest presenter Sen. Roger H. Bedford delivered an inspirational message to students on the value of an education and highlighted the historic attractions unique to northwest Alabama that have impacted the area, nation, and the world.

Among the 135 students who participated in the event, this year’s milestone achievement (following last year’s 2013 record of 141 students) was the first time registration and participation of two Franklin County high schools – Tharptown High School and Phil Campbell High School.

The participation from these schools was due in large part to the cross-county mobilization effort and support of Ms. Chris Ozbirn, Franklin County Archives Director, and Mr. Rex Mayfield and Mr. Gary Williams, superintendents of Russellville and Franklin County schools.

TVHS is looking forward to an expanded effort from board of education officials in surrounding counties to support next year’s competition so that more students have access to scholarship funds necessary to bridge the financial gaps that plague our students seeking to pursue their education, career and social mobility dreams.

For more information regarding the competition, please contact the UNA Department of History and Political Science at 256-765-4306, by email at history@una.edu, or online at buildingthepride.com/tvhs.

Those awarded scholarships at this year’s competition were: Caleb Vinson of Lexington High School – $750; Brendon McCollum of Cherokee High School – $500; and Cameron Ridgeway from Lexington High School – $250.