Ala. Scholarship pays more than just tuition, room & board

Five years ago, Alabama journalist and heiress Mignon C. Smith created a scholarship in her parents’ names.

Since its inception, the Smith Scholarship Foundation has given out more than 70 scholarships worth up to $15,000 each.

The scholarship is for Alabama high school seniors to attend in-state colleges.

Counselor said to student, “Or if you wanted to do the graphic design.“

Vestavia Hills High School senior Danielle McDavid is going over her college degree choices.  At one point Danielle wasn’t sure she was going to go to college then she applied for the Smith Scholarship.

Smith Foundation Scholar, Danielle McDavid said, “This scholarship allows so many different opportunities.  Like I can do a study abroad program, if I would like to so there are so many things that I’ve been blessed with this scholarship, that I received.“

The Smith Scholarship goes up to $15,000 and includes a wider range of services for students like Danielle, the first in their families to go to college. Soon Danielle’s photo will be among the 69 other Smith Scholarship recipients.  But this scholarship founded by Alabama journalist and heiress Mignon C. Smith isn’t just for tuition, room and board. It provides mentors, a dorm package, clothing and more.

Foundation administrator Ahrian Davis Tyler said, “We buy the upperclassmen a suit, have it altered if needed and we teach them how to wear the suit. We teach them business lunch etiquette.“

In the Smith application, students have to document volunteer hours and write essays.  It was McDavid’s essay and the care her family gave her father who was critically injured in a drunk driving accident, that helped her earn her award.  Danielle is grateful.

McDavid said, “Its so worth it. Because all those things are included.  It is a contract basically but they are helping out so much so, I would gladly do it for them.“

Sadly Danielle’s father won’t see his daughter graduate high school.  He died a year ago Christmas day.  But Danielle’s dream of going to college will be fulfilled thanks to the Smith Foundation.  To apply for the Smith Foundation Scholarship, students are required to have a C-plus average.  While students “first in their family to go to college” are given priority, it’s not required.

Check out the application for yourself with the link on the left side of this page.