The Pike County Cattlemen and Pike County Cattlewomen awarded scholarships to students from the county’s four high schools during a ceremony at Cattleman Park Monday evening.

Jim Shaver, Cattlemen president, and Michelle Long, president of the Cattlewomen’s association, presented eight $1,000 scholarships totally $8,000 to graduating seniors.

Each of the associations presented four scholarships that were based on academics, leadership and community service.

“Academic achievement is important but, the Cattlemen and Cattlewomen are service based so leadership and community service are important considerations for the scholarship awards,” Shaver said.

The Pike County Cattlemen presented scholarships to Max Copeland, Pike Liberal Arts School; Ashley Witherington, Charles Henderson High School; Anna Grace Thomas, Goshen High School; and Regan Witherington, Pike County High School.

The Pike County Cattlewomen scholarship awards were to Max Copeland, PLAS; Anna Grace Thomas, GHS; Gracie Redmond, GHS; and Abby Barron, Auburn University.

The Cattlewomen’s scholarships are presented annually in memory of Cattlewomen Betty Hixon, Winnie Lee, Agnes Johnson and Jewell Griffin.

“These outstanding women were longtime contributing members of the Pike County Cattlewomen’s Association and served in leadership roles,” Long said.

All recipients of the $1,000 scholarships have chosen career paths and are looking forward to the opportunities that await them as they further their studies and venture into the workplace.

Max Copeland is considering a career in plant and soil conservation.

Abby Barron plans to study chemical engineering at Auburn University.

Ashley Witherington will enroll in the nursing program at Troy University and Gracie Redmon will enter the nursing program at Auburn University/Montgomery

Anna Grace Thomas will attend Auburn University/Montgomery and will major in early childhood education.

Regan Witherington will attend Auburn University and pursue a degree in poultry science.

Shaver and Long said the scholarship recipients have strong academic foundations and are dedicated to excellence.

“They will all be successful in their chosen careers and leaders in their communities,” they said. “We congratulate them all.” 

Together the Pike County Cattlemen and Cattlewomen’s associations awarded $8,000 in scholarship in 2019 and an additional $5,500 in calf show scholarship awards for a total of $13,500 in scholarships for 2019.

The Cattlemen raise funds for their academic/leadership scholarships through the annual professional rodeo and the equipment auction. The Cattlewomen sponsor a Christmas Bazaar as a means of funding the association’s scholarship program.