Many Local Resources for High School Graduates

Class of 2026, here is some great news! Help is available from people who have been where you are; some have even walked the very same hallowed halls their senior year. We know this is a busy, and often overwhelming, time as you prepare for the next exciting stage of life. Volunteers are available to help with resumes and applications. For financial assistance, local scholarships are available. There are many people who want to help you succeed.

One general resource is available to either help directly or connect students and parents with other resources. Community volunteers can help with educational or employment resumes and applications. Homework help, job search assistance, and other miscellaneous services are also free for students. You may email VHSresume@gmail.com or text/call Anna Mae Horn at 256-635-8775.

Moon Lake Library now has an outreach team specifically to help local students. Several of the team members are available to meet up for help with forms or even homework. Make arrangements ahead of time. A community room is available if quiet space is needed. You can contact the library by phone at 256-634-2127, online at MoonLakeLibrary.org, or through social media.

Several local organizations offer scholarships to help you further your education. The criteria are varied. Some scholarships are for Valley Head High School students; others are for area residents who may or may not attend public school. Some accept applicants who are pursuing a technical or professional certificate instead of a university or college degree. Academic information is always considered, but there is no requirement to be at the very top of the class. Let’s talk about some of these organizations briefly.

The Valley Head High School Class of 1969 alumni will give their third annual $1,000 scholarship, which was established in honor of classmates who have passed. The recipient will be a graduate of their beloved alma mater who walks the same hallways they once walked and plans to attend a university, community college, or technical school. The committee will look at financial need and academic endeavors thus far. Email VHSresume@gmail.com for more details.

MERF, Mentone Educational Resource Foundation, will award two Carter Holland Memorial Scholarships valued at $1,000 each. Established by Carter’s family and in honor of his great character, these scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated leadership, kindness, good character, and future plans to give back to the local community. Applicants must live in the school district, be enrolled full time at a college or technical school, and work toward a degree or certificate. More information can be found at MERFhouse.org.

The Valley Head Area Women’s Club annually awards two $700 scholarships toward any accredited educational institution: technical, professional, or academic. Criteria include financial need, dedication to success, and academic effort. Contact these ladies through their Facebook group or at 256-635-8775 for more information.

St. Joseph’s on-the-Mountain Episcopal Church will award up to 10 Vann-McCary scholarships of between $500 and $1,000 to students planning to attend college, university, or an accredited trade/technical school. The applicant can be anyone from the Mentone/Valley Head area, including graduating seniors or former recipients for up to a total of four years of higher education. Students will have a chance to talk about their dreams and how they would like to make them happen. The committee will consider the level of financial need, academic achievements to date, and clarity of educational and career goals as part of this application. You may call the church at 256-634-4476 or send an email request to admin@stjom.church. For more information, you can learn about the church at https://www.facebook.com/stjom/. They will make sure you get an application!

There are several other scholarships available that are not school specific. The American Legion, Valley Head Masonic Lodge, Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative, Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, and area businesses have offered scholarships in the past. Funding for college is available, so be sure to apply as often as possible. Your high school counselor will have applications and information for local scholarships.

We live in a wonderful community with many caring adults who are proud when local students thrive. It is also a varied community with people from all walks of life, a multitude of experiences, and diverse knowledge to share. Please reach out. If you never ask, you can never be told “Yes!” Let others help you reach your goals. We wish you much success with your future endeavors, whatever they may be. Walk confidently on your next path. Congratulations, Class of 2026!