By Staff
Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
Rep. Ronald Grantland, D-Hartselle, is pledging one month's legislative salary for the next four years to fund scholarships for Morgan County students.
Grantland, who is currently running against Roy Coley for the District Nine seat in the state legislature, is pledging to fund 20 $500 scholarships, for a total donation of $10,000.
"This is something that I have been considering for some time," Grantland said. "My parents did not have the funds to send me to college. I was lucky in that I received a basketball scholarship that helped me get started. Many students do not have sufficient funds to attend college.
"Hopefully these scholarships will be a springboard to a college or vocational degree for 20 students desiring to further their education beyond high school."
The scholarships are designed for high school seniors who are planning on attending college or entering a trade or vocational school.
Grantland will be donating the money to students attending Vinemont High School, Hartselle High School, Falkville High School and Brewer High School, all located in District Nine.
Grantland is pledging $2,500 per year for the program. Each school will receive $500 for three years and $1,000 one year.
"I understand the cost of a college education," Grantland said. "I have a son attending auburn university. The cost is staggering and tuition continues to rise."
Grantland said his son is not eligible for one of the scholarship. He said he would like for a student's potential success, along with their financial need, to be considered by the school boards in determining the scholarships.
The Hartselle scholarships will be named for Melvin Sanders, a graduate of HHS who died July 4, 1981 in a drowning accident. Sanders was Grantland's first cousin. The Brewer scholarships will be named for Frankie Grantland, Rep. Grantland's late mother.