2008 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to the recipients of the Clan McAlister of America Scholarships.
The $750 scholarships were awarded to Melissa G. Meinert (C11) of Alpharetta, Georgia and
Brittany Ann Robertson (A05) of Lake St. Louis, Missouri. The Scholarship Committee was
impressed with their applications revealing high grades, many achievements, involvement in
extra-curricular and community activities, and outstanding recommendations. CMA and the
committee wishes both of these young ladies the very best as they begin their college adventures.
Brittany Robertson is a recent graduate of Wentzville Holt High School in Wentzville, Missouri and will be attending the University of Georgia in the fall. She is the daughter of Prentice and Cindy Robertson and the granddaughter of CMA members Joe Edd and Barbara McAlister. Brittany graduated with a 4.3 GPA having taken Honors and Advanced classes and graduating Summa Cum Laude. Writing for the school newspaper, yearbook and literary magazine, she was Editor in Chief of the yearbook her senior year. Brittany was involved in many other activities such as Student Council, National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America and served as a peer tutor in both the Math Lab and Writing Lab. She served as captain of the Varsity Cheerleaders her senior year having cheered all four years in high school. She was chosen to represent her high school as a 2007 Girls State Attendee. She participated in many community service projects and was heavily involved in church youth work. Work experiences included babysitting, helping with child care at her church, and working at Studio One Hair Design as a receptionist and doing advertising. One reference letter stated, "An intelligent, outspoken, and personable young woman, Brittany Robertson possesses many attributes that will make her a success in college and in life. She is remarkable in her ability to remain academically focused while still participating in many extracurricular activities. She will succeed in whatever endeavors she chooses to pursue. Brittany is truly an example of all that is right with today's youth." Another said, "Brittany is passionate about friends, family, school, and hard work. She is bright, responsible and determined. She is a well-rounded young woman who will make an impact wherever she goes." Best wishes to Brittany as she begins her college career at the University of Georgia.
Melissa Meinert is a recent graduate of Northview High School in Duluth, Georgia and will be attending the University of Georgia in the fall. She is the daughter of Greg and Julie Meinert and the granddaughter of CMA members Roland and Shirley Meinert. Melissa graduated with a 3.857 GPA having taken Honors and AP classes. Her passion is writing and she was involved in every aspect of producing the school's Literary Magazine, having been the Editor in Chief her senior year. She received many state awards for her writing and had a long list of academic awards at her school. Melissa served on the Georgia Government Teen Advisory Board under the supervision of the Secretary of State. She was involved in many other extra-curricular activities including Young Republicans, Beta Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Melissa participated in numerous community service projects, worked at the Music Authority and served as a private math tutor for middle school students.
One reference said, "Melissa is a dedicated and motivated student who gets along well with both her peers and adults. She is a mature and motivated young woman who will undoubtedly be successful in the future." Another said, "She demonstrates daily how to be successful in school, how to be a leader in extracurricular activities and how to give back to her community in so many meaningful ways. She is a remarkable young woman with much to offer. She is compassionate, responsible and extremely eager to help. Most of all, you need to realize she does all this with a smile."
We wish Melissa Meinert the best as she begins her college career at the University of Georgia.2007 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to the recipients of the Clan McAlister of America Scholarships.
Two $500 scholarships, one each, were awarded to Alison Henley of Bloomfield
Hills, Michigan and Andrew McAllister of Hayden Lake, Idaho. There were
many worthy applicants for the scholarships this year, and the committee
members had a difficult task in selecting the recipients. Congratulations
to the two winners!
Alison Henley is a recent graduate of Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and will be attending Wake Forest University in the fall. She is the daughter of Meredith McAllister Henley and the granddaughter of CMA member Alan W. McAllister. Alison received many awards in high school and in May received Graduation Phi Beta Kappa for scholarship and citizenship in high school, Graduation Summa Cum Laude for outstanding grade point average in high school (3.96), and 2006-2007 NISCA Academic All-America Award for scholarship and athletic performance.
One reference letter said, "Academically, Alison has excelled in every area. Her community service experiences have amounted to numerous hours in a multitude of experiences." Another said, " Her commitment to scholarship stands out foremost. Alison brings intellectual enthusiasm to every task she undertakes . Alison's absolute integrity also merits note. Alison is a refreshingly honest and personable young woman. Quietly, she earns respect through her kindness, integrity, reliability and impressive accomplishments." A third reference stated, "Given her talents and work ethic, Alison is that rare type of student who finds success at whatever she sets out to do." We wish Alison Henley the best as she begins her college career at Wake Forest.
Andrew McAllister is a graduate of Coeur d'Alene High School in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and was Valedictorian of his class and is completing his freshman year at North Idaho College in the CITE (Computer and Information Technology) Program. Andrew is the son of CMA members Robert and Janice McAllister. In addition to Andrew being studious, he was the pianist in the Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band, participated on the Scholastics Team and was an active member of Natural Helpers, a peer mentoring group elected by fellow students.
One reference letter stated that "Andrew is an excellent student with a well-above average aptitude and level of motivation in Information Technology. He has excellent attendance, strong grades, and well developed personal skills. Andrew has a strong sense of commitment to a job well done." Andrew is working full time while in college. A co-worker wrote, " I have grown to appreciate Andrew's dependability, his commitment to assignment and his expression of a great attitude." After completing his Associates Degree at NIC, Andrew plans to attend the University of California at Berkeley for a business degree. We wish Andrew McAllister the best of luck in all future endeavors.
2006 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to the recipients of the Clan McAlister of America Scholarships.
Two $500 scholarships, one each, were awarded to Grace McAlister of
Little Rock, Arkansas and Leigh McAlister of Lonoke, Arkansas. Both were
very deserving, and the Scholarship and Awards Committee was impressed
with their applications.
Grace is the daughter of Michael McAlister and Fran Cunningham and grandaughter of Helen and the late Louis McAlister. She graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock and will be attending the University of Arkansas in the fall. She was active in many school, church and community service actiivities. Some comments from her letters of recommendation were: "She has proven to be very well rounded and highly capable." Grace has moral integrity and a strong desire to succeed academically. She will do well in any endeavor. Her ability to focus and follow-through with tasks will lead her to succeed in any field she may choose.
Leigh is the daughter of Brian McAlister and the late Deborah McAlister and granddaughter of Shirley and J. A. McAlister. She graduated from Lonoke High School and will be attending the University of Arkansas in the fall. She took part in many school, church and community activities. Leigh lost her mother to cancer when she was in the sixth grade.One comment about her was "What impresses me most is that Leigh has developed exceptional qualities, stayed focused, goal oriented in spite of the adversity life dealt her. I am impressed with her maturity, creativity, depend-ability and commitment to a cause." Another said "Leigh represents all of the all the finest qualities of character. She has a tremendous work-ethic, balancing excellent grades, community, church and extra-curricular activities. She would represent you with dignity, honor and appreciation."