Michelle Abreo, at left, accepts the Debbie B. Rice Memorial Scholarship from President Bruce Ellard with Alabama Educational Technology Association and Scholarship Chairperson Barbara Burchard. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Michelle Abreo at James Clemens High School has earned the 2016 Debbie B. Rice Memorial Scholarship from Alabama Educational Technology Association.

Abreo received the award at the association’s winter conference on March 8 at Embassy Suites in Montgomery.

The $10,000 scholarship is valid for any accredited college or university in the state. Abreo is considering the University of Alabama, Auburn University or University of Alabama at Birmingham to major in engineering.

The scholarship’s name pays homage to Debbie Rice, a founding member and board member of the association.

In her required essay, Abreo wrote, “I want to make a difference in the world. … I hope to transform the insights I will gain from working with cutting-edge technology into useful diagnostics and devices that will benefit society, in addition to joining community service clubs that participate in outreach programs.”

At James Clemens, Michelle is founder and editor-in-chief of JETStream web media and newspaper and is co-founder and president of the Environmental Club. She has worked as an intern for The Boeing Company. She participates in JET Pilot Advisory Committee, First Priority Christian Club and National Honor Society.

Her volunteer resume includes the Helping Hands Hygiene Drive for clients at Manna House in Huntsville, Crestwood Medical Hospital, Community Outreach and Sci-Quest. Michelle is an ACT Advanced-Placement Scholar with Distinction and scored 35 on the ACT.

A National Merit Semifinalist, she is a regional semifinalist with Siemens Corporation’s Competition in Math, Science and Technology.

Scholarship adjudicators were impressed by Abreo’s true spirit of involvement and community outreach and academic excellence. Abreo’s parents are Dennis and Felicia Abreo.

For more information, visit go-aeta.org/DebbieRiceScholarship.