MADISON – Madison City Council of PTAs has awarded scholarships to four 2013 graduates, thanks to funding from the Madison Street Festival and Rotary Club of Madison.

“The Madison City Council of PTAs approached both the Madison Street Festival and Rotary Club of Madison in early 2012 about sponsoring scholarships for Madison City graduating seniors,” scholarship chairperson Devonee Woods said. The council requested $1,000 from each organization.

However, both organizations “far exceeded our expectations by each granting $2,000 for scholarships,” Woods said. “In addition, the Madison Street Festival generously made their gift in perpetuity. The Rotary Club granted $2,000 per year for three years” and will consider an extension.

Jacob Mora from Bob Jones High School and LaNia Maull from James Clemens High School both received a Madison Street Festival Scholarship for $1,000. Mora served with Air Force Junior ROTC and as a Peer Helper. He plans to earn an associate’s degree in criminal justice and work as a police officer.

Maull is attending community college to study pediatric nursing to care for less fortunate children. She volunteered with James Clemens students in the developmental department and individuals with intellectual disabilities in a retirement home.

Bob Jones graduate Haley Leonard and Breanna Barlow from James Clemens both received the Rotary Club of Madison Scholarship to attend community college. Leonard is pursuing a career in sports physical therapy. Barlow plans to work as an ultrasound technician, specializing in prenatal ultrasound.

After discussion with Central Office personnel, the council realized a segment of students hoped to attend community college or technical/trade schools but had very limited scholarship opportunities.

The council leveraged experience from the Huntsville City PTA Council and Bob Jones and James Clemens staff to develop applications and form a judges panel of three retired Madison educators to identify scholarship recipients.

The council is “eternally grateful to Rotary Club of Madison and Madison Street Festival for their continued generosity and support of our students,” Woods said.