By Gary Lloyd
A Hewitt-Trussville High School graduate is one of three college students from Jefferson county to win a 2014 Alfa Foundation scholarship.
Amanda Viikinsalo, a junior at UAB studying finance, earned $1,000 in the program’s inaugural year.
Selection for the scholarship program was based on academic record, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and future goals.
“As a father of a college senior, I understand the impact of rising tuition costs on families and students,” said Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. “We hope our gift will ease some of that burden and allow the recipients to focus more on studies and gaining valuable professional experience.”
Almost 800 applications were received for the scholarship program from high school seniors and post-secondary undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll in an Alabama two- or four-year college, university or technical school.
The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies required for coursework.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.