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May 4, 2007
Special to the Wallace State Web site. Reprinted with permission from
The Cullman Times.
Memorial scholarship now being offered at Wallace State
By Karen Williamson
The Cullman Times
Respiratory therapist or allied health students enrolling at Wallace
State Community College this fall can apply for a new $2,500 memorial
scholarship named in honor of Bonita Thompson-Keith for her life's
dedication to helping others.
Thompson-Keith died from an aneurysm on Jan. 12, 2005. She graduated
from Wallace State Community College with a degree in Respiratory
Therapy. Thompson-Keith worked at the UAB sleep lab and Princeton
Hospital in Birmingham as well as part-time for American Home Health
pursuing her dream to care for the ill.
Thompson-Keith was a Christian, according to her parents Joel and Thelma
Thompson. She was raised on their farm and had a strong work ethic.
"She loved to work, and I don't think she ever met a stranger," said
Thelma Thompson.
The scholarship is open to seniors in high school and to non-traditional
students.
Applicants must have a "B" high school grade-point average and a minimum
score of 18 on the ACT. The application packet must be complete
including proof of financial need and an essay saying why they chose the
field of respiratory therapy. Applications are due on or before June 1.
The screening committee includes Tonya Hardman, vice president at Eva
Bank, who manages the charitable fund; Dr. Robert Crawford, pastor of
Lake Catoma Baptist Church where Thompson-Keith attended; Deborah Spann,
athletic coordinator and Student Services advisor at Wallace State
Community College; Dr. Henry Beeler; Joseph Routh, counselor of New
Horizon Family Center and Sean Loegler.
The committee will screen all applicants and will interview the top five
in the early part of June. A decision will be made by July 1.
A number of activities are being established in memory of
Thompson-Keith. A gospel music concert is going to be held at the Catoma
Baptist Church on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. The New Dawn singers, Living
Faith singers and Hearts of Praise singers will be featured. The love
offering will be donated to the scholarship fund. Proceeds from some
yard sales will also go to the fund.
For more information, contact Deborah Spann at 352-8121 or Joseph Routh
at 739-9876.
Photo by Karen Williamson/The Cullman Times. Pictured L-R: Joe Routh, counselor of
New Horizon Family Center; Tonya Hardman, vice-president of Eva Bank; the parents
of Bonita Thompson-Keith, Thelma Thompson and Joel Thompson; Dr. Vicki Hawsey,
president of Wallace State Community College; and Deborah Spann, athletic coordinator
and Student Services advisor at Wallace State Community College.
Kristen Holmes
Director, Communications and Marketing
Wallace State Community College
P.O. Box 2000
Hanceville, AL 35077
256/352-8118
E-mail: Kristen.Holmes@WallaceState.edu
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