May 3, 2006

 LIVINGSTON, Ala.—University of West Alabama sophomore Stephen “Hamp” Smith of Slocomb, Ala., received one of two $600 scholarships awarded annually in Alabama by the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (SAEOPP). Also, the Alabama Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (AAEOPP) recently awarded its annual $500 scholarship to sophomore Chandra Toney of Greensboro, Ala.

Smith, an athletic training major, was nominated for the award because of his participation with Student Support Services (SSS), a federally-funded program providing personal counseling, financial advisement, tutoring, career guidance, social and cultural activities and study skills workshops and more to qualifying students.

 A first-generation college student, Smith says in his scholarship essay: “I entered the University of West Alabama as an undeclared major with no study habits and no idea of how to succeed. So, when I heard about Student Support Services, I realized the program was just what I needed to accomplish my goals.”

Smith credits the program with teaching him time management, goal setting and communication skills. He made an immediate impression with the SSS staff based on total program utilization and accomplishing a 3.96 GPA at the end of his freshman year. Smith was selected “SSS Freshman of the Year” and has been named to the President’s List every semester at UWA.

Dr. Vicki Spruiell, Director of TRIO Programs at UWA, says Smith is committed to excellence, both in the classroom and in the community.

“His love of learning, determination to succeed and strong work ethic truly set him apart from his peers,” Spruiell said.

After reaping the benefits of SSS programming, Smith now serves as a tutor and mentor for the organization. He is also a member of Sigma Pi fraternity, Phi Eta Sigma honor society and the Sports Medicine Club. He also serves as a UWA Housing resident advisor and volunteers for a number of community service projects.

Toney, an elementary education major also received her scholarship based on her participation in Student Support Services.

“My involvement in the Student Support Services program has enabled me to strive for my very best in my education as well as my career goals,” Toney says in her scholarship application essay.

Toney, the daughter of Dengnette Toney and Charles Toney, continues to benefit from SSS, and now as a member of the SSS Club, she serves as a mentor to incoming freshmen. She maintains a 3.8 GPA, consistently reaching the President’s or Dean’s List. She is also a member of Phi Eta Sigma honor society and is involved in numerous activities at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Toney also tutors disadvantaged children through the Sonshine Kids Mentoring Program.

Spruiell commented that she could not think of a more worthy recipient of continued funding for education than Toney.

“Chandra realizes that success is a journey rather than a destination,” Spruiell said. “I am glad to have shared a part of the journey with this self-motivated and goal-oriented young woman.”