By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Retired Educators Association is accepting applications for its annual scholarship for college seniors preparing for a career in education.

Association President Lucinda Champion said applicants must be a graduate of a high school in Chilton County and be graduating from college by June 2019.

“We all represent the schools of our county, and that’s why we do it,” Champion said.

The application includes a resume and short essay about why the soon-to-be teacher chose to go into education.

The scholarship is $500.

“It doesn’t have to go toward college,” Champion said. “It can go toward (personal) expenses.”

She said some teachers just starting out may also use the funds for decorations or other resources for their classroom.

“We just are trying to help how we can,” Champion said.

Funds for the scholarship are raised through yearly membership dues and sometimes through donations.

Applications are reviewed by the association’s scholarship committee, then a recommendation is made and voted on by the full association. The scholarship recipient is selected based on the applicants’ activities, grades and leadership experience.

In the essay, they are looking to see that “they really feel called to teach, that they have enjoyed their experience working with children … (and have a) love of teaching.”

The association committee plans to make a decision by Nov. 13.

Applications should be mailed to 115 Summit Street, Thorsby, AL 35171.