2018 Winners of the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship

“Do what you can, where you are, with what you have” is the philosophy that has made the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship an annual event. This scholarship program strives to recognize high school seniors in area schools. It is based upon academic and scholastic achievement, work experience, community service and personal goals that are expressed in an essay response.

The Harris Funeral Home Memorial Scholarship is intended to help students reach their educational goals. Each recipient is awarded a scholarship in the amount of $500.00 and it can be applied toward any educational-related cost. Final selections were made by the Harris Funeral Home Scholarship Committee where Cornelia Johnson serves as scholarship coordinator. Other members of the committee are Teresa Smith of Dothan, AL and Harriet Billups of Auburn, AL. To date over $53,000 have been awarded to different area students.

This year’s three recipients of the scholarships are:

Cameryn Belyn Smith graduated from Auburn High School in May 2018. She is the daughter of Charles and Sharon Smith. Cameryn is looking forward to her first year at the United States Military Academy where she will be majoring in Kinesiology with a possible career as a Physical Therapist. She sees herself as someone who is optimistic, unique and diverse. With the support of her parents and hard work on her part, Cameryn was determined to not let a speech impediment deter her from her goals in life. This challenge led her to understand you are not limited by a label, there is a miracle inside of yourself and do not let your past predict your future. Her friends like her easy going and caring personality. She enjoys meeting new people because it gives her the opportunity to grow as a person, expand her viewpoint and have compassion for others. Her philosophy in life is, in awkward situations, use laughter because it can fix just about anything.”

Jamias Dontrel Presley graduated from Opelika High School in May, 2018. He is the son of James and LeKeisha Presley. Jamias’ plans are to attend Jacksonville State University where he will major in Exercise Science, with a career in Physical Therapy. He describes himself as someone who is cool, calm and easy to be around. A failure in life has taught him that if you want to be successful you must put the time and effort into making your goal a reality. You can’t get caught up in the “hype” you have to put in the work to make things happen. His friends see him as someone who knows what is best to do in any situation. Jamias’ philosophy is “to live life day by day to the fullest.”

Cory D. Atkinsis a 2018 graduate of Loachapoka High School. He is the son of Debra Atkins and Cutee Atkins. Guardian, Judy Lockhart. His college plans are to study Computer Information Systems at Auburn University/Montgomery with the desire to become an Information Systems Manager. Cory describes himself as someone who is open-minded, witty and friendly. While working on a project at school Cory learned a good life lesson. If you want to be successful, you must put in the time and effort, think about the positive and negative effects it may have and then move forward with the plan. Personal experience has taught him that when you want something, you must constantly work and in due time success will be yours. His friends see him as a peacemaker, with the tendency to look at any situation in a positive way. Living out his philosophy in life, “Don’t Say, Why Me?” say “Try Me!” Cory looks forward to always remain involved with his community.

So, on behalf of Jeffery Harris and Harris Funeral Home we would like to congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to the next year’s applicants. For more information concerning the Scholarship Program, contact Cornelia Johnson at 334-749-6583 or email hmh515@harrisfuneralopelika.com.