Madison resident wins scholarship

Madison resident, Paige Phillips, won a Monarch Scholarship Jan. 25.

Eight local high school students blossomed Jan. 25 at the Butterfly Awards Reception in the Arbor Room of the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

They were selected from 113 “butterflies” to be awarded scholarships.

All “butterflies” were chosen by their high school guidance counselors and teachers because they have overcome adversity, shown an outstanding academic record or experienced financial hardship.

The 6th annual Butterfly Project Monarch Scholars Program was sponsored by the Junior League of Huntsville, and former WHNT News Anchor Amy George was the keynote speaker.

All of the “butterflies” will have the opportunity to shop for their prom attire, including dresses, accessories and shoes, at the Junior League’s “Butterfly Boutique” Feb. 25-27 at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.

“We are really looking forward to the Boutique where we can spend time being ‘personal shoppers’ with the girls and helping them find the perfect prom dress,” said Leslie Jeffery, Butterfly Project Chairman. “We really want to honor these girls for the accomplishments they have made and encourage them to persevere, even with difficult life circumstances.”

The top two winners received Monarch Scholarships, which are $6,000 scholarships to the schools of their choice.

Paige Phillips of Bob Jones High School received the Junior League of Huntsville’s Top Monarch Scholarship.

Counselors of the scholarship recipients were present to watch their students receive the awards.

“Our students stand out because our teachers and staff provide an excellent academic program,” said Rosalyn Smith, guidance counselor at Bob Jones High School.

Kadejha Louis of Lee High School received the Damson Monarch Scholarship.

Other scholarship recipients include:

Morgan Gilley of Bob Jones High School – University of Alabama in Huntsville

Linda Hernandez of Columbia High School – Calhoun Community College

Mykala Johnson of Hazel Green High School – J. F. Drake State Technical College

Eva Butler of Johnson High School – Salon Professional Academy

Shannon Pease of Grissom High School – Salon Professional Academy

Ella Rae Watts of Grissom High School – Real Estate School of North Alabama

“I am so proud to be a part of this project because I know that we are making a difference in the lives of these girls,” Jeffrey said.