Special to The Tribune
MOODY — Three high school student-athletes received $500 scholarships from the St. Clair County Sports Hall of Fame on May 14, during the 18th annual banquet that was held at the Moody Civic Center.
Winners of this year’s Larry Bothwell Dream Maker’s Scholarship through the St. Clair County Sports Hall of Fame were Abbie Talton, left, and Owen Schall, right. Pictured in the middle is Bettye Bothwell, widow of Larry Bothwell. (Photo courtesy of Gary Hanner)
Two of the seniors received the Larry Bothwell Dream Makers Scholarship, while the third senior received the Jimmy Campbell Memorial Scholarship.
Bothwell founded the SCCSHOF back in 2004, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010, and passed away in 2013.
This marked the second year that a Ragland student received a scholarship in memory of Jimmy Campbell, who passed away on April 24, 2020. Campbell worked side-by-side with Bothwell to start the HOF and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Abbie Talton from Springville High School and Owen Schall from Ragland High School both received Bothwell’s scholarship.
Talton, from Springville High, was a member of the Lady Tiger varsity basketball team since the seventh grade. During her career, she scored over 1,000 points and was named All-County Season MVP for three years.
She plans to attend Jacksonville State University and major in Sports Management and Graphic Design.
Talton said it was a great honor to receive this scholarship.
Related Story: Springville senior one of three receiving scholarships from St. Clair County Sports Hall of Fame
“It will be so very helpful when I start attending JSU this fall,” Talton said.
Schall, from Ragland High, played quarterback for the Purple Devils. He led Ragland to a 9-3 overall record and into the second round of the state playoffs during his senior season.
He plans to attend college and get a degree in business management.
“This is a huge honor, and the banquet was amazing,” Schall said. “I really appreciate being chosen to receive this scholarship. It will be very helpful as I start my college education.”
The winner of this year’s Jimmy Campbell Memorial Scholarship through the St. Clair County Sports Hall of Fame is Sammie Day-Jones, right. Pictured with her is Campbell’s granddaughter Kristen Alexander. (Photo courtesy of Gary Hanner)
Sammie Day-Jones, from Ragland High, received the Jimmy Campbell Memorial Scholarship. She played basketball and softball for the past six years and volleyball for five years. She scored over 1,000 points in her basketball career.
She plans on attending Itawamba Community College to play softball and earn a degree in Physical Therapy.
“I am honored to accept this scholarship,” Day-Jones said. “Jimmy Campbell was a great influence to so many people in Ragland and St. Clair County. He was an amazing coach to so many young ladies who grew up in Ragland.”
Gary Hanner, president of the Hall of Fame, said all three of these student-athletes are very deserving as they look to continue their education at the college level.
“It is a privilege and honor to recognize these three students,” Hanner said. “They have made their families, schools, and communities very proud. They not only showcase athletic ability on the playing field but have also worked hard in the classroom. We wish them well in their future endeavors.”
Since 2012, the Hall of Fame has donated $9,500 back to students to use for college. Hanner added that next year’s goal is to give five scholarships to deserving student-athletes.
