05/06/26
Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Students
Gadsden, Ala. – The Cardinal Foundation proudly announces its scholarship recipients for the 2026–2027 academic year. These awards recognize students for academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to their educational and career goals, while helping expand access to higher education and workforce training opportunities across the region.
Honored during a dinner on April 23, this year’s recipients represent a diverse group of students from throughout Northeast Alabama. They are pursuing studies in fields ranging from health care and technical trades to general education and emerging workforce disciplines. Representing communities across the college’s service area, these students reflect Gadsden State Community College’s mission to serve as a true college for the community.
2026–2027 Cardinal Foundation Scholarship Recipients:
AMC Legacy Wall Technical Scholarship: Ashley Downey, Anniston — Mechanical Design Technology
AMC Legacy Wall Technical Scholarship: Justin Mann, Jacksonville — Auto Collision Repair
Benjamin Steinberg Nursing Scholarship: Devyn Davenport, Gadsden — Registered Nursing
Boys and Girls Club of Etowah Scholarship: Summer Robinson, Attalla — General Studies
Cardinal Foundation Past President Honorary Scholarship: Melissa Tressler, Leesburg — Pre-Nursing
Chad Hawkins Memorial Scholarship: Cindy Wallace, Anniston — Nursing
Dr. Martha and Tim Lavender Scholarship: Ashley Rivera, Hokes Bluff — General Studies
Ford Jamboree Scholarship: James Patty, Heflin — Electronic Engineering Technology
Gerald Acker Scholarship – Current Student: Eric Tate, Pinson — Electrical Technology
GRIP Autocross Scholarship: Aydan Farr, Collinsville — Precision Machining Technology
Image Matters Radiography Scholarship: Grace Sarazin, Centre — Radiography
Louis and Elaine Marsalis Scholarship – Cherokee Campus: Railey Mayfield, Oxford — Registered Nursing
Louis and Elaine Marsalis Scholarship – Cherokee Campus: Lexie Snow, Leesburg — Registered Nursing
Michael Joe Wofford Memorial Scholarship: Daniel Bradley, Hokes Bluff — General Studies
SPA Kathy Brown Memorial Scholarship: Kanisha Swain, Birmingham — Office Administration/Health Information Technology
Stephen & April Lafollette Scholarship: Madison Sims, Anniston — Radiography
Stephen & April Lafollette Scholarship: Cassandra McDaris, Attalla — General Studies
SWOOP Sprint Scholarship – Ayers: Kenzie Quick, Piedmont — General Studies
SWOOP Sprint Scholarship – Cherokee, East Broad/Wallace (Academic): Litzy Adamaris Ramirez Gonzalez, Gadsden — Paralegal
SWOOP Sprint Scholarship – Cherokee, East Broad/Wallace (Technical): Kenyan Smith, Albertville — Court Reporting
SWOOP Sprint Scholarship – Cherokee, East Broad/Wallace (Cherokee): Haley Sprayberry, Cedar Bluff — General Studies
SWOOP Sprint Scholarship – Valley: Ashley Bynum, Southside — Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Tim & Laura McCartney Scholarship: Jeremiah Fowler, Glencoe — Industrial Automation Technology
Tim & Laura McCartney Scholarship: Blake Green, Gadsden — Precision Machining Technology
Tyler Union Electrical Technology Scholarship: Benjamin Brady, Oxford — Industrial Automation Technology
Tyler Union Electrical Technology Scholarship: Alex Zavala, Ohatchee – Electrical Technology
Tyler Union Workforce Development Scholarship: Gael Chino, Oxford — Industrial Automation Technology
Tyler Union Workforce Development Scholarship: Kingston Peeler, Jacksonville — Industrial Automation Technology
Tyler Union Workforce Development Scholarship: Zach Pressley, Wellborn — Electrical Technology
William Thomas Dawson Family Scholarship: Micah Lasseter, Glencoe — General Studies
William Thomas Dawson Family Scholarship – Renewal: Elijah Hammett, Gadsden — Mechanical Design Technology
William Thomas Dawson Family Scholarship: Sadie Sanchez, Attalla — General Studies
“These scholarships are an investment in the future of our communities,” said Eric Crabtree, current president of the Cardinal Foundation. “By supporting these students, we are helping to strengthen the local workforce and create opportunities for long-term success.”
The Cardinal Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the generous donors and partners who make these scholarships possible. Their continued support ensures that students have access to the resources they need to achieve their educational and career aspirations.
“Each of these students represents the talent, determination, and potential that will drive our region forward. Through the generosity of our donors, we are not only supporting their education—we are helping to build a stronger workforce and brighter future for Northeast Alabama,” said Hillary Folsom, director of advancement and alumni relations with Gadsden State.
For more information about the Cardinal Foundation and its scholarship programs, please contact Gadsden State’s Office of Advancement, 256-549-8377 or visit gadsdenstate.edu/alumni/cardinal-foundation.
Photos from the scholarship dinner can be found HERE.
Left to right: Alan Smith, President of Gadsden State Community College; Robert Haynes, Human Resources Director at Tyler Union; Bryant McCarney; Benjamin Brady; Gael Chino; and Eric Crabtree, President of the Cardinal Foundation