Shakirra Law, an Anniston High School graduate and the mother of two, was presented the first Single Mom Scholarship on Friday, May 21 at Jacksonville State University.

JSU Wellness-Anniston sponsored the scholarship in partnership with Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center. Making the presentation were David McCormack, NEARMC CEO; Dr. Bill Meehan, JSU president; Fred Smith, director of JSU Wellness-Anniston; and Dr. John Hammett, dean of JSU’s College of Education and Professional Studies. Also on hand for the event were Law’s children, Zhikira and JeMichel; and members of the scholarship selection committee.

The Single Mom Scholarship will pay all fees-- including registration, books and state examination fee-- associated with Law’s attendance in the certified pharmacy technician program offered through JSU Continuing Education, located at JSU McClellan.

The Single Mom Seminar program is a part of the JSU Wellness-Anniston S.E.W. (social, emotional, wellness) program. The goal of the Single Mom Seminars is to address some of the unique challenges faced by single moms throughout Anniston and Calhoun County. The program provides education, support, encouragement, recognition and empowerment to the single moms served.

At a recent JSU Wellness-Anniston seminar, single moms listed continued education, career development and employment among their top needs. The Single Mom Scholarship was established to assist single moms who have completed high school or obtained a G.E.D. and are interested in improving their quality of life through education.

“When the quality of life of a single mom is improved it also has the potential to benefit her children, her household and the community at large,” said Smith.

Following the presentation, Law said, “This scholarship will benefit me and my children and will help us in reaching the goals of our family.”  

This program will prepare her to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam.

If you, your organization or company would like to sponsor a single mom or contribute to the scholarship of a single mom please contact JSU Wellness-Anniston at 241-3399 or make checks payable to: Jacksonville State University, Single Moms Scholarship, Attention: JSU Foundation, Inc., 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, AL 36265.

Your sponsorship of this scholarship program will not only benefit single moms but will assist in improving the quality of life of those we serve one family at a time.