Justyce Allison and Alexander Silver in the MAC Quadrangle
Bernie Ratliff Scholarship Recipients Announced
Photo: Nikki Culbertson
Justyce Allison and Alexander Silver are the recipients of the Spring 2021 EXCEL scholarships.
Each Spring and Fall semester, Mineral Area College funds two $500 scholarships specifically to recognize EXCEL students who are in their second year of college, persisting toward a degree, and active participants in EXCEL activities and services.
After spending long hours working in undesirable conditions, Justyce was focused and motivated to make a better life for herself and her family. Like many first generation college students, Justyce was intimidated at first, but her love of learning helped her overcome that fear.
Justyce is self-motivated, and she takes advantage of the opportunity to come in early to spend time studying in the EXCEL computer lab. She is working toward her dream of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She is a confident self-
advocate and student, and she seeks advice about opportunities. Her chemistry professor says, “She is a role model for her classmates on how to be successful in college.”
Originally, Alexander Silver’s career choice was becoming an electrician. That job would pay well enough to live comfortably and provide opportunities for advancement. After experiencing various difficult events and challenges in his life, however, Alexander re-directed his studies toward music therapy with the goal of helping others through similar difficulties.
Alexander’s passion for learning will help him keep working hard toward his dream job. Alexander believes the most important part about facing a challenge is not telling yourself no.
The scholarship application and information for the Fall 2021 scholarships will be posted on EXCEL’s web page and disseminated via email at the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester.
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Robbin Stegall