The Atlanta Lawyer October 2011 | Page 22

atlanta bar foundation Atlanta Bar Foundation Spotlight: Brittney Freeman, Police Scholarship Recipient (2008-2011) In 1980, under the leadership of then-President Charles M. Shaffer, Jr., the Atlanta Bar Association established the Police Scholarship Fund to aid the children of Atlanta police officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Since the Fund’s inception, the Atlanta Bar Foundation, on behalf of the Association, has awarded more than $180,000 in scholarships to the children of Atlanta police officers. Brittney Freeman, currently a senior at Valdosta State University, has received scholarships from the Foundation Police Scholarship Fund for four consecutive years. The Foundation recently interviewed Brittney to learn more about her college experience, aspirations, and the role of the scholarships in her education. Q. Brittney – What is your major at Valdosta State University and what are your goals upon graduation? • I have a double major in Early Childhood Education and Dance and would like to become a teacher at a magnet school, to teach dance and also math and science. What are your favorite courses? • I enjoy my Early Education classes. It’s fascinating to learn about the children you will teach and how they develop and learn. It also helps me understand the impact I can have as a future teacher. What else do you enjoy about attending college? • I enjoy competitive cheerleading and have helped Valdosta State win back-to-back NCA National titles on the VSU coed cheerleading team. I also enjoy the college atmosphere, as it helps prepare me for my next step – which is adulthood! Also, my professors are very personable and helpful if I am ever in need of anything. Do you participate in school organizations or community service? • I’m involved in the Rotaract Club (a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women), VSU Cheerleading, and VSU dance club. Rotaract is way for me to give back to the community through volunteer work. The club helps me address the needs of the community while making friends, networking and serving others. • VSU cheerleading is like a family away from home. I spend A LOT of time with these young men and women