By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – A sizable crowd gathered June 2 at First Baptist Church of Columbiana to honor six local students receiving scholarships from the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and to hear an update on the Shelby County School System.

The Chamber was able to award $6,000 in scholarships to students this year because of generous donations and bidding at the annual silent auction, Executive Director April Stone said.

The 2016 recipients are Shelby County High School graduate Karlee Madison Cardwell, Chelsea High School graduate Amy Beth Copes, Shelby County College and Career graduate Christopher Kyle Davis, Vincent High School graduate Jada Monet Harris, Coosa Valley Academy graduate Zoe Alejandra Thomas and Cornerstone Christian School graduate Chloe Elise Vick.

Last year, the Chamber awarded three $1,000 scholarships, which are designated for graduating seniors from public and private schools in the southern region of the county.

In addition to the proceeds from the silent auction, Boots and Bow Ties, a portion of the proceeds from the Shelby Shindig the Chamber hosts with the Shelby County Arts Council, and the Chamber’s golf tournament, go toward the scholarship fund.

The following is a list of academic honors and involvement for each of this year’s scholarship recipients:

•Cardwell – Student Government executive treasurer, senior class vice president, National Honor Society, National Beta Club, SCHS Miss Senior, SCHS Homecoming Court, varsity cheerleader, varsity softball team, Future Business Leaders of America, Family Community Careers Leaders of America.

She will attend Troy University in the fall and plans to major in education, specializing in special needs.

•Copes – Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Key Club, National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society.

She will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the fall and major in chemistry.

She plans to become a pharmacist.

•Davis – Leadership position in automotive technology, Beta Club, National Technical Honors Society.

He will attend Lawson State Community College and major in automotive technician.

He will then pursue an ASE Certification.

•Harris – Perfect attendance, A Honor Roll in high school, Youth Leadership Development, ASCEND Program, president of Spanish Club, National Senior Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, varsity cheerleading, Peer Helpers, JROTC, National Junior Beta Club, girls’ varsity basketball.

She will attend Florida State University, where she will major in biological sciences.

She plans to attend medical school with a doctorate degree in physical therapy.

•Thomas – Senior class president, Beta Club, Spanish Club, A Honor Roll, Top 5 Senior designation, Homecoming Court representative.

She will attend Auburn University in the fall and major in biomedical sciences with the ultimate goal of attending medical school to become a cardiovascular surgeon.

•Vick – Valedictorian, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, A Honor Roll, A-B Honor Roll.

She will attend Jefferson State Community College, and then plans to transfer to Samford University and major in pharmacy.

After the scholarships presentation, Shelby County Schools Superintendent Randy Fuller delivered a State of the Schools address for Shelby County Schools with information about current enrollment, employment, graduation rates, a capital improvement overview and more.