John A. Garrett Scholarship News
2026 Scholarship Program
Read about
Past scholarship recipients
2026 applications are closed
The application period for the 2026 John A. Garrett Scholarship Program ran from February 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026 (postmark deadline). That window is now closed. Watch this page and ARWA communications for the next cycle (typically opens around February 1 for a March 31 deadline), or call the ARWA office at (334) 396-5511.
For program background, winners, and how the fund works, see About the Scholarship, Past recipients, and arwascholarship.fund (independent JAG fund site).
About the program
The Alabama Rural Water Association offers educational scholarships annually to deserving individuals through the John A. Garrett Scholarship Fund. Six scholarships are typically offered to individuals who meet the criteria described in the application package for that program year.
Two recipients are selected from each of three regions (North, Central, and South), as shown on the Alabama Map, in the amount of $750 per recipient (subject to the current program year rules).
To support continued growth in certified water and wastewater operators in Alabama, three of the six scholarships are typically offered to individuals attending Alabama Water or Wastewater Operator Certification courses (Grades I–IV exam preparation).
If you have questions, please call the ARWA office at (334) 396-5511.
Meet our Most Recent Scholarship Recipients
ARWA Provides Educational Assistance
Scholarships Awarded
Congratulations to all who applied and especially to those selected as the winners!
Each year, the month of May brings another school year to a close. It is also a time to offer assistance to many graduates who are interested in continuing their goals to include a higher educational degree or certification.
Applicants are judged on scholastic and leadership abilities as well as their community involvement. For last year, the following winners were selected.
Northern Region
Wesley Vance
Wesley is the son of James Vance, General Manager of the Muscle Shoals Utilities Board in Colbert County. Wesley is a 2026 graduate of Muscle Shoals High School with a 4.27 GPA. Wesley is planning to attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Cadee Thomas
Cadee is the daughter of Samuel Thomas, Water Treatment Plant Operator at Limestone County Water & Sewer Authority in Limestone County. Cadee is a 2026 graduate of Elkmont High School with a 3.84 GPA. Cadee is planning to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in Marine Science.
Central Region
Isaac Moates
Isaac is the son of Nathaniel Moates, Water Plant Supervisor for the City of Clanton Water Works & Sewer Board in Chilton County. Isaac is a 2026 graduate of Chilton County High School with a 4.30 GPA. Isaac is planning to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Lydia Roberts
Lydia is the daughter of Leslie Roberts, Office Assistant for Coaling Water Authority in Tuscaloosa County. Lydia is a 2026 graduate of University Christian Academy with a 3.78 GPA. Lydia is planning to attend University Academy of Hair Design to pursue a degree in Cosmetology.
Southern Region
Sarah Warrick
Sarah is the daughter of James Warrick, Water Operator of the Frankville Water Authority in Washington County. Sarah is a 2026 graduate of Millry High School with a 4.0 GPA. Sarah is planning to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Avery Brunson
Avery is the daughter of Michael Brunson, Water Operator for South Crenshaw Water Authority in Crenshaw County. Avery is a 2026 graduate of Brantley High School with a 4.65 GPA. Avery is planning to attend Troy University to pursue a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Scholarship Region Map
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