John A. Garrett Scholarship News

2025 Scholarship Program

The application deadline for this year is March 31, 2025.

Get your Scholarship Application Package Today!

We'll be accepting packages from February 1st, 2025 through March 31st, 2025.

The Alabama Rural Water Association offers educational scholarships annually to deserving individuals through the John A. Garrett Scholarship Fund. Six scholarships are offered to individuals who meet the criteria described.

Two recipients will be selected from each of three regions North, Central and South, as shown on the Alabama Map in the amount of $750 per recipient.

We ask that you provide each of your employees who may be interested or have children who are interested a copy of this package. Where more than one child in a family or more than one employee in a utility is interested, each is eligible to apply. The application must be completed in its entirety and the utility must be a current member of the Alabama Rural Water Association.

To insure continued growth in the number of certified water and wastewater operators in the State of Alabama, three of the six scholarships will be offered to individuals striving to enhance their professionalism by attending Alabama Water or Wastewater Operator Certification Courses for Grades I-IV certification examination preparation. This is offered to expand the educational opportunities of those individuals interested in water and wastewater industry careers. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity.

Please note the application package must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2025. Any package received with a later postmark will not be considered.

If you have any 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

MADDALYN KIMSEY WEST

Maddalyn is the daughter of; LaWanda West, Assistant Director of Madison County Water Department in Madison County. Maddalyn is a graduate from Scottsboro High School in Scottsboro, AL with a 4.28 GPA. Maddalyn is attending Auburn University, pursuing a degree in Business analytics/ Information Systems Management. 

EMMA KATHERYN MOORE

Emma is the daughter of David Moore, Chief Operator for Muscle Shoals Utilities Board in Colbert County. Emma is a graduate from Muscles Shoals High School in Muscle Shoals, AL with a 4.0 GPA. Emma is attending the University of North Alabama, pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. 

Central Region

SIDNEY BROOK THORNTON

Sidney is the daughter of Jason Thornton, Assistant Superintendent for Rockford Utilities Board, Inc. in Coosa County. Sidney graduated from Central High School in Rockford, AL with a 4.7 GPA. Sidney is attending the University of South Alabama, pursuing a degree in Radiologic Science/Radiation Therapy. 

ASHLYNN PAIGE CANTLEY

Ashlynn is the daughter of Daniel Cantley, Office Manager for Chilton Water Authority in Chilton County. Ashlynn is a graduate from Chilton County High School in Clanton, AL with a 4.0 GPA. Ashlynn is attending Samford University pursuing a degree in Interior Design.

Southern Region

HOLDEN MICHAEL BAREFIELD

Holden is the son of Eric Barefield, Chief Operator for Dale County Water Authority in Dale County. Holden graduated from Carroll High School in Ozark, AL with a 4.0 GPA. Holden is attending Alabama Aviation College, pursuing a degree in Airframe and Powerplants. 

JOHN BRODIE HOUSTON

John is the son of Dustin Houston, Assistant Superintendent for Greenville Water Works & Sewer Board in Butler County. John graduated from McKenzie High School in McKenzie, AL with a 3.18 GPA. John is attending Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, pursuing a degree in Industrial Electronics.

Congratulations to all our winners!