“They’re proud of me,” said Jerel Mims. “I’m the first one out of my family to go to college, so they’re pretty excited.”

During Wallace Community College Selma’s (WCCS) 2005 Scholarship Reception, Mims, and other high school seniors from Dallas and Chilton County were honored for their academic achievements.

“So often, we hear about what’s wrong with students in America,” said Dr. James M. Mitchell, WCCS President. “But, seated at the front of the room, represents what’s right.”

Held Monday evening, the reception gave the students, their families, and the WCCS personnel a chance to meet and talk.

“You are now officially part of the Wallace Community College Selma family,” Mitchell told the students.

Mims, the son of Jerry and Becky Mims, received an Academic Scholarship.

After completing his studies at Wallace, the Dallas County High School student plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Alabama.

Leslie Britton, a Morgan Academy student, also received an Academic Scholarship.

“I know that I want to major in engineering or education, but I’m not quite sure,” said Britton. “I was very excited and very happy (to receive the scholarship). I felt that I had accomplished something.”

The daughter of George and Cathy Britton, Britton will attend Auburn University or the University of Alabama after graduating from WCCS.

Other Dallas County students who received scholarships from WCCS are:

Ashley Ammons and Steven Fitts of Morgan Academy; Valencia King, Elizabeth Kittles, Dominique Love, and Ashley Owens of Dallas County High; and Katricia Brown of Southside High.

“We’re just very proud and honored to have these young people who have achieved what they have achieved,” said Mitchell. “They represent what we are about – excellence in academics, and excellence in the community.”