2024 Scholarship Donor and Recipient: The Michael and Rebecca Allen Scholarship

By Becky Crabtree

Michael and Rebecca Allen began sponsoring a Monroe County Education Foundation scholarship several years ago after the death of their son, Joseph Preston Allen. Both former Monroe County educators, Mike, a high school English teacher and principal, and Becky, a teacher and county reading specialist, understand and appreciate the importance of scholarships.

Becky commented, "We both have had students who might have been considered as less than able to do well in life. However, given encouragement and, at times, financial assistance, these same individuals exceeded our expectations and sometimes did so beyond our wildest expectations."

She mentions going to college with women who returned to school after raising a family, especially a student who earned her degree much later than the traditional student and became extraordinarily successful as an elementary teacher. Her hope is that older students are aware that Monroe County citizens of ALL ages seeking training outside colleges and universities (such as trade school programs) are eligible for the MCEF scholarships.

The Allens remind us, "We, who live here, by choice or happenstance, are not just citizens of Monroe County, we ARE Monroe County. These scholarships are an investment in our own futures." They encourage those who are able to consider sponsoring a scholarship.

Finally, they offer advice for students:

"Be yourself. No one else can do that for you. Trust yourself. You should be your own best friend. Forgive yourself. Then, you can forgive others. You never know until you try, sometimes more than once. Last of all, be kind. It is the kindness of others who may have helped you along the way. Share that kindness and make the world a better place."

In 2024, the recipient of the Michael and Rebecca Allen Scholarship was Elizabeth Adkins, daughter of Katie Adkins in Peterstown. Elizabeth used the scholarship at Glenville State University, where she earned an Associate's Degree in General Studies her first year. She had earned enough dual credits at James Monroe High School to make that possible and also to allow her to graduate with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology this May.

Adkins reports, "I am really grateful for the scholarship. It helped me to fund my college expenses, which allowed me to fulfill my dream career."

"The process of applying for the scholarship wasn't hard. I enjoyed putting my dreams on paper. It helped me think about what I wanted, to actualize my goals."

Elizabeth lives in Peterstown and hopes there is a mental health support or psychiatric care opening in the area when she completes graduate school.

This is part of a series focused on the Monroe County Education Foundation.