 Anna Lee Harris, a native of Eufaula, Ala., received the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 2008 National Scholarship and $13,700 for college during an awards banquet at her high school May 15. |
EUFAULA, Ala. — Hunting and conservation became one of Anna Lee Harris’ passions at an early age. This passion has led Harris, a Eufaula, Ala., native, to outdoor adventures and time spent with her family, and now has helped her earn top honors and $13,700 for college.
Harris received the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 2008 National Scholarship during an awards banquet at her high school May 15. Harris competed with 42 other state winners to earn the $10,000 scholarship. Before that, she received a $1,200 Alabama Barbour County local scholarship and a $2,500 NWTF Alabama state scholarship.
Ranked first in the 2008 Eufaula High School graduating class, Harris is a leader among her peers, having served as president of the Student Government Association, and holding positions in many school and community organizations including Key Club and Future Farmers of America.
“Hunting is not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle,” Harris said. “I have learned about moderation and respect for animals and their habitat, and become interested in conservation because of my relationship with hunting.”
A member of the NWTF’s Barbour County Chapter in Eufaula, Harris has taken a special interest in the NWTF’s Wild Turkey Country Habitat Conservation Program, and plans to teach students about conserving wildlife habitats after earning her degree in elementary education from the University of Alabama.
“The adventure of hunting fills my childhood memories,” Harris said. “I hope to carry my passion for conservation into the classroom, and share hunting’s benefits with my students. Hunting is really an opportunity to build lasting relationships, and I can only hope to inspire my classes to enjoy the sport with their families like I enjoy hunting with mine.”
NWTF scholarships are set up to benefit youth with a commitment to conservation and preserving the hunting tradition, and recipients may pursue any type of degree they wish. The scholarship program is part of the NWTF’s Five-Star program, making $500,000 available each year to graduating seniors throughout the U.S. by awarding more than 800 scholarships annually. To date, the NWTF has awarded more than $2.2 million through the scholarship program.
“Supporting our children’s education through this scholarship program is just one way the NWTF can ensure we have the dedicated conservationists needed for the future,” said NWTF CEO Rob Keck. “Anna Lee Harris is sure to serve the NWTF and her generation as an excellent spokesperson for our sport.”
Applicants for the scholarship are judged on their scholastic achievements, leadership abilities, community involvement and demonstrated commitment to conservation. The winners of the local chapter scholarship are then eligible for consideration of the state award of $2,500 and finally, state winners are eligible for the NWTF’s national scholarship of $10,000.
