The Kelsey Starling Memorial Foundation Scholarship

My name is Megan Starling. I graduated as Salutatorian and Class President from Pike Liberal Arts School in 2020. I also had the joy and privilege of being Kelsey Starling’s little sister. Kelsey’s accident occurred the summer before my senior year, making that time of transitioning into college all the more difficult. However, because of the love and support of our community, family, and friends, a scholarship was started in Kelsey’s name. I had the honor of being its first recipient. The money was used to help fund my education at Auburn University as a Wildlife Science: Pre-Veterinary major, with minors in Theatre and Honors Business. More than what I was able to purchase, though, this scholarship gave me hope. Hope that my sister’s memory will live on in the young women that are chosen to represent her name each year. Her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone impacted by this scholarship and by the Kelsey Starling Memorial Foundation. I do not have the words to express my gratitude for those who took part in turning this small town  scholarship into something so much bigger. All I can say is thank you.

My name is Addi Garrott, and I am attending Auburn University. I am currently majoring in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Spanish. I am a member of the Gamma Delta chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta at Auburn, the SLLAC Lab, the University Program Council's campus Traditions Committee, the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, the Spanish Club, and a Peer Advisor in the College of Liberal Arts. My favorite Auburn memory this far is having the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, this past summer in pursuit of credits for my Spanish minor. For my future career goals, I hope to become a pediatric travel speech pathologist after obtaining my Master's degree in this field. All of my studies, dreams, and goals would not be possible without this foundation's contribution to my collegiate education. I am forever grateful for the Starling family and the Kelsey Starling Memorial Foundation for their support and generosity. I can only hope to be a light in this world like Kelsey was and strive to make her proud in all that I do!

I am honored to have been named the 2021 Kelsey Starling Memorial Scholarship recipient. Upon graduating from Pike Liberal Arts School, I chose to attend Troy University majoring in Elementary Education. Investing in me through this extra special scholarship is truly an investment in tomorrow's youth as I work to fulfill my dream, like Kelsey, of becoming a teacher.

Throughout my high school career, I worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA while playing sports, mentoring, volunteering, and serving in my church and in many clubs and organizations that are dedicated to improving our schools, community, and country, including serving as president of the largest Senior High Excel Club in the State of Alabama. We exist to serve others by showing God's love in practical ways. Helping out in even the smallest of ways can make a real difference in the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. Simple acts of kindness alone can open hearts to the love of Jesus. I aspire to shine my light bright and have a servant's heart like Kelsey and my sweet daddy, who died shortly after I graduated high school after a long battle with cancer and Covid.

My father’s death put me on the receiving end of volunteerism, of others serving selflessly—others showing kindness and grace to me and my family during the difficult days and months after my dad's death. Kind, caring people cooked us meals, brought us groceries, ran errands, taken trash to the curb, mowed our lawn, left care packages at our door, cleaned our house, and a few very special people skipped the platitudes to just sit quietly with us in our intense grief and let us be sad—which I know is a very uncomfortable thing to do. Grief is emotional, physical, and spiritual, and it is messy—not many people are willing to invest themselves in your heartbreak and anger as you adjust to an unexpected life. I am so thankful for those who showed up and put their love into action for me and my family with no expectations. It has taught me that bereavement is another realm of service that I will not hesitate to step into, no matter how hard and uncomfortable, because I know the huge, lasting impact it has had on me and my family. I know the Starling family must feel the same way after the outpouring of love for Kelsey.

Representing Kelsey's legacy with pride and great integrity has been such an honor. The Kelsey Starling Memorial Scholarship is such a lovely way to keep her beautiful memory alive and it was such a blessing for me!

My name is Kaylee Copeland, and I had the honor of receiving the 2022 Kelsey Starling
Memorial Scholarship. I now attend Southern Union State Community College. I will transfer to
Troy University in the fall to pursue a degree in Childhood Education. When people refer to
Kelsey, the words loyal, kind, and full of life are always mentioned. After I received the
scholarship, I promised myself to always be the light in everyone’s life, just like Kelsey. Kelsey’s
legacy will always live on, and I hope to honor her and her legacy.

My name is Reese McWhorter, and I am a graduate of Pike Liberal Arts School in Troy, Alabama. After college, I chose to attend The University of Alabama as I am pursuing a degree in marketing and hope to further my career in medical sales. I could not thank The Kelsey Starling Memorial Foundation enough for providing this scholarship. This is such a generous gesture, and I am so thankful to be chosen as the recipient. From the time I met Kelsey when I was in her mom's kindergarten class, I knew she had a sweet spirit like no other. When I was told this scholarship was being awarded to someone who embodies the values and characteristics of Kelsey, I have never felt more honored.

My name is Jhiayla White and I am a 2023 graduate of Pike County High School. Some of my high school activities included National Honor Society, Dual Enrollment, and Upward Bound.

In the fall, I will be attending Troy University to pursue a degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice so that I can become a Forensic Psychologist.

I feel very blessed to be named as the recipient of this scholarship as it will allow me to pursue two things I am very passionate about, my education and helping others through mental health services.

My name is Katie Elizabeth Wilkins and I’m honored to be a recipient of the 2023 Kelsey Starling Memorial Scholarship. Throughout highschool I was involved in school and community activities such as Co-Editor of the Trojan Yearbook, Interact Club, National Honor Society, and the Pike County Junior Ambassador Program. In the fall, I will be attending Troy University and majoring in rehabilitation and disability studies. Kelsey was such a bright light in our community! I remember watching her cheer at Pike when I was little and was always in awe of how her smile could just light up the room. I hope to give back and help others achieve their goals just as the Kelsey Starling Scholarship helped me achieve mine! I am forever grateful to have been selected for this honorable scholarship.

My name is Rylee Copeland! I graduated as Salutatorian and Class Vice President from Pike Lib in 2024. I am honored to be the 2024 Kelsey Starling Memorial Scholarship recipient and join this group of exceptional ladies. This scholarship helped me attend Troy University and study Elementary Education. It also helped to sway my decision on majoring in elementary education in order to be an exceptional role model for the younger generation just like Kelsey was. I am grateful for this opportunity to pursue my passion for children and honor Kelsey's legacy!