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McKenzie School valedictorian Hannah Scruggs received the Tagged for Greatness Scholarship on May 5 at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship (ACF) Banquet. Scruggs, the daughter of Jason and Christi Scruggs of McKenzie was presented the award by Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) President Chuck Madaris at the banquet.

“We are incredibly proud of Hannah and so thankful for her focus and determination to succeed,” said Hannah’s mom Christi. “Thank you to Alabama Cattlemen’s Association for recognizing her accomplishments and supporting her education.”

Scruggs will graduate from McKenzie on May 18 with a perfect, 4.0 grade point average (GPA). In the fall, she will attend Jacksonville State University where she will pursue a degree in forensic investigations.

Kayla Greer, ACA director of communications and legislative affairs said Scruggs was one of 127 scholarship recipients awarded more than $113,000 in scholarships by the ACF.

“The ACF serves to engage in educational and scientific activities to improve the beef cattle industry in Alabama and educate youth on the importance of beef cattle in Alabama,” Greer said. “It provides the opportunity to make tax deductible donations for the educational work of the foundation and is largely funded by the sale of the ‘Cowboy Tag’ vanity license plate.” 

According to Greer, the ACF supports numerous organizations and events throughout the year, helping to educate and train future generations of the livestock industry. Each year, Alabama youths are awarded scholarships by ACF, with more than $1.2 million being awarded to date.

The ACA was founded in 1944 and is headquartered on Capitol Hill in Montgomery. The association is beef producer and member driven and is a service based non-profit organization with a mission aimed to enhance the business climate of the state’s beef cattle industry by promoting a positive image while educating consumers that beef is a safe, wholesome, nutritious and convenient food product. 

The association has county chapters in all 67 counties and represents 10,000 members statewide. It is also the Qualified State Beef Council in Alabama.