Virtual Anniversary & Scholarship Celebration

PACE Presents Annual Scholarship Awards

Each year People of Action for Community Enrichment (PACE) awards scholarships to two deserving seniors who display financial need, leadership, academic achievement, and outstanding community service. PACE scholarship applications are sent to each high school counselor in Lee County, scholarship application information is posted in local churches, and the Scholarship Committee chairperson can also be contacted by email at PACELeecounty@gmail.com. This year’s recipients of the PACE scholarship are two outstanding students, Ansli McDonald and Ta'Nala Welch.

Ansli McDonald is a senior at Beauregard High School. She is the daughter of Jody and Stephanie McDonald. Ansli stated that giving back to her community has always been a part of her lifelong goals. She has been an active participant in Operation Christmas Child, Strike out Hunger, and chains for Charity activities. Ansli was actively involved in raising awareness and support for families who lost homes and family members in the March 2019 tornadoes that struck the Beauregard community. Another way Miss McDonald assisted the community following the tornados was to get up early each Friday and greet children at Beauregard Elementary School with a welcoming smile to help them start day on positive note. In addition to her volunteer work Ansli maintains excellent grades and is ranked number one in her senior class. She has been described as a hardworking, dedicated student who goes well beyond what is required of her. Ansli has been accepted at Auburn University and will attend there in the fall. She plans to follow her passion and pursue a degree in Pharmacy.

Ta’Nala Welch is a senior at Beauregard High School. She is the daughter of Shalanda P. Welch. Ta’Nala is very active in her community. She divides her time volunteering with many different organizations in her community. Among the organizations that she has served are VA Medical Center, local food bank, Salvation Army just to name a few. According to Ta’Nala her most meaningful volunteer work was when she assisted the Beauregard community in the aftermath of March 3, 2019 tornadoes. Miss Welch continued to maintain excellent academic standing while finding the time to help her community. Ta’Nala has been described as someone who enjoys being challenged, has a creative spirit, and is always willing to give helping hand and encourage others. Ta’Nala has been accepted and plans to attend Jacksonville State University in the fall and major in Exercise Science.

The recipients of the PACE scholarship must not only demonstrate academic excellence but also a commitment and desire to serve their community, be a positive role model, and have a sincere desire to help others. Both of this year’s recipients, McDonald and Welch have demonstrated these qualities.