EDUCATION
ENTERPRISE AREA CHAMBER FOUNDATION, INC.
GLORIA SESSIONS VENTRESS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Gloria was the daughter of Mary and Lewe Sessions. Gloria was born and grew up in Enterprise. She attended and graduated from the public schools in Enterprise. Gloria enjoyed teaching in Enterprise after she obtained her degree in education from The University of Alabama. After leaving Enterprise to raise her family, she returned in 1979, and resided in Enterprise for the remainder of her life. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church during her youth, and upon her return to Enterprise in later life. She was deeply interested in education of the young people of Enterprise, the teachers who educated them, as was her father, Lewe, who served for many years on the Enterprise School Board.
In memory of Gloria Sessions Ventress, her children have generously endowed a scholarship through the Enterprise Area Chamber Foundation, Inc. The Gloria Sessions Ventress Memorial Scholarship is given annually to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Enterprise, Alabama and will be pursuing further education through enrollment in a four-year-college. Gloria Sessions Ventress was an educator and had keen interest in national and international affairs. While not being pre-requisites to receiving the scholarship, the following criteria will be specially considered: a. students whose parents are educators; and/or b. students that have a background and/or special interest in national/international affairs, and c. students who are “Hearst Foundation” qualifiers.
Please note: Selected scholarship recipients will be notified by Enterprise High School on "Seniors Scholarship Night".
The Enterprise Chamber of Commerce Workforce & Education Partnership Committee had an exciting morning at Dauphin Junior High School on May 20, 2024.
Committee Chairman, Angela Brockman and ECoC Executive Director, Erin Grantham, along with committee members, surprised this year’s Innovative Teaching Project Grant recipient, Ms. Ryanne Watson, at DJHS field day with a check in the amount of $2,350. Ms. Watson teaches 7th grade science and plans to use these funds to help update the school’s lab equipment to enhance the students learning experience.
Ms. Watson stated, “Students remember hands-on learning activities for a long period of time and sometimes even a lifetime. When students are actively engaged in the learning process, they tend to learn more and retain information. This type of learning and activity also sparks an interest in the subject matter and could possibly help someone know what career field they may or may not be interested in. Even if students do not enjoy dissections this helps them mark off possible careers and learn more about themselves.” We can’t wait to see the positive impact that these funds have on students for years to come! Congratulations, Ms. Watson, and Dauphin Jr. High School!
This grant is available to all instructors of the Enterprise City Schools, and awards up to $2,500 each year. The grants are based on creative and original ideas that promote innovative activities and motivate students. Applications are made available in January, with a submission deadline of March 31st.
For More Information, please contact the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce at (334) 347-0581.
