Each year, The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) awards academically deserving, female students in Jefferson County and Shelby County scholarships towards their college educations. This year, the JLB awarded $20,000 in the amounts of $5,000 each to four students, including Homewood High School graduate Margaret Rodgers. Here, Margaret offers her gratitude for receiving such a prestigious honor.
How did it feel being named one of The Junior League of Birmingham’s scholarship recipients?
It was very exciting to hear that I was a recipient of the scholarship. I received $5,000. I felt honored to receive the email telling me I had gotten the scholarship, and I am very grateful for the generosity of The Junior League of Birmingham.
As a recent graduate of Homewood High School, how would you say your time at the school prepared you for your future?
I believe that Homewood High School (HHS) prepared me for my future through strong academics, incredible teacher support and an emphasis on involvement. The rigorous coursework allowed me to be able to build study skills and a strong work ethic to be able to achieve what I wanted academically. The staff at HHS is very focused on making sure each student succeeds. Also, there are many extracurricular activities that the school offers. Through involvement in the show choirs, Star-Spangled Girls and the Homewood Patriot Marching Band, I was able to have unforgettable experiences while also learning proper time management and team-building skills.
Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years, and what would you have liked to accomplish?
In five years, I plan to have graduated from the University of Alabama, having majored in biology on the pre-med track. During my time in college, I plan on studying abroad to see new parts of the world, while also maintaining my strong academic performance.
As you travel to the Philippines this summer, what do you hope to gain from your travels?
This summer will be my third time visiting the Philippines. My mom is from the Philippines, and a lot of my family still lives here. Growing up, I was always exposed to the language and culture of the Philippines, but it is very different being fully immersed in it. I look forward to making new memories with my family.
What advice do you have for other high school students to better help them make the most of their high school experience?
The advice I have for high school students is to get involved. There are so many opportunities to find out what you like and to find people who like the same things as you. Being able to have people with common interests to lean on is very important. Also, being involved presents lots of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The most memorable moments of my high school career were because of the organizations of which I was involved.
