Friends of the River Scholarships

If you enjoy being outdoors this opportunity is for you!

If you are an upcoming high school Junior or Senior who enjoys being in the great outdoors of Blount County, Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR) has a scholarship opportunity for you.


Awarded to one or more graduating Blount County High School Seniors, the scholarship is based primarily on the number of hours participants accumulate with FLFR during their junior and senior years (60-70 hours over 2 years). FLFR also takes into consideration demonstrated work ethic, involvement in FLFR activities, and degree of appreciation and knowledge of the outdoors.

FLFR is inclusive of all members of the community in our activities and events, and welcomes your participation. 

 

FLFR Scholarship registration 

Also fill out ticket registration at the end of this form.

Questions: contact Ellen Luce - [email protected] or  205-353-8142 

 

How to Earn Volunteer Hours

After you are registered with FLFR, you can earn hours through the following activities:

  1. Landscaping at the Grand Staircase at King’s Bend Scenic Overlook to create a Monarch Butterfly Way Station.  First Saturday monthly, 9:00 am to Noon.
  2. Monthly river bank clean-ups to protect the river and watershed: 
  • Swann Covered Bridge. Second Saturday monthly, 9:00 am (2 hours)
  • Horton Mill Covered Bridge. As scheduled by a FLFR intern.
  • King’s Bend Scenic Overlook. First Saturday monthly, 9:00 am (2 hours)
  • Taylor Riverside Park. Second Saturday monthly. 9:00 am (2 hours) 
  1. Alabama Cup Races. First Saturday & Sunday of March and April, as scheduled by a FLFR intern
  2. Don't Drop it On Blount County - Spring Cleanup from March 21 - April 20 with PALS (People Against a Littered State) - a state-wide competition to encourage people to clean up everywhere in Alabama. You can lead cleanups at your school, neighborhood, etc. FLFR provides bags and trash pickers. District commissioners and Town Halls will have dumpsters available to drop off trash. Record your hours, number of volunteer hours and post lots of photos on social media & the FB page: FLFR Friends Group.
  3. Native Plants Nursery. Grow and care for native plant seedlings. As scheduled by Jennah Guilley, nursery coordinator: [email protected]
  4. Become an Alabama Water Watch monitor and test the river monthly for chemicals and bacteria. For training visit: aaes.auburn.edu/alabamawaterwatch 
  5. Science, Education & Fun summer programs. Participate as a shepherd or station assistant during multiple programs for elementary age children - various locations and schedules. If you want to be considered for the internship, this is an opportunity to volunteer many hours.

 

Additional Ways to Earn Volunteer Hours

  1. Participate in monthly FLFR outings to enjoy nature: hikes, kayak trips, creating poetry and artwork by the river, etc.
  2. Volunteer at festivals where FLFR has a booth: June Fling, Blountsville Harvest Festival, Hayden Fall Festival, Covered Bridge Festival, Daffodil Festival, etc. 

 

Final Scholarship Requirements

  1. Submit a 1-2 minute video of your experience as a FLFR volunteer. (2 hours credit)
  2. Submit 6 photo entries in the annual FLFR Art, Photo, Video & Poetry Contest. (1 hour credit)
  3. Submit an essay of 1 to 3 pages about your volunteer experience. (1 hour credit)
  4. Submit your volunteer hours.
  5. Post photos of your volunteering on your Instagram and FLFR's Facebook group: FLFR Friends Group

 

Scholarship Award Guidelines

  1. The FLFR Scholarship Committee has full discretion to determine scholarship recipients and the amount of any scholarships awarded.
  2. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating High School Seniors attending a public or private high school or being home-schooled in Blount County.
  3. A recipient can receive this scholarship only once. Since 2021, FLFR has awarded $11,000 in scholarships among 11 students.
  4. Participating students must complete volunteer hours by April 30, 2026.
  5. Participating students must be accepted by a post-secondary institution by April 30, 2026. The Institution can be a college, university or trade school.
  6. Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the institution for the account of the recipient.
  7. This Scholarship is for 2026 high school graduates.
  8. Members of the FLFR Board and Advisory Council and their relatives are not eligible for this Scholarship.
  9. Scholarship winners will be selected and announced the first week of May 2026. FLFR will notify winners, their parents and their high schools. If possible, FLFR will present scholarships on Senior Awards Day.
  10. FLFR has the right to cancel the scholarship if it determines there are no outstanding eligible applicants.
  11. To participate in this opportunity, fill in the Scholarship registration form and register below - and have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. When you register below, please enter the number of participants where it says “Ticket” FREE Select Quantity. Then click “Continue”.