Mark Duncan, President of the Alabama Consumer Finance Association has announced Alyssa Elizabeth Ward of Riceville as the 2012 winner of the ACFA – Helen Brothers Memorial Scholarship. Ward is the daughter of Teresa and Randy Ward who is employed as Vice President of Operation – AL/TN with ACFA Member Company – Regional Management Company of Mauldin, S.C.

Ward is 17 years of age and will be graduating from Family Christian Academy and Hilger Higher Learning this year. She is a senior with dual enrollments in college. She has been accepted by Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland and then will be attending the University of Tennessee where she plans on majoring in science with emphasis on pharmaceutical research and development. Ward has participated in high school in extra-curricular activities other than academics. She was highly regarded by her instructors and administrators at her high school having graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She was also the recipient of the Science Award during her freshman, sophomore and junior years. Committed to others, she served as a volunteer tutor in Chemistry, Physics and Biology in high school. On the other side of the fence, she developed and produced a martial arts self-defense seminar for high school students.

“We are proud of Alyssa’s accomplishments – both in high school and in her community and we wish her well as she embarks on a new phase of her life,” Duncan said.

The ACFA-HBMS Scholarship is awarded by the trade group representing consumer finance lenders in Alabama to a deserving and qualified student each year. The award is a memorial to Helen Brothers of Birmingham, the late wife of the first president of ACFA – Glenn Brothers.

“We are pleased to make this scholarship award to Alyssa. She represents the caliber of young people who are deserving of community support and financial assistance to continue their education,” Duncan said.