Shanika Leonard made the short walk from her table to the podium in Anniston Country Clubas banquet room on Tuesday night.

The teenager graduates from Anniston High School this year, a milestone on a path that her aunt said has been long and hard for one so young.

aJust the challenges, and the changes,a Leonardas aunt and guardian, Janice Tippins, said of her niece. decided within herself that sheas not going to go down the road that led her here.a

Abandoned as a baby by her teenage mother, another aunt raised the 17-year-old Anniston High School student, until the woman died when Leonard was 12.

She came to the country club to accept a scholarship for college, one of 10 local high school or college students to receive such from the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama on Tuesday night. Heall begin in August.

aMy parents, theyare buying a house and stuff, so itall help them,a he said.

The foundation oversees scholarship funds set up by families and foundations in Calhoun County, often in memory of a loved one whoas passed away, said Susan Williamson.

Thatas the case for Williamson, who is vice president of advancement and communications for the foundation and also has a scholarship in memory of her daughter, Mary Katherine Williamson.

aTheyare continuing the legacy of a loved one or an institution that was very meaningful in their life,a Williamson said of the scholarship funds.

Her daughter was a veterinary technician at Animal Medical Center who planned to attend nursing school, but was killed in an accident on her familyas farm.

Williamsonas scholarship is available to students studying veterinary medicine, nursing, or emergency medicine, she said.

For her part, Leonard received $1,000 from the Dr.

Staff writer Zach Tyler: 256-235-3564.