Dr. Bryant Speed left a lasting legacy on Selma and touched the lives of many.

That’s why Brett Wood and his staff at Wood Orthodontics are happy to be able to honor Dr. Speed with a new scholarship for current or past patients.

“It is rewarding to sponsor such a worthwhile endeavor for young students,” Wood said. “Education costs are only increasing and funding college is a stretch for so many parents. Student loans are sometimes an option but may be a burden after graduation, so every little bit helps.”

Wood said Speed always advised students to further their education.

“We want to encourage the young people of Selma to strive for more,” Wood said. “We need young, educated people moving back and becoming a part of the workforce here in Selma. Dr. Speed was an educator at the UAB School of Dentistry for over 30 years, and we feel that this program would be something near and dear to his heart.”

Speed, who died this past September, began his orthodontic practice in Selma in 1967 and retired in Selma in 2011, when Wood took over his practice.

Wood said he is grateful to be able to give back to the kids of the community while also honoring a man that meant so much to him.

“[I’m] grateful that God placed a man like Dr. Speed in my life and used him to make a lasting impact, and [I’m] grateful to be in a position to help others attain their goals.”

The scholarship will likely be awarded to two students initially.

“Our desire for this first year is that we begin by awarding two deserving students $1,000 each and that we learn how to make our program better for years to come,” Wood said.

The last day to submit scholarship applications is Thursday, April 16, and Wood said he is hoping to announce the winners by the middle of May.