Meadowview senior Tamara Stacey’s college planning became a little easier with the presentation of a $1,000 check from the Selma Rotary Club on Monday.

“Thanks to all of you for the Rotary scholarship,” Stacey said as she accepted the check. “It’ll help me greatly at the University of West Alabama.”

It was her reward for winning the 2009 Rotary Club scholarship competition.

“They tell us about themselves, their achievements in school, why they want to go to college, what they want to do and what they want to accomplish,” said Rotary Club President Bob Myers. “[Stacey] just made a good presentation.”

He also referenced Stacey’s activities and achievements. During her time at Meadowview, she participated in basketball, track and field, softball and volleyball.

She was also district art show winner, Junior Miss scholastic winner, Beta Club vice president and a member of the Scholar’s Bowl team.

Stacey’s parents, Tom and Teresa, and siblings, Trisha and Tyler, were on hand to watch her accept the award. The scholarship program is need-based, and with Trisha and Tyler Stacy in college, Tamara Stacey used that to her advantage.

“Her need was that she’s got a brother and sister in college and is going to have to work her way through college like the other two.” said Teresa Stacey. “She used her talents and basically, what we’ve taught her is work ethic and to get good grades and her relationship with Jesus, to guide her through all this process.”

Meadowview Headmaster Mike Gaylor was also in attendance as Tamara Stacey was recognized.

“We’re always proud any time a student wins a competition,” said Gaylor. “It’s becoming less common that people can speak in public well. Most people really don’t like to do it.”

Each high school in the Dallas County area nominated one student to present a speech to the club last week. The others — Kandice Clark, Morgan; Tiffany Brown, Central Christian; Kamesha Strong, Selma; Ramon Burrell, Dallas County; Crystal Towns, Southside; and Quinton Haynes, Keith — received $200 scholarships.