Skip to content

MKS Scholarship

MKS Scholarship

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mary Kate Stovall-Tapley Scholarship is to promote academic achievement, and to show financial support to graduating senior students of Russell County – District 7, in their pursuit of higher education and to enable them to become outstanding citizens who impact their communities in positive ways.

History of Mrs. Stovall-Tapley

Mrs. Stovall-Tapley has been a pillar of the Russell County community for over 65 years. She has served as an educator, Christian leader, businesswoman and political figure.

Mrs. Stovall-Tapley

She received her B.S. and M.Ed. from Alabama State College (now Alabama State University) in 1949 and 1955 respectively. She began teaching in the Perry County School System from 1943 until 1951 when she accepted the position of teacher at the Russell County Training School, located in Hurtsboro, Alabama. She became the librarian there and continued to further her education by receiving her Master’s Degree in Library Science from Atlanta University in 1969. She retired from the Russell County School System in 1976 after serving 25 years and entered the political arena.

In 1976, Mrs. Stovall-Tapley was elected as council woman and served two four-year terms. In 1984, she became the first black female to be elected as Mayor of the Town of Hurtsboro, Alabama and consequently also became the first black female to become a mayor in the State of Alabama. She served from 1984 until 2000, a total of four, four year terms.

During her tenure she was an active member of numerous political, civic and religious committees and organizations, such as: National Conference of Black Mayors, Alabama Democratic Committee, Alabama League of Municipalities, Central Alabama Comprehensive Health Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity, Russell County Chamber of Commerce, Lee County Agency on Aging, Southern Union Conference SDA Executive Committee, Hurtsboro Ladies Auxiliary, and East Alabama Funeral Directors Association. She also received numerous awards. Some of her most cherished and distinguished awards and honors include: 2009 Russell County Commission Proclamation Celebrating Black History, 2009 Spirit of Marion Honoree – Alabama State University, 1996 Distinguished Service Award – Alabama League of Municipalities, 1996 Certificate of Appreciation – Rebuilding Railroad Street Bridge, and the 1986 National Sojourner Meritorious Service Award – Alabama Funeral Directors & Morticians Association.

Mrs. Stovall-Tapley was not only a politician and educator, but also a businesswoman. She owned and operated Stovall Funeral Home, Inc. until her health declined in 2014. Mrs. Stovall-Tapley passed in April 2024. Stovall Funeral Home, Inc. is still a family-owned business serving the Hurtsboro and surrounding communities for over 96 years.

Past MKS Scholarship Recipients

Qualifying Criteria and General Information

This scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to a Russell County High School graduating senior who is pursuing a higher education with the goal of improving their life and the lives of those in their community. Since its inception in 2021, The Mary-Kate Stovall-Tapley Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to Russell County High School Seniors.

  • To be eligible, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a resident from the Town of Hurtsboro, or from the communities of Seale, Pittsview, Hatchechubbee, Twin Springs or Cottonton.
  • The student must possess a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 and exhibit good character.
  • Student must plan to seek a degree from an accredited college, university or community college and attend during the upcoming school year to be eligible.
  • Student must demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
  • Recipients will be selected on the basis of the following factors: academic achievement, extra-curricular school activities, community/church involvement and recommendations.
  • Scholarship applications are available through the school counseling office

Scholarship funds will be released once the student has provided documented proof of their college registration to the Scholarship Committee.

The completed application packet consists of the following information:

✓ The Scholarship Application

✓ An official, certified high school transcript, which must include G.P.A.

✓ Two letters of recommendations (School and Personal)

✓ Zoom Interview will be required of finalists

Want to know more?

For more information including the deadline for yearly submissions, application requests, or to inquire about making a donation to the scholarship fund please contact.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.