Alison Short
Name: Alison Short
High School: Cartersville High School (Bartow County)
College (Current or Future): Shorter University
Major/Intended Major: Early Childhood Development
Financial Aid Program: HOPE Scholarship
Alison Short is a proud recipient of the HOPE scholarship. Short’s passion is to advance education for the youth in Northeast Georgia and beyond. Inspired by her love for teaching children, Short is currently majoring in Early Childhood Development at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, a private Baptist University.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average teacher in Georgia makes $54,602 per year, which is 118% of the state average income.
A 2018 Georgia Department of Education study reported that teacher salaries ranged from $32,217 for first-year teachers with just a bachelor’s degree to $73,980 for teachers with at least 21 years of experience and the highest level of Georgia teacher certification. Georgia also provides additional pay incentives for those willing to teach in high needs school districts, or shortage subjects.
Short is a Cartersville native and went to Cartersville city schools her entire life. Her passion is softball. “I have played softball since I was four years old and I was a four-year varsity player. I still enjoy playing to this day and am going to continue my softball career in college,” said Short. During her stay at Cartersville city schools, she was also a member of the Beta Club.
The National Beta Club is an organization for 4th through 12th-grade students in the United States. Its purpose is "to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership, and service among elementary and secondary school students.” Additionally, Short was nominated for the Positive Athlete of Georgia Award her sophomore year due to her positive attitude and helpfulness in the community.
“My parents have always been my biggest source of inspiration in life because they have always pushed me to do more then what I believed I was capable of and provided opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” said Short. “I have always wanted to teach children in K-5 school and serve as an inspiration to them. My dream is to teach third-grade students.”
Short was referred to HOPE through her counselors at her school. She is grateful that the award has helped her by reducing the financial burdens of pursuing higher education for herself and her family. “By getting this award, it has taken a weight off my parents and me. I always believed that I would attend college but paying for it now is much easier through this opportunity.”
