MADISON COUNTY – Two Madison County residents are among 50 recipients of 2014 Alfa Foundation scholarships.

Katherine Robinson, a graduate of Hazel Green High School, is a sophomore at the University of Alabama. This Alfa scholarship recipient is studying marketing and English.

Michelle Thompson of Madison, a graduate of John Paul II Catholic High School, is now a sophomore health science major at the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

Robinson and Thompson both received $1,000. The Alfa Foundation launched its scholarship program this year.

For its selection criteria, the foundation reviews academic records, participation in school and civic activities, honors that the students have earned, work experience and future goals.

“As a father of a college senior, I understand the impact of rising tuition costs on families and students,” Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell said. “We hope our gift will ease some of that burden and allow the recipients to focus more on studies and gaining valuable professional experience.”

The foundation received approximately 800 applications for the scholarships from high school seniors and post-secondary undergraduates enrolled or planning to enroll in an Alabama two- or four-year college, university or technical school.

Robinson and Thompson can use their scholarships for tuition, fees, books and supplies required for coursework.

Alfa has supported education in communities that the company serves for about 70 years. The Alfa Foundation has helped advance learning with its Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Month programs, investments in colleges and universities, support for career technical education, computer donations and other efforts.

For more information, visit alfafarmers.org.