Shades Mountain Community Park (SMP) recently announced the winners of its annual scholarships. The award is a $1,000 scholarship for former players who have demonstrated outstanding character and academic and athletic success.
Eligible students must have completed their final year of study at a local high school and must have played baseball at the park. Selection criteria includes academic performance, letters of recommendation, an essay and interviews with members of the review committee.
The recipients, all age 18 and Hoover High graduates, are:
- Dustin Daugherty, University of Montevallo
- Jonathan Fargason, Auburn University
- Steven Guy, University of Alabama
- Josh Knuth, Northwest Shoals Community College
- Steven Weaver, Birmingham-Southern College
“These scholarships are something we are blessed to be able to provide,” said longtime board member Chuck Cuppett. “Our Park Board and community volunteers work extremely hard to steward our resources, and I can think of no better way to recognize these terrific kids than for our park to help pay for their future education.
“All are good citizens and literately grew up at our park. Who knows, in 15 to 20 years some of these guys may move back to Hoover and be up here coaching kids of their own. In fact, we want to see that happen.”
Shades Mountain Park Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides baseball programs for children in central and western Hoover. There are leagues for each age group beginning at age 4. Park facilities - nine fields on 14 acres plus playgrounds, picnic grounds and practice and hitting areas - are maintained and owned by the City of Hoover. The Park is also known as Hoover Sports Park West.
Founded as the Bluff Park Little League in 1958-59, Shades Mountain Community Park is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year has provided development for thousands of children proceeding to be productive citizens and valuable members of the community. Volunteers are numerous and participate from all walks of life. SMP is affiliated with Metro Sports of Birmingham and USSSA.
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