Franklin County, News
 By  Staff Reports Published 
9:22 am Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Franklin County students receive NW-SCC scholarships

MaKayla Grace Franks, Jill Masterson & Kathryn Amber Gibson

MaKayla Grace Franks, Jill Masterson & Kathryn Amber Gibson

Three local students of the Class of 2016 have been named scholarship recipients by Northwest-Shoals Community College.

Jill Masterson, Russellville, received an applied technology scholarship. MaKayla Grace Franks, Russellville, received a valedictorian academic scholarship. Kathryn Amber Gibson, Phil Campbell, received an academic scholarship.

A senior at Russellville High School, Masterson is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, SADD, FBLA, HOSA, FCCLA, Chemistry Club and the Library/media club. She is a varsity cheerleader, homecoming court member, class secretary and Who’s Who Most Dependable.

While at NW-SCC, Masterson will pursue a degree in nursing.

She is the daughter of Jeff and Leah Masterson.

Franks, a senior at Tharptown High School, is valedictorian and a member of the National Honor Society, Pi Club, Spanish Club, Student Council, Franklin County Junior Leadership, FBLA, SADD and FCA. She was also named Who’s Who Most Likely to Succeed, Alabama Girls State representative and All A’s Honor Roll.

While at NW-SCC, Franks will pursue a degree in pre-pharmacy and transfer for a doctorate in pharmacology.

She is the daughter of Ronnie and Connie Murray Franks and granddaughter of Sarah Murray and the late Robert Murray and the late Richard and Martha Franks.

A senior at Russellville High School, Gibson is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, CSU, FBLA, Peer Helpers, Junior Leadership, Library Media-Book Lovers Club, Chemistry Club, SADD, FCCLA, RHS Varsity Cheer, Junior Varsity Cheer, UCA All-Star Cheerleader and homecoming court. She received the Cheerleader of Excellence Award, Pin-It Forward Receipt, Senior Who’s Who Best Looking, UCA Staff Invite and is in the top 10 percent of her senior class.

While at NW-SCC, Gibson will pursue a degree in anatomy with a minor in chemistry.

She is the daughter of Tina Gibson and the late Ron Gibson. Grandparents are Billy and Lorraine Hall and Jan Hollman and the late Carrol Gibson.

Also on Franklin County Times
Goodwin stepping down as Golden Tigers’ football coach
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
January 9, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dustin Goodwin, who served as athletic director and head football coach, announced he is resigning his position to seek other opportuni...
Dowdy sentencing delayed due to medical emergency
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The sentencing of Brandy Dowdy will have to wait until another day after her defense attorney suffered a “medical emergency” on Tuesday...
Legislative session opens Jan. 13; Kiel prefiles 2 bills
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE -- State Rep. Jamie Kiel has prefiled two bills ahead of the 2026 Alabama legislative session. The bills, which will be considered when l...
Hollimon reflects on 40 years in education
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Dr. Deanna Hollimon always felt she was called to be an educator. After 40 years as a teacher, reading coach, administrator and educati...
Firefighters train for vehicle rescues
News, Russellville, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 7, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — City firefighters trained last week on how to stabilize overturned vehicles and remove trapped occupants. Fire Chief Joe Mansell said t...
Neighbors helping neighbors, one soda pop tab at a time
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
January 7, 2026
By Susie Hovater Malone Columnist Most people don’t think twice about the small aluminum tab on top of a soda can. But those tiny pieces of metal have...
OPINION: 2025: A year of results for Alabama families
Columnists, Opinion
January 7, 2026
The past year has certainly been a memorable one — and, more importantly, a rewarding one. Beginning the year by leading the Laken Riley Act through t...
Author’s collapse was motivation for comeback
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
January 7, 2026
When Pete Key collapsed on the bathroom floor in 2024, it didn’t feel like a turning point. It felt like an ending. He had been sick for days — dehydr...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *