Madison County Democratic Women proudly awarded two scholarships to two deserving high school graduates, Italia Coke and Mya Western.

To qualify for the scholarship, each student had to complete an online application that included writing a 1500-2000 word essay on the topic “One of John F. Kennedy’s most famous quotes is ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country’.  What current issue do you think needs the most attention in the United States? Describe the issue, current efforts or lack of efforts to address it, and what, in your opinion, you think you can do for your country about this issue.” The students had to detail their thoughts along with sources for information used and how the information led the students to their conclusions.

A panel of judges evaluated all entries and selected the two winners.

Members of the Madison County Democratic Women celebrated with Miss Coke and Miss Western at a banquet featuring keynote speaker Commissioner Violet Edwards. The scholarship winners also read their inspiring essays to the group.

Italia Coke is an active and dedicated 2026 summa cum laude graduate of Huntsville High School. During high school, she served in the Student Government Association as an appointed officer and Chair of the Public Relations Committee. She was also a member of the Pre-Law Club and Debate Club. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to pursuing a double major in Real Estate and Finance as she continues her education at The University of Alabama.

Her academic achievements include recognition on the Academic Honor Roll and membership in the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, Latin Honor Society, and National English Honor Society.

Italia has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through volunteer work with A New Leash on Life, Burritt on the Mountain, Manna House, One Table Huntsville, Village of Promise, First Stop, Special Olympics, Elderly Companionship programs, Veteran Memorial Clean-Up projects, the Botanical Garden, The Rock Family Worship Center, and Saint Paul United Methodist Church.

Mya Western graduated from Madison Academy in 2026 with an Advanced Diploma. Mya was recognized as a Student of Distinction and received the Mustang Character Award. She earned placement on the Principal’s List (Honor Roll) all four years of high school. Her leadership roles included serving as President of the Anchor Club and Spanish Club, as well as Vice President of the Chemistry Club.

Her academic honors include membership in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. Committed to serving others, Mya actively supported her community through volunteer work with House of Harvest and by helping stock local food pantries. At Madison Academy, she was a member of the Spiritual Formation Team, serving and sharing the love of Jesus with the student body.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Mya was a valued member of the Madison Academy softball team. Her athletic achievements earned her recognition as both an All-Area and All-State player. Maya will continue her softball career at Bevill State Community College while pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. With her dedication, leadership, and passion for learning, she is well prepared for a successful future as an educator.

Each student received $1500 to be used toward post-secondary education. The award money was collected over time at the monthly Madison County Democratic Women luncheons. Attendees place any amount they choose in little blue buckets placed on the tables or by contributing to the Virtual Blue Bucket. If you feel inspired to help the upcoming leaders, please donate or volunteer your time to help plan the 2027 JFK Scholarship essay contest and banquet. Many different skills are needed, such as coming up with the essay topic, preparing a judging rubrik, writing the instructions for the students, creating an online application, contacting schools and other organizations, judging, event planning and more. If you’re interested, please email madisondemwomen@gmail.com.