
Talladega students awarded mayoral scholarships
May 26, 2025
(Talladega, AL) City of Talladega Mayor Ashton Hall recently presented scholarships to three diligent Talladega High School scholars. Funds for the scholarships were raised via his annual Mayoral Masquerade Ball, which he began in 2023. This year's award recipients, Xzavier Lyles, Mikayla Christenson and Micheal Wilson, were honored at a ceremony in Talladega City Hall.
In an inspiring message to the scholarship recipients, Mayor Hall stated, "Remember your purpose. Remember your reason. Never get deterred from your goals. Most of all, enjoy every moment."
City Manager Derrick Swanson admonished the scholarship recipients to make wise choices, noting the importance of surrounding themselves with the right people and avoiding negative influences. He also stressed the importance of "having a plan, having a backup plan and having a backup plan for that plan." He concluded with the message, "Believe in yourself."
Talladega City Schools Superintendent Dr. Quentin Lee and Pastor Duane Player of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church also shared words of encourage with the proud scholars.
Lyles plans to attend Morehouse College, Christenson will attend Central Alabama Community College and Wilson is headed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.