VINEMONT, Ala. – Vinemont High School senior Erin Anderson has been named the first recipient of the newly established Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Scholarship, a $2,000 award supporting Cullman County students pursuing careers in the medical or first responder fields.
The scholarship was created to honor the legacy of Sydni Helms-Hipp and recognize students who embody her values of compassion and service to the community. It is funded through the annual Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Barrel Race held each year in Helms-Hipp’s honor, with this year’s event scheduled for Nov. 1 at No Limits Arena in Cullman. Proceeds go directly to scholarships for one Cullman County senior and one student from Curry High School, her alma mater.
To be considered for the Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Scholarship in Cullman, applicants were required to be a Cullman County high school senior pursuing a career in the medical field or a first responder program, maintain at least a 2.75 GPA and submit a paragraph explaining why they should receive the award. It was here that Erin Anderson’s essay stood out and captured the hearts of Angie Payne, co-founder of the scholarship and honorary aunt to Helms-Hipp, and the family.
“The 2025 Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Scholarship – Cullman Chapter holds a deep personal meaning for me,” Anderson wrote. “Not only because of its connection to a legacy rooted in kindness, determination and community impact, but also because I see it as a reflection of the values I strive to live by every day.”
She added, “Sydni’s story is an inspiration. Her strength and compassion have left a lasting imprint on the people around her, and I feel a calling to continue that legacy. Earning this scholarship would not only support my educational journey, but it would also symbolize my commitment to carrying forward a spirit of resilience and service, just as Sydni did. I want to be someone who brings light and hope to others and this scholarship would affirm that I am on the right path.”
Payne said the decision to select Anderson was deeply moving for the family.
“From reading her essay, we felt that she did her homework on the person Syd strived to be every day,” Payne shared. “She spoke of Sydni’s strength and compassion for others, as well as her commitment to helping people within her community. We felt that she would be proud to be a part of this legacy we are building in Sydni’s name.”
In her essay, Anderson emphasized her own commitment to leadership, academic excellence and giving back, values she said were inspired by Helms-Hipp’s example.
“I have grown up in Cullman, and I know how much pride we take in building one another up,” Anderson wrote. “I have pushed myself academically, been involved in service projects and stayed active in school organizations because I believe in contributing to something bigger than myself. The support from the Cullman Chapter would not only help ease the financial burden of college, but it would also serve as a powerful reminder that my community believes in me.”
For Payne, supporting students like Anderson is a way to carry forward the connections Helms-Hipp made so easily in her lifetime. “Sydni never met a stranger,” Payne said. “And we, her family, feel that we are continuing that spirit through the people we meet — not only by giving scholarships, but also through those who participate in the yearly barrel race.”
Anderson will receive $2,000 in scholarship funds to apply toward the college or training program of her choice. As the first Cullman County recipient of the Sydni Helms-Hipp Memorial Scholarship, she not only embodies the spirit of Helms-Hipp’s legacy, but also sets the bar for future recipients, students who lead with service, character and a deep commitment to those around them.
