Westside High School Senior Awarded Southern Tennis Foundation Scholarship

Westside High School senior Ja’Toria Sherman was awarded a $6,000 scholarship from the Southern Tennis Foundation on Tuesday, May 20, during a surprise presentation in front of her friends and coaches.

“I was shocked,” said Sherman. “My coaches told me to apply for it, but I didn’t know if I would get it.”

The scholarship provides $1,500 per year for four years and is awarded to high school seniors who play on their school tennis teams. Criteria include academics, financial need, and community service. Out of 76 applicants from nine southern states, Sherman was one of 10 students selected.

Sherman began playing tennis three years ago after encouragement from her band coach. During her senior year, she received additional coaching through the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department’s B.U.S.T.-ED (Building Up School Tennis through Education) program.

“We were tasked with doing a teen tennis program and originally had it at the Tennis Center, but realized transportation would be an issue,” said Sarah Witherspoon, Macon-Bibb County Tennis & Pickleball Supervisor. “So, we thought the best thing to do was to bring it into schools, and Westside showed some interest.”

From September through March, Witherspoon and coaches held weekly lessons on the Westside tennis courts.

“I liked that these practices allowed for more one-on-one opportunities,” said Sherman.

Sherman plans to attend Kennesaw State University to major in Elementary Education with a concentration in English. She also plans to pursue ESOL certification and hopes to teach English in Japan through the JET Program. She will use her scholarship funds to help with housing expenses.