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Mary Forrest Bell
Mar y F orr es t Bell Abbie Grace Dickeson Matthew Bell
Ma
Abbie Gr
Forrest is not only talented, but trustworthy, detail-ori- dream to have a positive impact on the children she
ented, and extremely competent. She is extremely teaches, to remove the negative stigma they may have
organized and always went above and beyond our of educational settings and learning environments, and
expectations.” Ms. Law also said that while she was still to hopefully inspire them to enjoy learning as much as
a young child, Mary Forrest started her own creative she loves teaching.
business, which she continues today - taking commis- While in high school, Abbie was active in many
sions for artwork. She said that Mary Forrest works extracurricular activities, including sports, school
hard to individualize each piece of artwork, works organizations, community service opportunities, and
efficiently, and professionally. her church. She was a member of the Varsity Track
Although already enrolled in school and well on and Field, Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Cross Country
her way with her studies and future endeavors, Ms. Bell teams. Abbie received many honors in cross country
still needs the financial assistance that an APGA schol- including Cross Country State Runner Up, Cross Coun-
arship can provide. Mary Forrest told APGA, “the rising try All County, and Cross Country All State. She was
cost of college tuition, regular class materials, as well as honored with several awards for her performance in
art materials, and living expenses make college difficult Track and Field as well. Abbie was the Track and Field
to afford.” Ms. Bell shared that she appreciates the State Runner Up in 2022 and the Track and Field State
opportunity to be considered for the scholarship that Runner Up in the 4 x 800 relay during the 2023-2024
APGA generously provides. With the approval of Ms. season. During her high school career, Abbie was a
Bell, APGA has featured her artwork as the cover of the member of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders
July/August APGA News: the 2025 Scholarship Edition. of America (FCCLA), the Beta Club, volunteered at NHC
Nursing Home, and also volunteered in local 5K events.
David Reaves Scholarship Abbie was also an active and engaged member of her

Abbie Grace Dickeson, daughter of Doug church community at Rabittown Baptist Church.
Dickeson of Piedmont, Alabama, graduated in 2025 Abbie was highly recommended for the APGA
from White Plains High School with a 3.8 GPA. Abbie Scholarship from those who have known her and
will begin her freshman year at Gadsden State Com- watched her grow in her pursuits over the years. Chase
munity College in the fall where she will study Early Cotton, Head Coach of White Plains High School Cross
Elementary Education. Abbie told APGA that she plans Country had the opportunity to observe Abbie while
to use the scholarship award to accomplish her goal of coaching her over the past three seasons. Of that time,
graduating from college so that she can become the Coach Cotton said, “Abbie has grown into an excellent
best elementary school teacher she can be. It is Abbie's leader, fierce competitor, and possesses the highest

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