Meet the Family

Meet the Principal of ScholarAid. Angelia M. Martin is a Huntsville, Alabama native. She graduated from Lee High School in 1985 and continued her education to earn a Bachelor of Science degree 

in Mathematics from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in December of 1990, with a minor in Computer Science. She also was an AAMU Bulldog Volleyball Standout Athlete. She completed her Master of Education degree in 2016 from the University of Phoenix in Special Education.

Angelia continued her thirty-one year career following her education working for the Madison County Tax Assessor Office as a Mapping Specialist, SDS, Inc. and other government organizations, working alongside other mapping specialists and municipal appointees . During her professional career as a mapper, she obtained a certification with the IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers), highlighting her professional distinction as ‘Certified Mapping Specialist’    (CMS) #55. In her capacity, Angelia has completed GIS property tax mapping extensively throughout the United States. Currently, she has Sole Proprietorship of M.A.P.P. (Mapping, Abstracting, Processing (Notary) Professional).

She is a Certified Life Coach specializing in mentoring youth and their parents. Ms. Martin is an  Alabama Notary Public and Certified Notary Signing Agent, and heralds 10 years of experience 

as a member of the National Notary Association. She is the proud mother of two adult sons, 

Darius (Jane) and Jairus; and doting ‘Gi-Gi’ of four grandchildren.

Ms. Martin simultaneously pursued a lifelong passion of education, as she applied her education degree to assist adolescents overcoming challenges and obstacles throughout their academic 

paths. She has served youth and their families for many years in various capacities of her life. 

She has coached, mentored, and taught youth in the community, public schools, and church in 

her life span. She has been employed with Huntsville City Schools, the Boys and Girls Club of

North Alabama, and now, at St. Luke Christian Church, where she is presently serving as the Christian Education & Youth Director.

Why ScholarAid? Ms. Martin appreciates her journey as a single mother and positions in which 

she observed coaches, sponsored youth, and was afforded opportunities over the years to donate

to their worthy causes.  During her tenure as an actual coach and high school collaborative teacher, Angelia was eager to stand in that gap that has grown much wider and deeper for our young athletic students today.

One of her continuous goals has always been providing ways to assist scholars with the necessary tools and resources to be successful.  GIVING back is a selfless act one can do, so why not give back to the scholars of Madison County from ages four to eighteen (high school senior) years old?

I present to you ScholarAid! 

A message from Ms. Martin: “Each of us is creating a legacy. The influence of our lives will

leave an imprint on all those the Lord has brought into our lives for us to touch. (Proverbs 10:7)”

"Children are the legacy we leave for the time we will not live to see." - Aristotle

I am a native of Huntsville, Alabama, and a proud mother of two wonderful children.  

I received both my Bachelor and Master degrees from Alabama A & M University in Normal, Alabama: my Bachelor of Science degree is in Applied Mathematics with a minor in the field of Computer Science.  I continued in my pursuits and earned a Master of Arts in Secondary Education Mathematics. 

I am a 23 year veteran mathematics educator, and was selected as ‘2012 Teacher of the Year’ at East Limestone High School, and was named Limestone County Schools’ District ‘Teacher of the Year.’  I piloted a robotics team called the ‘Twisted Gears’ for several years, and  have written grants for my classroom and robotics teams over the years. I am honored to have been certified as a national STEM teacher. I spend my time volunteering in my community, researching to preserve historical cemeteries, and studying genealogy.    

All of us have great dreams in our minds, and many of us are able to turn those dreams into goals, but only a very few are able to make it happen, and the simple reason is, it takes a lot of hard work.

Her motto is, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. – Thomas Edison 

Meet Valerie Hervey, a native of Beaumont, Texas. She has been a resident of Huntsville, Alabama for thirty-seven years. She is a graduate of Alabama A & M, and, an AAMU Bulldog Volleyball scholarship recipient.

Ms. Valerie’s greatest achievement was raising her beautiful daughter, Jale’ Hervey, a Professional Volleyball Player and graduate from UCF (University of Central Florida),where she received numerous accolades and graduated at the top of her class.

Valerie is a full-time club Director and private lesson instructor. She owns and operates Alabama Legacy Volleyball and Volleyball Accuracy Lessons, a 501-(c)(3) nonprofit agency. ALV was 

created to assist players at any level, or any school, ease the financial burden of participating 

in school volleyball.

She understands the purpose of ScholarAid, and brings to the organization firsthand knowledge 

of how important it is to give back and support kids that may not have had the financial resources

to participate in athletic activities. 

Relating to these students and removing their obstacles, Valerie’s life’s motto comes from the 

18th century French missionary and author, Stephen Grellet: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being,

let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way

again.”

Liz Clemons serves as President and fully commits herself to excellence regarding her involvement with youth and the community.

Ms. Liz is a native of Limestone County. She is a graduate of both Dogwood Junior High and 

Trinity High School. She graduated from Calhoun Community College with an Associate Degree 

in General Studies, and continued her collegiate education from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree; and later, she was conferred with the Master of Social Work. Upon Liz' completion from AAMU, she graduated Cum Laude and received Dean's List distinction. While studying, Liz maintained her affiliations with the Social Work Honors Club and the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society. 

Mrs. Clemons is the director of the James A. Lane Boys & Girls Club in Huntsville. "Ms. Liz", as 

she is affectionately called throughout the community, is dedicated to incomparable achievement.         Ms. Liz is deeply connected to the community, and has maintained relationships with those young men and women who have contributed so mightily to society due to her influence. She is a strict

yet caring disciplinarian and loves to be a part of children's unbiased natures. It takes a village to raise ONE.

She adores family time with her husband of 17 years, Burnell Clemons, their daughters, and her grandchildren. Ms. Liz has dedicated nearly 30 years of her existence being in the lives of children.

Her motto is, "Be a friend, Make a friend." 

Marisha Martin serves as our Vice President, and joined ScholarAid with an arsenal of experience.  She also is an Assistant Vice President and Supervisor at CB&S Bank. Marisha has over 15 years 

of banking  and financial expertise, specializing in customer relationships and providing financial solutions to meet consumers' needs. Marisha’s energetic and positive attitude encourage others 

to work hard and therefore, succeed at any endeavor.  Undoubtedly, she will bring valuable, 

proven information to the youth we are blessed to assist to achieve their aspirations:  financial 

tools that will continue to serve these young scholars throughout their academic goals, and, 

beyond!

Marisha is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, and a graduate of Lee High School.  She received 

her Bachelor of  Science degree from Athens State University in the discipline of Business Administration.  She is inspired daily by her two beautiful daughters; their success and involvement in activities throughout the community are very important to her. Additionally, in Marisha’s spare

time, she loves shopping, decorating, and spending time with friends and family.

Her motto is, “Always find opportunities to make someone smile, and offer random acts of kindness in everyday life.”

Dawn-Renée Lanier completed her formidable education from Renaissance High school in 

Detroit, Michigan. The older of two children, Dawn was reared in an environment conducive to extensive reading, language arts, and consummate grammar, and was admitted to Fisk University 

in Nashville, Tennessee to pursue the Bachelor of Arts in the discipline of Political Science. While 

at Fisk, Dawn also pursued her passion for choral music, and so, auditioned for the Fisk University Jubilee Singers®, performing and touring with the ensemble throughout her matriculation. Following graduation, Dawn-Renée became mother to a baby girl, and began to work for the State of Alabama after she and her family relocated to Huntsville.

During subsequent employment with Chrysler Corporation in 1994, Dawn compiled several instructional documents, bulletins, and memorandums detailing Chrysler Operational Standards (COS) and safety measures. While at Chrysler, she was assigned to the Southern Region Minority Business Development Council, and in 2003, was recognized with the council’s ‘Chairperson’s Award’. Dawn continuously explored for minority business owners to work with Chrysler, and attended expos and seminars aimed to solidify these connections. Afterward, she returned to the industry’s Occupational Health and Safety department, during which time she gave birth to a son, and married. Both of her children shared Dawn’s love for all things English: despite life’s 

challenging obstacles, Dawn-Renée ensured Daisha and Devynn were exposed to their passions 

as well: whether academic, athletic, theatrical, or musical. Exuding that same spirit, Dawn

assisted those with whom she interacted at St. Luke Christian Church, serving the Pastor, affiliates, and congregation for over thirteen years as church secretary. She is the owner of G.E.M.S., a

vehicle to help patrons develop superior writing and grammar acumen beyond expectations. Similarly, Dawn-Renée is eager to share this exceptional writing standard with SCHOLARAID 

and its deserving youth.

My Mantra: “Silence is unspoken consent. The squeakiest wheels receive the most oil…without protest, there can be little progress”.

Our Treasurer at ScholarAid is Ms. Chondra Martin, who graduated from Lee High

School in Huntsville. Chondra has always been a mathematics specialist, and explored

any and all opportunities to showcase her expertise. She continued her education,

matriculating at Athens State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in the field of

Accounting. Chondra’s aspiration led her to Strayer University, where she completed

requirements for the Master of Business Administration degree. Professionally, Ms.

Martin has 16 years’ experience employed as a Financial Analyst; and most recently,

she accepted a position with the Boeing Company.

In her rare leisure time, Chondra enjoys spending time with her loving family: a son, and

two daughters. Both of her daughters played collegiate basketball, and her younger

daughter currently plays for Jacksonville State University. Chondra has been a frequent

spectator and avid cheerleader for her daughters and the rest of their teams. She well

knows the challenges student athletes face, and is ready to expertly assist other youth.

Ms. Martin loves reading, shopping, catching up on her favorite television shows, and

spending quality time with treasured family and friends. 

Her motto is, “Make each day count by helping someone or just making someone smile.”

Hello! My name is Cynthia E. Russell,  and  I am a 55 year old single parent. I have a son,  Raymond C. Russell,  Jr. Also, I am the proud grandmother of two beautiful grand-kids; a  granddaughter who is 6, and a grandson who is 4. Besides these precious  kids, the best feeling is to have a beautiful 'daughter-in-love', their mother! 

I am a native of Huntsville, Alabama, where I attended Lee High School. I graduated in 1985. After graduation, I  attended National Career College, and I received an Associate of Arts in Accounting.  

In 2019, I graduated from Faulkner University of Huntsville, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.  

I attend Taylor's Chapel Primitive Baptist Church where I sing in the choir, serve on the Pastoral Search Committee as the assistant secretary; also, I am a member of the Sisters' Aid Ministry.  

As a member of my church, I have been abundantly blessed to have worked with children as a  Youth Advisor in the Youth Organization.  I accompanied young worshipers as a girls' retreat advisor, and continued my commitment to these young ladies in the Young Women's Auxiliary;  and, as the Mallard Creek Auxiliary President.  It is my belief that  these positions, as well as determination and prayer, equip me to assist  and lend guidance to others through ScholarAid.

My hobbies are: D-I-Y projects, spending time with the 'grands', and relaxing:sitting on the  porch, just enjoying life, and pondering.  My expertise lies in bringing some fulfillment to individuals that  may not have what it takes to become someone others say they cannot! 

My motto is, 'I can do all things in Christ that strengthens me' (Philippians 4:13).