Student Spotlight: Sydney Hollars

University of Montevallo Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Student Sydney Hollars was selected as the University’s first SLP Scholarship Program recipient from Sidekick Therapy Partners.

Sidekick is a Tennessee-based pediatric private practice with over 125 speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, whose mission is to employ teamwork and therapeutic excellence to empower their clients to live full and purposeful lives.

Sidekick created the SLP Scholarship Program to support full-time graduate speech students to help alleviate the financial burden that comes with pursuing an advanced degree in the field, according to Sidekick.

The scholarship provides a total of up to $10,000 to graduate speech students for the 2021-2022 academic year with individual awards ranging from $500-$2,500.

Hollars, a native of Brentwood, Tenn., was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

“I am thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor, and I am deeply appreciative of the support from Sidekick Therapy Partners,” Hollars said.

Hollars received her bachelor’s in speech-language pathology and audiology at Middle Tennessee State University in 2018. She chose UM to continue her education in the speech-language field because the program was what she was looking for.

“When I toured the campus, I enjoyed meeting the professors and how the program set up their clinic,” she said. “The class schedule was a great fit for me as well. It was a university that felt comfortable and at home.”

Dr. Linda Murdock, professor and clinical supervisor in speech-language pathology at UM, said she’s proud of Sydney’s work as a student and her commitment to the profession.

“Sydney is the first student from the University of Montevallo to be awarded this scholarship,” Murdock said. “Sydney has excelled in her initial clinical rotations and exemplifies the characteristics needed to become a strong and skilled speech-language pathologist.”

Applicants were evaluated on a robust scoring system based on academic performance, community involvement and a personal statement.