When Sheffield High School senior Hannah Boyd heard about a scholarship geared toward students who have endured adversity in their lives, she jokes that her first thought was, "Oh yeah, I could write a book."

While her submission for the Horatio Alger Scholarship didn't require her to write a book, she did write three essays about her life experiences.

Earlier this month, the 17-year-old was one of seven Alabama students selected for the $5,000 national scholarship.

Horatio Alger scholars are chosen based on demonstrating a commitment to education, community service and strength of character in overcoming personal obstacles.

For Boyd, who plans to attend either Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., or the University of North Alabama, going to college isn't just a desire, it's a need.

"Nothing about my life has been typical," she said. "I'm not one of these kids who just played around in high school and thinks college is a given. I've worked hard to make college a reality in my life."

Her earliest childhood memories aren't happy ones. When Hannah was 7, her mother died suddenly of a heart attack. Hannah had a 16-month-old sister, and since their father wasn't a part of their lives, they continued to live with their grandmother, Bobbye Bradley, who gained permanent custody.

"My little sister didn't really realize mom was gone, but I did," she said. "It's been hard. When I was 12, I began having medical problems from traumatic events when I was a young child."

With counseling and the support of her grandmother, aunts and uncles, she said she pulled through some dark times.

Three years ago her grandmother, now 80, became ill and continues to struggle with health issues.

While helping care for her grandmother and sister, now 12, Hannah continued to excel academically. She is the editor of the high school yearbook, a student council member and officer in many school-sponsored organizations. She also is in the UNA's Early Scholars program.

Hannah said staying busy throughout her high school career was by design.

"I don't know how I've managed to do everything, but somehow I get it done because I'm really depending on scholarships," she said.

Melissa Ryan, Sheffield High School guidance counselor, described Hannah as dependable and a hard worker.

"She never backs down from a challenge and perseveres," Ryan said. "She is totally dedicated to getting a college degree. She's one of those students you wish you had a school full of."

The application process for the Alger scholarship was involved, but Ryan said Hannah jumped at the chance to apply and was willing to do the hard work, including the difficult task of writing about events in her young life.

With aspirations of being a history teacher, Hannah said it's her circumstances that will likely dictate where she attends college.

"I'm waiting to see how my grandmother is doing health-wise because I can't go off and leave her sick and unable to take care of my little sister," she said. "I don't mean to sound like a complainer. I've just got decisions to make. But the bright side is that I have this scholarship that's going to help me wherever I go. I'm really very fortunate."

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.