Paralegal student earns scholarship award

Anne Tharp, a Paralegal Studies major at Pellissippi State, has received a $500 scholarship from the Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association.

SMPA President Tracie Livesay, a 1995 Paralegal Studies graduate, made a surprise visit to Tharp’s classroom December 6 to present the award.

Livesay was joined by Arlene Cleveland, Paralegal Studies program coordinator, and Elizabeth McCowan, an associate professor with the program.



Apparently overwhelmed, the 22-year-old recipient hesitated before coming forward to receive the check.

“It’s shocking ... thank you,” Tharp said.

“We thought you were very deserving,” said Livesay.

Tharp was one of about 10 paralegal students from Pellissippi State, Walters State Community College, South College and the University of Tennessee who applied for the scholarship.

“Anne is a most capable student,” said Cleveland. “She is a single mother of two small children and wants to eventually apply to law school. She will be a huge asset to the legal profession.”

McCowan seconded the praise: “She is funny; she’s smart; she’s always diligent about her work; she never misses class…. She’s just an example of a terrific student who is overcoming challenges and becoming a success at what she does.”

Sharp is a work-study student as well as vice president of the Pellissippi Paralegal Association. When she completes the two-year Paralegal Studies curriculum, she will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“I always wanted to work in the legal profession,” said Sharp. “At one time I was going to attend law school, but there were several intervening factors. I got married and had two children.

“I started at Pellissippi in the fall of 2006 and went straight into the Paralegal program. This spring will be my last semester. I like Pellissippi because of the class size and the dedication of the teachers to their students. Every one of my teachers knows my name.

“I hope to continue my education and get my bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in legal studies. After I get my bachelor’s, I’m heading toward law school.”

SMPA was organized two years ago to support the paralegal profession in East Tennessee. It now has more than 150 members. The group awarded two scholarships, the other to a student from Walters State.