Abigail Tovey of Vallonia, a senior at Brownstown Central High School, recently received a $25,000 college scholarship through the Horatio Alger Association — a nonprofit educational organization that honors and supports students who have overcome adversity.

Last winter, her guidance counselor approached the BCHS juniors with information on the scholarship. Although Tovey didn’t believe she would win, she put herself out there and applied. She had completely forgotten about applying when she received the good news as a senior.

For her, the application process took two weeks, having to answer many personal writing prompts about her life in relation to adversity. One of them was research based, asking her to look into other Horatio Alger members to find one that she related to the most. Tovey said all those she read about were inspirations.

“I’m so proud to be part of an organization like this,” she said.

Part of the adversity Tovey has faced is related to finances. Thinking about college in her future was concerning, unsure if that was in the cards for her. Facing these struggles wasn’t, however, an obstacle. It was a motivator.

“You don’t get handouts,” she said.

Although facing adversities made parts of her life harder, it helped give her an image of what she did and did not want for her future. She also learned how money isn’t everything, which is a lesson she said more people need to understand.

Through her experiences, Tovey’s character was shaped into the person she is, which she is grateful for. One example of her determination is from a high school trip to Germany, which she worked hard to pay off herself.

She said she takes pride in goals she can independently achieve, making a point to all those who see her that being in a hard place doesn’t mean it’s due to laziness. Rather, the opposite is true — Tovey has put even more effort into what she wants.

In her independence, she still couldn’t have gotten far without the people behind her.

“My mom and brother were always there supporting me,” Tovey said.

Tovey had encouraging words for those in her shoes, similar words that pushed her to put herself out there when she applied.

“Your chances are always zero if you don’t try,” she said.

As she looks toward her future, Tovey is interested in attending Purdue University to pursue psychology. Right now, she is thinking of a concentration in developmental or industrial-organizational psychology. With I-O psychology, she would be able to work in human resources, which is a passion for her, potentially leading her to get a minor in business.

“I just love working with people,” Tovey said.

Her interest in HR stems from a history of paying close attention to people, recognizing patterns in behavior. When thinking about where she wants to be, she wants to settle down in the city but doesn’t mind some travel.

With this scholarship, Tovey’s future plans are more attainable, plans that she would have worked hard to achieve regardless of the money.

“Ambition is my middle name,” Tovey said.