Benefit Honors Nursing Student’s Memory





Larry Gatlin with Ari Hallmark and Anna Claire Garmany



The memory of a Snead State Community College nursing student was honored during an evening full of laughter, tears and classic country music.

Less than a year after the devastating tornados that took the life of Jennifer Garmany Hallmark, friends, family, and supporters of the College joined together to raise money for the endowed scholarship fund established in her name.  

Country music singer/songwriter Larry Gatlin headlined the benefit held Wednesday, March 14, at the Bevill Center Concert Hall. Gatlin shared much of the music that he and his brothers made popular, but the highlight of his show was a rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” performed by him, Jennifer’s daughter Ari, and her niece Anna Claire Garmany.

Hosted by the Snead State Foundation, the benefit raised more than $10,000 for the scholarship that will aid a future nursing student in following the dream Jennifer shared.

“The benefit was more than just an opportunity to raise scholarship money. It was an evening to remember and honor the life of an extraordinary young mother. Jennifer is not the first student we’ve lost at Snead, but she is an example of how deeply we’re affected when a promising life is cut short. She was part of the Snead family, and we were honored to pay tribute to her in this way,” said President Dr. Robert Exley.

Ari Hallmark presents a plaque
of appreciation from the Hallmark
family to Larry Gatlin.

Just as her mother was a part of the Snead State family, Ari was reminded during the benefit that she, too, is included in the circle.

“Ari, as you get older, should you decide to come to Snead, the Foundation is prepared to present to you a scholarship that will pay for your tuition,” Dr. Exley told the little girl during the benefit.

In addition to a slide show depicting photos of Jennifer’s life, Gatlin dedicated a song to Jennifer and her family – “Help Me,” a song he performed at the funeral of June Carter Cash, the beloved wife of country music legend Johnny Cash.

A supporter of community colleges, Gatlin spent much of the day March 14 visiting with Snead State students. He gave a performance in the SUB earlier in the day and led a Master Class for aspiring song writers and musicians that afternoon.

“Take the time to enjoy being here,” Gatlin urged the students. “Cherish every minute of this place.”

The benefit began with Snead’s own College Street Singers performing a selection of music, including one written by Gatlin, “Alleluia.” Later in the show, once he took the stage, Gatlin welcomed the College Street Singers back to join him in singing his hit song, “All the Gold in California.” As he performed the songs, Gatlin also described how he came to write the lyrics and the music.

The benefit drew an audience of about 400 people. Support for the benefit came through ticket sales and corporate sponsors, including Progress Rail, BPI Media, The Sand Mountain Reporter, Peoples Independent Bank, Syncro Corporation, Citizens Bank and Trust, Marshall Urology, and Team TSI.

The College is continuing to raise money for the Jennifer Garmany Hallmark Scholarship Fund. A 5K Run will be held Saturday, April 28, at Snead State Community College with all proceeds going to the scholarship. The registration fee is $32 per person. For students, the fee is $10. For more information, contact Race Director Dr. Amy Langley at alangley@snead.edu or (256) 840-4185.

Contributions to the Jennifer Garmany Hallmark Scholarship Fund may be sent to the Snead State Foundation, Snead State Community College, P.O. Box 734, Boaz, AL 35957.