More than two dozen high school seniors will compete for the 25th Tip Colley Scholarship.

The prestigious award is sponsored annually by the Troy Exchange Club and honors senior Christian scholar athletes from all Pike County high schools who have excelled in their walk of faith, academics, athletics and community service.

Both a male and female award winner will be announced at the banquet Monday at the Troy Recreation Center.

“It is a tremendous honor to be nominated as all nominees are recognized at the banquet,” said Jerry Miller, an Exchange Club member who spearheads the award program. “Male and female runners-up are each awarded a $500 cash scholarship while the male and female winners are each awarded a $1,500 cash scholarship.”

In addition, the winners receive a plaque and their names are added to the trophies that reside each year at the winner’s high school.

The banquet and award honors the late Dr. J.O. “Tip” Colley, who embodied the qualities celebrated by the award. “He was a beloved physician, successful businessman and civic leader in this community,” Miller said. “He was also an outstanding student and athlete in his youth.”

The scholarship program was established in 1992 by the Troy Civitan Club, which eventually transferred the program to the Exchange Club. To qualify, college-bound students must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA, participated in at least one high school sport (including cheerleading) and should be actively involved in the community and in church activities.

Guest speaker for this year’s banquet is Bear Woods, a former Troy University football player who is now a linebacker in the Canadian Football League. A walk-on at Troy, he was part of a Troy University football team that won four straight Sun Belt titles and made three bowl appearances. He was twice named Sun Belt all-conference linebacker. He joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2010 and moved to the Canadian Football League in 2011.

The banquet is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 each.

Nominees for this year’s Tip Colley Scholarships include:

Hillary Barron, a Charles Henderson High School senior and the daughter of Danny and Jackie Barron. Hillary is a member of Collegedale Church of Christ where her activities include Bible school teacher; Exposure; Vacation Bible School and a first place speech at Lads to Leaders. A Top 10 graduate, she is also the vice president of the National Honor Society; on the all A honor roll, sports editor for the yearbook, and active in Interact, FBLA, Mentoring Matters, the Art Guild, Key Club, Diamond Dolls and FCA. She has been a cheerleader for three years and is a UCA Cheer Camp award winner. She received the 2016 DAR Good Citizen Award and has volunteered with the Fall Festival, Operation Christmas Child, and as a cheerleading instructor with Troy Parks and Recreation. She plans to attend Troy University.

Alex Bland, a Charles Henderson High School senior and the son of Mary Bland. Alex is active at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he is a junior deacon, communion server, member of the usher board, worship leader and speaker, having delivered the message at Cornerstone Church of God in New York. He is the senior class president, vice president of the Kappa League and a member of the National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta, Interact, FBLA, Drama Club, Key Club, Student Transition Team and Chess Club. He served as junior class president, a library aide and as a Senate Page and was recognized by the U.S. Achievement Academy. A member of the 2014 state championship baseball team, Alex also was the captain and chaplain for the football team, chaplain for the baseball team and selected as “best teammate.” His community volunteer work includes AIM, Special Olympics, Suicide Prevention, Trojan Ambassador, Troy Health and Rehab, Magnolia Woods and The Troy Nutrition Center. He plans to attend the University of Alabama.

Perry Bunn, a Charles Henderson High School senior and the son of Michael and Heather Bunn.  Perry is a member of Old Lebanon Baptist Church, where he is active in the youth group and participates in all church activities. He will earn an honors diploma and participates in the AP academic programs. He is an honor roll student and is active in Interact, the Art Guild and the Spanish Club. He also serves as a library aide. Perry has played soccer for six years and is a member of the cross country team. He volunteers with AIM and referees soccer for the Troy Parks and Rec Department. He plans to attend Auburn University.

Marquese Christian, a Pike Liberal Arts senior and the son of Eric and Tonya Ernsberger. Marquese is a member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, where he is active in both the youth group and Sunday School. An honor roll student, he is a member of the Calculus Club, Spanish Club and Chess Club and has been named a Student of the Month. A member of the PLAS football team, Marquese holds the school and county records for most receptions in a season and the school record for most yards in a season. He was named best wide receiver and to the All-State team. He was captain of the basketball team, leading the team in points scored, and was named to the Super 12 and All-Star teams. He has coached the Powder Puff team and volunteers as a referee. He will be attending Shorter University on a football scholarship.

John David Cox, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the son of Kenny and Lydia Cox. John David is a member of First Baptist Church of Troy, where he is active in the youth choir, Royal Ambassadors, Vacation Bible School, as an usher and offering bearer, and is a participant in mission trips to Costa Rica. He is a dual enrollment student, earning Provost List recognition while in high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Excel Club, Robotics Club, Spanish Club, FCA, Calculus Club and FCS, as well as the Scholars Bowl and Student Government Association. He was named a Chamber Ambassador and selected for the SAEC Youth Tour, as well as a Troy Fest Art Winner. John David played football, basketball and tennis. His community and volunteer involvement includes Special Olympics, the PLAS Deer Hunt, Back-to-School volunteer, Samaritan’s Purse, Turkeys From Heaven and Upward Basketball. He plans to attend Auburn University.

Patsy Ann Davis, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the daughter of Brock and Holley Davis. Patsy Ann attends Southside Baptist Church, where she volunteers with Vacation Bible School and Operation Christmas Child, as well as both a Little Lambs and Team Kid teacher. She is the senior class president and was junior class president at Pike Lib and has been active in the Excel Club (board member), Spanish Club, FAC, Twilighter Club (pledge captain), Dugout Dolls and the National Honor Society. She was named a homecoming attendant and is an honor roll student. She has been recognized as a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, an Alabama Early College Student, the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and the National Society of High School Scholars. She was a member of the AISA state championship cheerleading squad and was named an AISA All Star as well as a UCA All American. Her community activities include Sav-a-Life, Special Olympics, Capital Health Care and Relay for Life. She plans to attend Troy University.

Kayla Dendy, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the daughter of Kent and Kim Dendy. Kayla is a member of Hephzibah Baptist Church, where she is active in the youth group, Vacation Bible School, CCBA Mobile Mission Trip, the Missions Team, the Out of Darkness Walk and MERGE. She serves as the senior class chaplain and the SGA chaplain. An honor roll student, she is a member of the National Honor Society, the Scholars Bowl team, the Spanish Club, FCA, FCS, 21 Club (vice president), the prom committee and Dugout Dolls. She participated in the Pike County Economic Development Corp. internship program and has been recognized by the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and with Alabama Early College Enrollment. Kayla played softball, basketball and softball, earning the ACA Tournament MVP award for basketball and in her junior year the Most Improved Award for volleyball. Her community activities include Salvation Army, Miracle League, Child Advocacy Center, Red Cross Blood Drive, Red Ribbon Week and the Special Olympics. She plans to attend Samford University.

Kelli Grant, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the daughter of Wayne and Melissa Grant. Kelli is a member of Hephzibah Baptist Church where she also participated in MERGE, the Bible Reading Marathon and the canned food drive. She is an A honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society, Calculus Club, Beta Club, Spanish Club, Excel Club (secretary), FCA, Twilighter Service Club (pledge captain) and Dugout Dolls. She was the Miss Heart of the USA Essay Winner, an Alabama Early College Scholarship Recipient and received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Kelli was a member of the AISA state championship cheerleading squad and was named an AISA All Star and a UCA All-American. She also played softball. She was an intern with the Pike County Economic Development Corp. internship program and has volunteered with Sav-a-Life, Special Olympics and the One Nation Under God Breakfast. She plans to attend the University of Alabama.

Adam Grice, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the son of Steve and Angie Grice. Adam is a member of Park Memorial Methodist Church, where he has been active with the youth group, MERGE, Discovery Weekend, Operation Christmas Child and as a Vacation Bible School rec leader. He is ranked third in his class and serves as SGA president. A dual enrollment student, Adam was selected for the Capstone Leadership Academy, the Alabama Governors School, the SAEC Youth Tour and as a PRAISE Scholarship nominee. He is active in the National Honor Society, Scholars Bowl team, Spanish Club, FCA, FCS, Excel Club, Government Club and as a Twilighter Big Brother. He was captain of the football team and selected as an AISA All Star, the WSFA Star of the Week and the Best Running Back. He was tapped for the all-tournament team in basketball and also played baseball for PLAS. His community activities include Special Olympics, Symphonic Band, Veterans Day Mission, Turkeys from Heaven, Appalachian Service Project and the PLAS Deer Hunt. He plans to attend the University of Alabama.

Chelsey Holland, a Pike County High School senior and the daughter of Gerald and Crystal Holland. Chelsey is a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where she is active in the choir, as an usher, a kitchen volunteer, the church program committee and as a speaker at the Women’s Empowerment Seminar. She is the valedictorian of her class and has served as both senior and junior class president. She was SGA vice president her junior year. A member of the Business and Finance Academy, Chelsey placed on the Enterprise State Community College President’s List and earned an associate’s degree while in high school. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, FBLA, Art Club, 4-H (state ambassador and county council), Spanish Club (communications director) and worked as an intern at First National Bank. She was a cheerleader for three years. She is the organizer and founder of the Runway for Hope fundraiser for Children’s Hospital and has received the Ronald Reagan Community Service Award, the Prudential Spirit of Community Service Award and the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship. She also has volunteered with the Junior Red Cross, Special Olympics and After-School Tutoring programs. She plans to attend Auburn University.

Carmen Kelly, a senior at Goshen High School and the daughter of Jim and Kelly Kelly. Carmen is a member of Hephzibah Baptist Church, where she has served as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, co-leader for the Out of Darkness Walk and a MERGE participant. She is the senior class and SGA secretary, an honor roll student in the Top 10 of her class. She has been active in the Key Club and yearbook staff and as a library aide. She earned Super 12 honorable mention honors as member of the volleyball team; All State honorable mention as a member of the softball team; and UCA All American honors as a cheerleader. She has been involved in many community projects. She plans to attend Troy University.

Jerrell Lawson, a Pike County High School senior and the son of Jerry Lawson and Gwen Lampley. Jerrell is a member of County Line Missionary Baptist Church, where he is active with the youth group, youth outreach program, youth choir, Sons of Allen and as an usher. A member of the Business and Finance Academy, Jerrell will graduate with an associate’s degree from Enterprise State Community College. He is among the top 5 percent of his graduating class and is a member of the Capstone Leadership Academy, the National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, the National Technical Honor Society, the FBLA and the Math Team. He was tapped for the HOBY Leadership Program, and received both the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Award and the Ronald McDonald Scholar award. He was named All State, All Area and Super 12 in football and helped lead the basketball team to the final four. He was also named to the All Area and Super 12 teams in basketball. He was named All Area in baseball and was a member of the track team. He has been involved in numerous community projects. Jerrell will attend the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga on a football scholarship.

Eric Lee, a senior at Charles Henderson High School and the son of Danny and Dianna Lee. Eric is a member of Park Memorial Methodist Church where he has been active in the youth group and volunteers with Vacation Bible School and the Senior Dinner. He is in the Top 20 Percent of his graduating class and was voted class favorite. He was a Trojan Ambassador and active in the yearbook staff, National Honor Society, Interact, Spanish Club, Model United Nations and as a Twilighter Club Big Brother. He was a member of the 2014 state championship baseball team and served on the baseball leadership council. His community activities include volunteering with the Miracle Field, Special Olympics and Rec Department. He plans to attend Troy University,

Hayes Lee, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the son of Bo and Natalie Lankford. Hayes is a member of Park Memorial Methodist Church, where he participated in MERGE, the youth group, the Motion Retreat, the Costa Rica Mission Trip, Vacation Bible School, the Christmas Ham Delivery, Operation Christmas Child, the Men’s Breakfast and as a young adult dinner volunteer. He is valedictorian of his class and served as the SGA vice president and the senior class treasurer. Hayes received the 2016 PRAISE Award for the highest ACT score in Pike County and was a dual enrollment student, earning Chancellors List honors at Troy University. He was the District Math Tournament High Scorer, an Auburn Engineering Camp Scholar and a member of the Calculus Club (president), Excel Club (president), Spanish Club (junior year president), FCA and Math Team. He was a library aide and a Twilighter Club Big Brother and participated in the AISA State SGA Workshop. He was captain of the football team, was named to the All Tournament Team for basketball and was named the Jonah McWaters Tourney MVP in baseball. He also provided the invocations for football and basketball. His volunteer work includes Samaritan’s Purse, Boys and Girls Club, Troy Health and Rehab, Salvation Army, Pike Pioneer Museum, Special Olympics, Miracle League and Child Abuse Prevention efforts. He plans to attend Auburn University.

Lindsay Lee, a Charles Henderson High School senior and the daughter of Danny and Dianna Lee. Lindsay is a member of Park Memorial Methodist Church, where she was active in the youth group, the Youth Beach Project, MERGE, Vacation Bible School and Passion and volunteered with the nursery and senior dinner. She will graduate in the Top 10 of her class and was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Drama Club, FBLA, yearbook staff and 21 Club (president). She was a Pike County Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassador. She was a member of the CHHS golf team, advancing to sections and sub-state. Her community volunteer work includes Miracle Field, Drama Department stage manager, Suicide Prevention, Humane Society, the TB&T Kids Club. She will attend the University of Mobile on a golf scholarship.

Laken Maulden, a Pike County High School senior and the daughter of Cary and Vanessa Maulden. She is a member of Zion Chapel Baptist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church and is active with youth group, drama group, Vacation Bible School, children’s church, choir, teacher and Wednesday night group leader. A member of the Business and Finance Academy, she earned an associate’s degree from Enterprise State Community College and was named to Phi Theta Kappa and the Dean’s and President’s Lists. She will graduate in the top 4 percent of her class and is a Wendy’s Heisman School Winner. Laken was junior class president, an SGA rep, FBLA president, a Bulldog Ambassador, an AHSLF delegate, a member of the Math Team, Spanish Club, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, as well as a Junior Ambassador. She served as captain of the volleyball and cheerleader teams and was named a softball All Area runner-up for three years. She volunteers with Special Olympics, Salvation Army, Miracle League, Turkeys From Heaven, the Library, Adopt-a-Family, Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan’s Purse. She will attend Springhill College on a softball scholarship.

Mary Pettway, a Goshen High School senior and the daughter of Tijuana Knight. She attends the Vine Church where she is active in the youth choir, the Easter program and First Sunday. She is a majorette, equestrian rider and A honor roll student. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, FFA (secretary) and Spanish Club. She earned the Equine AET-1 Badge, Chapter FFA Degree and Greenhand Degree. She was a member of the basketball team. Her community activities include Farm Day, Pike County Young Farmers, Toys for Tots and various community fundraisers. She plans to attend Troy University.

Carter Ray, a Charles Henderson High School senior and the son of Richard and Pam Ray. Carter attends Banks Baptist Church where he is active with the youth group, Camp Troy and Operation Christmas Child. He was vice president of the senior class, president of the National Honor Society, president of Interact, advertising coordinator for the yearbook staff, and recipient of the Trojan Pride Award and the Most School Spirit Award. Carter served as a Senate Page and a Trojan Ambassador. He was also active in the Art Guild, Spanish Club, Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta. He played on the golf team for six years. His community volunteer activities included blood drives, Troy Health and Rehab, Salvation Army, Troy Regional Medical Center, City of Troy Grounds Department and a 5K Run organizer. He plans to attend Troy University.

Carter Senn, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the daughter of Jason and Sheree Senn. Carter is a member of The Vine Church, where she teaches in the children’s ministry and is active with the small groups, Kinect, Serve Day and Girls Gone Godly. She serves as senior class treasurer and is a dual enrollment student at Troy University. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Calculus Club, Math Team, SAEC Youth Tour, Spanish Club, Excel Club (treasurer), Twilighters (vice president), Robotics Club, Dugout Dolls and Bankers to Leaders. She is on the All-A Honor Roll and serves as senior class treasurer. Carter is a member of the AISA State Champion and UCA Camp Champion cheerleading squad and is an AISA All Star and UCA All American. She cheers with Xtreme Athletics and her squad has twice been named Grand Champions. She was crowned Miss Brundidge, served as a junior homecoming attendant and a Distinguished Young Women little sister. She volunteers with Special Olympics and Sav-a-Life. She plans to attend Auburn University.

Bailey Singleton, a Goshen High School senior and the son of Misty and Greg Bryan and Keith and Kristen Singleton. Bailey attends Goshen Baptist Church, serving on the Georgia Mission Trip, as a helper with Ultimate Reality, as a VBS outreach leader and assisting with Operation Christmas Child and the Youth Judgment House. He is a dual enrollment honor roll student and a member of the Agrisicence  Academy. He earned a Beef Cattle Assurance Certification, a Greenhand Degree and an FFA Degree. He was named to the HOBY Leadership program. He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, FFA (treasurer), 4-H (reporter) and FBLA. He has played baseball for six years. He volunteers with the Feeding Children Everywhere Service Project, Town of Goshen and Trailing in the Faith. He plans to attend Troy University and Auburn University.

Elaina Strother, a Pike Liberal Arts School senior and the daughter of Hank and Maria Strother. Elaina is a member of Brundidge United Methodist Church, where she volunteered with the Costa Rica Mission Trip and served as a Mission Program presenter. She is active in MERGE, the youth group, VBS and as a nursery volunteer. She received the 2016 DAR Good Citizens Award, the Algebra II Award, first place in the science fair and was named a Student of the Month. She was a senior homecoming attendant, a library aide, a Dugout Doll and a member of Excel (board member), Spanish Club, SGA, FCA, Journalism Club (sports reporter), Twilighters (treasurer) and the Pep Club. She is a member of the AISA State Champion cheerleading squad, where she served as chaplain and received the Lauren Austin Award. She was named an AISA All Star and a UCA All American. She provided invocation for the softball team and was named the most improved player. Her volunteer projects in the community include Red Ribbon Week, Children’s Hospital Toy Drive, Salvation Army, Troy Health and Rehab, Samaritan’s Purse and Special Olympics. She plans to attend Auburn University.

Shelby Styron, a Goshen High School senior and the son of Kenny and Floyce Styron. Shelby attends Troy Church where he is active in the Team Effort Mission Trips, youth group and Operation Christmas Child. He is valedictorian of his class, a PRAISE Scholarship Nominee, and a member of the National Honor Society, Math Team, FCA, Drama Club, Scholars Bowl and Key Club. He received the highest average awards for math, history, English and science and the Perfect Attendance Award. He was named All State in football, captain of the basketball team and received the Brian Stroud Award in baseball. He also was named a Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete. His community volunteer projects include Salvation Army, soup kitchen, highway cleanup and yard work for the elderly. He plans to attend Troy University.

Elizabeth Watson, a Charles Henderson High School senior and the daughter of Kevin and Wendy Watson. Elizabeth is a member of Southside Baptist Church where she is active in the youth group and serves as a nursery volunteer, VBS volunteer and with Outdoors With Friends. She is the SGA treasurer and an honor roll student at CHHS. She serves as layout editor of the yearbook and is active in the Key Club, Interact, FBLA, Art Guild, Spanish Club, Diamond Dolls and FCA. She served as captain of both the volleyball and soccer teams. Her community volunteer projects include Red Cross Blood Drive organizer and various other projects. She plans to attend Troy University.