The Troy Exchange Club announced this week the nominees for the 34th Annual J.O. Tip Colley Award, which will be presented on May 19.

The award is presented annually to a senior student-athlete in Pike County in honor of the late Dr. J.O. “Tip” Colley and goes to both male and female students that embody what the Troy Exchange Club emphasizes that Colley stood for: faith, academic, athletics and community.  

Colley was a star athlete at Troy High School and went on to earn a football scholarship at Howard University. Colley was a part of a Howard team that played in the very first game inside of legendary Legion Field in Birmingham. Colley was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa national honor society and went on to attend the University of Alabama’s medical school. He would receive his M.D. from Tulane University before doing post-graduate work at the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, La., and Columbia University in New York.  

Colley returned to Troy in 1935 and practiced with Dr. O.N. Edge before setting up his own practice. In 1937, Colley was appointed college physician by Troy State Teachers College, which would go on to be known later as Troy University. He was also school physician at his alma mater, Troy High School (now Charles Henderson High), for 40 years and 10 more years at Pike Liberal Arts School. A wing of Alumni Hall at Troy University is named in his honor.  

Colley and fellow physician Dr. William Stewart purchased Beard’s Hospital in the 1940s and ran it as a general hospital until the opening of Edge Memorial Hospital, now known as Troy Regional Medical Center. He and his brother, Dr. Jesse Hall Colley, would later found the Pike Manor Nursing Home.  

Colley’s many accomplishments include being a member of the International College of Surgeons and the Southeastern Surgical Congress, along with serving as deacon of First Baptist Church in Troy, director of First Alabama Bank and as a board member on the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. In 1985, he was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. 

Colley and his wife of nearly 60 years, Lummie Colley, had five children, two of which went on to enter the medical field, as well. The Colley family is still very involved with the Tip Colley Award. The award was originally founded by the Troy Civitan Club, in Colley’s honor, before the Troy Exchange Club took it over.  

“We think it is one of our premier projects that we do every year,” Troy Exchange Club member Jerry Miller previously said. “We’re biased but we think this award is the premier award given out in the county to our youth. The way we’ve been able to pull the banquet together and to get community support and increase these cash scholarships, we think it’s a premier award just to be nominated.”  

A total of 27 students from New Life Christian Academy, Charles Henderson High, Pike Liberal Arts, Pike County High and Goshen High were nominated for the awards this year. Of those 27, one male and one female winner will be selected with both receiving $1,500 cash scholarships. A male and female runner-up will also be selected and they will receive $500 awards. A male and female third place recipient will also be selected and they will receive $250 awards.  

All 27 nominees will be recognized at the 34th Annual J.O. Tip Colley Award Banquet at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Building in Troy at 6:30 p.m. on May 19. Troy University football coach Gerad Parker will be this year’s guest speaker.  

This year’s nominees are listed below. 

 

Szemerick Andrews 

Andrews is a senior at Goshen High School. He is the son of Markeishia Bell. The family attends Rockdale Missionary Baptist Church, where Andrews is a member of the youth group, VBS, clean-up projects and is a Sunday School assistant.  

Andrews is a member of the Goshen football, basketball and track teams. He earned All-Messenger in football. 

Academically, Andrews is a recipient of the Brian Stroud Memorial Award and takes part in a number of community projects.  

Andrews will attend Enterprise State Community College. 

 

Addison Armstrong 

Armstrong is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Neal and Michelle Armstrong. The family attends St. Mark’s Episcopal and Troy First Methodist Church where she is in a youth group, VBS, Acolyte, Disciple Now Eucharistic Read and assists in the food pantry. 

Athletically, Armstrong is a member of the Charles Henderson cheer squad where she helped the team earn a bronze finish at nationals. She was a UCA All-American and won the Coaches Award. Armstrong is also a member of the CHHS girls soccer and flag football teams, helping her team make the playoffs in both sports.

Academically, Armstrong is a member of the National Honor’s Society, National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta President, Beta Club, Advanced Placement and Junior Ambassador. She is also the Interact Club President and is a member of HOSA, FCA and Diamond Dolls. 

Armstrong volunteers in the community at the Pioneer Museum, Operation Xmas Child, Salvation Army, Team Up To Clean Up, Turkeys from Heaven, Troy Miracle League and Hurricane Clean-Up. 

Armstrong will attend Troy University. 

Alissa Barron 

Alissa Barron is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Steve and Missy Barron. She attends the Church of the Highlands, where she is a member of the youth group and community service projects. 

She is the captain on both the Pike volleyball and softball teams. She earned All-Messenger honors in softball last season along with the Golden Arm Award. She was also The Messenger’s Female Athlete of the Week multiple times and played on a Dixie State Champion team. 

Alissa Barron is a member of the National Honors Society, Senior Class Vice-President and is a dual-enrollment student. She is also the Interact Club President and a member of the FCA, Chapel Team, 21-One Club secretary, Pep Club and Ducks Unlimited. She was Pike’s Homecoming Queen.

Alissa Barron has dedicated more than 200 hours of community service with the Miracle League, Salvation Army, Operation Xmas Child, Toys for Tots, First Responders Breakfast and was a rec league coach. 

Alissa Barron will attend Auburn University. 

 

Luke Barron 

Luke Barron is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. He is the son of Steve and Missy Barron. He attends First Baptist of Troy, where he is a member of the youth group and community service projects.

Luke Barron is a Captain of the Pike Lib baseball team. He earned AHSAA North/South All-Star honors last season along with All-Messenger and All-State honors. He also won the Cy Young Award and Silver Slugger Award with Pike and was a member of the AISA State Championship team in 2022. 

Luke Barron is a member of the National Honors Society and is Senior Class President. He’s also a member of Calculus Club, Boy’s State, Junior Ambassadors, FCA, Spanish Club, Kennel Club, Interact Club, Excel Club, Ducks Unlimited and NWTF. He was also a student athletic trainer. 

Luke Barron committed more than 260 hours of community service with the Salvation Army, Veterans and First Responders Breakfast, Troy Miracle League, nursing homes and youth camps. 

Luke Barron will attend the University of Mobile where he will play baseball. 

 

Dawson Bradford 

Bradford is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. He is the son of Melissa and David Bradford. The family attends Southside Baptist Church, where he is a youth group leader and member of Children’s Church, Choir, Drama, is an offering bearer, Men’s Ministry and Seminary Mission Lab. 

He is a member of the Pike football, basketball and baseball teams in which he was a team captain in each sport. He won the Butch Austin Award on the baseball team and was a member of state championship teams in both football and baseball in 2022. 

Bradford is the Pike Lib Valedictorian, National Honors Society Vice-President and Chaplain and Senior Class Chaplain. He’s also a member Junior Ambassadors, Boy’s State, Math Team, Science Fair, Calculus Club, Excel Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club, Government Club, FCA, Twilighter, Patriot Pals and was a part of the AISA State SGA Convention. Bradford was also on the Chancellor’s List as a part of dual enrollment and won the Pike County Outstanding Youth of the Year. 

Bradford dedicated 754 hours of community service with Operation XMas Child, Special Olympics, Miracle League, Turkeys from Heaven and the Veterans and First Responders Breakfast. 

Bradford will attend the University of Alabama. 

 

Kade Brookins

Brookins is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. He is the son of Adam and Kelli Brookins. The family attends Oak Grove Global Methodist Church, where he is a member of the youth group, Teen Sunday School and church outreach.

Brookins is a team captain on the football and baseball teams at Pike. Brookins earned All-Messenger honors in football as a senior. 

He is a member of the National Honors Society, SGA, Calculus Club, Excel Club and FCA. He also served the community with American Legion and multiple community projects. 

Brookins will attend Troy University. 

 

Cody Cross 

Cross is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. He is the son of Scott and Jennifer Cross. The family attends the Church of the Highlands, where he is a member of the youth group, Serve Day and a small study group. 

Cross is a member of the CHHS basketball team, earning All-Area honors and being named the CHHS Mr. Hustle Award and Defensive MVP. 

Cross is a member of the National Honors Society, in the Top 5 percent of his class and is a part of the Association of Christian Athletes. He is also a library aide. He served as a volunteer at Troy University and multiple community projects. 

Cross will attend Florida Coastal Prep, where he will play basketball. 

 

Abigail Ellerman 

Ellerman is a senior at Goshen High School. She is the daughter of Mallory Rhodes. The family attends First Baptist of Troy, where she is a member of the youth group and GA helper.

Ellerman is a cheerleader at GHS and a member of the softball, track and cross country teams. She qualified for the state meet in track. 

Ellerman is the National Honors Society secretary and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, Junior Ambassador and Phi Theta Kappa. She also was the chaplain for SGA, took part in dual enrollment, won the Brian Stroud Award, was the National Convention Secretary for FFA, Distinguished Young Woman runner-up and was the major of Battalion and Leadership Camp for Goshen JROTC. Ellerman also took part in multiple community projects.

Ellerman will attend Auburn University. 

 

Khalil Foster 

Foster is a senior at Pike County High School. He is the son of Anthony and Terra Foster. The family attends New Hope Independent Holy Church of God, where Foster is a youth group leader, prayer leader, member of the choir and takes part in Easter and Christmas programs. 

Foster was a member of the PCHS football, basketball and track teams. He was the All-Messenger Defensive Player of the Year in football and earned All-State honors along with being named team captain. He was also All-Messenger in basketball and team captain along with winning his team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award. He finished top five in the state in high jump, long jump and triple jump in track and field. 

Foster was a member of the National Honors Society, National Technical Honor Society and was the Citizenship Award recipient. He also took part in a number of community projects. 

Foster will play football at the University of Southern Mississippi. 

 

Gabrielle Gandy 

Gandy is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Gabriel Gandy and LaShonda Jackson. The family attends Greater Saint Paul AME, where she is a member of the youth group and choir. She is also an usher and is a Worship Leader and the secretary for the Young People’s Department.

Gandy is a member of the Charles Henderson cheerleading team. She is also a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Junior Ambassadors, HOSA, Tri-Omega and Alpha Kappa Alpha. She also was Miss Trojan Campus Beauty, is the Interact Club Vice-President and the Distinguished Young Woman Spirit Award recipient. 

She took part in the Enhance Our Environment initiative and volunteered with Salvation Army and Troy Elementary School along with being a peer helper.

Gandy will attend Troy University. 

 

Mackenzie Gregory 

Gregory is a senior at Pike County High School. She is the daughter of Rachel Gregory. The family attends Salem Baptist Church, where she is a member of the youth group, youth leader apprentice, VBS and church conferences. 

Gregory was a member of the PCHS cheerleading and volleyball squads. She was the captain of the volleyball team. She is also a member of the National Honors Society and Global Studies Academy. She volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club and Cleaning Supply Drive. 

Gregory will attend Troy University. 

Bennet Holmes 

Holmes is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Greston Holmes and Lisa Hartman. The family attends Church of the Highlands, where she is a part of the youth ministry, prison ministry and volunteers with Giving Hope and Serve Day.

She is a member of the CHHS volleyball team. She’s also the National Honors Society Treasurer, Mu Alpha Theta Vice-President, Senior Class Secretary, Beta Club Secretary and 21 Club President. Bennett is a member of Junior Ambassadors, South Alabama Electric Tour, Interact Club, HOSA and is a peer helper. She was also a football team manager and a Diamond Doll. She also won the Regional Resume Contest. 

Holmes volunteers with the Troy Miracle League, Turkeys from Heaven, First Responders Breakfast, Salvation Army and DHR Trunk or Treat. She is also a rec league coach. 

She will attend Troy University. 

 

Sameeria Isaac

Isaac is a senior at Pike County High School. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Desiree Isaac. The family attends Glory to Him Church, where Isaac is a member of the youth group and Children’s Church and is a caretaker. 

Isaac is a member of the PCHS volleyball and cheerleading teams. She is also a member of FBLA, National Honors Society, Business and Finance Academy and was the PowerSouth Youth Tour winner. She volunteered with multiple community projects. 

Isaac will attend Troy University. 

 

Kameron Johnson 

Johnson is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. He is the son of John Johnson and Barbara Shipman-Johnson. The family attends Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Church of the Highlands, where Johnson is a youth pastor and youth leader.

Johnson is a member of the CHHS football, baseball and track teams. He was a co-captain of the track team and won most improved on his team. 

Johnson is a member of Upward Bound and took part in AP chemistry and history along with earning his MSSC certification. He also volunteered with Miracle League, food drives, Montgomery Children’s Speciality Care and Bible Donations. 

Johnson is enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. 

 

Jada Jones

Jones is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Lee and Ramadanah Jones. The family attends Greater St. Paul AME, where she is a member of the Young People’s Division, Junior Usher Board, Youth Choir and is the communications secretary. 

She is a member of the CHHS football, track and flag football teams. She qualified for state in two events as a part of the track team and was named her team’s Best Field Athlete. She also earned All-Messenger in softball and was the team MVP. She was also team MVP in flag football. 

Jones is the CHHS salutatorian and is a member of the National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club, Junior Ambassadors, Trojan Ambassadors, Media Team and is an office adie. She was also a homecoming attendant and a peer helper along with being the school’s Chemistry Top Student. She was also SGA President and junior class treasurer. 

Jones served with Delta Youth Initiative, was a Distinguished Young Woman participant and volunteered at the John R. Lewis Leadership Conference. 

Jones will attend Xavier University of Louisiana, where she will play softball. 

 

Eavie Kate Lindsey 

Lindsey is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Duncan Lindsey. The family attends Southside Baptist Church where she is a member of the youth group, praise band, VBS and is a Christmas pianist.

Lindsey earned All-American honors with the CHHS cheer squad, also winning a Regional Championship and finishing third at nationals. She was also a member of the CHHS soccer and flag football teams. 

She is a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Cub, Yearbook Staff, Girls State, Interact Club and FCA. She is the 21 Club Vice-President, HOSA Vice-President and SGA Secretary. She was the first runner-up and fitness winner for Distinguished Young Women. 

Lindsey volunteered with Turkeys from Heaven, Miracle League, Salvation Army, Operation XMas Child and Short the Squirrel. 

Lindsey will attend Troy University. 

 

Marcell Newsome 

Newsome is a senior at Goshen High School. He is the son of Shanetta Newsome. The family attends Mount Pisgah Worship Center, where he is a member of the youth group and is a Bible study leader. 

Newsome is a member of the GHS football, basketball and track teams. He also volunteered with a number of community projects.

Newsome will attend Alabama State University. 

 

Cole Pugh

Pugh is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. He is the son of Dax and Holly Pugh. The family attends First Baptist of Troy, where he is a member of the youth group, Men’s ministry, VBS and is an usher and a greeter.

Pugh is a member of the CHHS baseball and golf teams. He is also a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, FFA, FCA and is the treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta. He also earned his welding certificate. 

Pugh volunteered with Miracle League, BCM, Yard Clean-Up and was a flag football coach. 

Pugh will attend Southern Union Community College. 

 

Joy Schwarte 

Schwarte is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Michael and Ying Schwarte. The family attends Church of the Highlands and St. Mark’s Episcopal. She is an Acolyte, VBS counselor, Small Group Leader and took part in the Summer Blast team and youth projects. 

She’s a member of both the Pike Lib basketball and softball teams. She is also a member of Excel Club, Chapel Team, National Honors Society, the South Alabama Electric Youth Tour and Washington Youth Tour. She is the Interact Club outreach officer and the SGA Chaplain. She was the high scorer at the AISA Math Competition and won the RotaryYouth Leadership Award. She was also the Distinguished Young Woman Winner and scholastics winner. 

 

Sydney Scott 

Scott is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Katie and Eric Scott. The family attends Park Memorial Global Methodist Church, where she is a member of the youth group and VBS.

Scott was a UCA All-American with the PLAS cheerleading team, helping the school to a National Championship, as well. She also played basketball in the ninth grade. 

Scott is a member of the National Honors Society, SGA, Girls State, Interact Club, Spanish Club, Excel Club, Twilighter Club and FCA. She also was a homecoming attendant and took part in the Auburn and Troy Leadership Conference. She was elected to the Girls State Board of Education and was the AISA State SGA Treasurer. 

Scott is the founder of Sav-A-Life with Syd and volunteered with Operation XMas Child, Miracle League, Toys for Tots and at Troy Health and Rehab.

Scott will attend Auburn University. 

 

Parks Snyder 

Snyder is a senior at Goshen High School. He is the son of Robin and Tracy Snyder. The family attends Little Oak Methodist Church, where he is a member of the youth group, is a Bible study leader and is an usher. 

Snyder is a member of the GHS baseball team and the FFA. He also was a Farm-City essay winner and takes part in dual enrollment. He also volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse and Operation XMas Child. 

Snyder will attend Troy University. 

 

Sarah Taylor 

Taylor is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Chase and Joanna Taylor. The family attends St. Mark’s Episcopal, where she was an Acolyte, Bible School Leader and member of VBS.

Taylor was an All-American on the CHHS cheer squad and helped her team win a regional championship and finish third overall in the country. She was also a member of the flag football and soccer teams. 

Taylor is the Valedictorian at CHHS along with being National Honors Society President, Mu Alpha Theta President and SGA Treasurer. She also was a regional winner of the Bryant-Jordan Scholar Award and is a member of the Beta Club, Interact Club, HOSA, FCA, 21 Club and National Career Technical Honor Society. 

Taylor volunteered with Turkeys from Heaven, Salvation Army, Miracle League, Operation XMas Child, TroyFest and Farm-City.
She will attend the University of Alabama. 

 

Joshua Terry 

Terry is a senior at Goshen High School. He is the son of OJ and Shaunta Terry. The family attends All Nations Pentecostal Church, where Terry is a youth group member and Sunday School teacher. 

Terry is a member of the football, basketball and track teams at GHS. He is a captain on the football team. He is also a member of National Honors Society, Spanish CLub, FBLA and was a superior cadet with the Goshen JROTC. He volunteered at the John R. Lewis Camp Promise Camp and JROTC Leadership Challenge. 

Terry will attend the University of Alabama. 

 

Chloe Thomas 

Thomas is a senior at New Life Christian Academy. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Yolanda Thomas. The family attends Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where Thomas is a member of the choir, youth group and fundraisers.

She is a member of the New Life basketball team and is the National Honors Society President, Beta Club President, SGA President and 4H President. She’s also a member of the Spanish Club, FBLA, Girl Scouts, Students Against Destructive Decisions, ACTS Honor Society, Girls State and Junior Ambassadors. She is also on the Provost List at Troy University as a part of dual enrollment. 

Thomas volunteered at the John Lewis Leadership Conference, Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Breakfast, Operation XMas Child and Salvation Army. 

Thomas will attend the University of Alabama. 

 

Pruitt Vaughan 

Vaughan is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. He is the son of Matthew and Amanda Vaughan. The family attends Southside Baptist Church, where he is a member of the Praise Team, youth group, Small Group study and missions. 

Vaughan is a captain on both the PLAS football and baseball teams. He earned Dothan Eagle Super 12 honorable mention in football and was twice named to the All-Messenger team in football. He also won The Messenger’s Athlete of the Week in both football and baseball during his high school career. 

Vaughan is a member of the Spanish Club, FCA, National Honors Society, HOBY Delegate and Calculus Club. He also volunteers with Operation XMas Child, Miracle League, PLAS fundraisers and the Veterans and First Responders Breakfast. 

Vaughan will attend Troy University. 

 

Michael Vaughn 

Vaughn is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. He is the son of Michael and Latasha Vaughn. The family attends New Life Christian, where he is a media specialist, youth leader of Impact and the Joseph Storehouse Ministry.

Vaughn is a team captain on the PLAS football team and also a member of the Pike Lib basketball, baseball and track teams. He is a member of the Spanish Club, Excel Club, Junior Ambassadors and Congress of Future Medical Leaders. Vaughn is the secretary for the National Honors Society, SGA President and was Vice-President for the AISA State SGA. 

Vaughn volunteered with Operation XMas Child, Canned Food Drive and volunteers at Dothan Hematology and Oncology. 

Vaughn will attend the University of Alabama. 

 

Allyn Wilson 

Wilson is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Daniel and McKenzie Wilson. The family attends Oak Grove Methodist Church, where she is a member of the youth group and is a Bible School teacher. She also volunteers with the Valentine Banquet and is a Nursing Home caroler. 

Wilson is the PLAS salutation and is a member of the PLAS cheerleading team. She was co-captain of the team and earned UCA All-American honors as PLAS won a National Championship and State Championship. 

Wilson is the National Honors Society Vice-President, SGA Scrapbook Editor, Twilighter President and Excel Club Vice-President. SHe is also a member of the Interact Club, Spanish Club, FCA, Calculus Club, Drama Club, Chapel Team and Government Club along with being named Farm-City Youth of the Year. 

Wilson volunteered with Operation XMas Child, Troy Miracle League, Troy Health and Rehab, Pike County Health Department and the food pantry. 

Wilson will attend Auburn University.