A member of Nick Saban’s first recruiting class after he accepted the job at the University of Alabama will speak at the Dallas Wilcox Bama Club annual spring scholarship banquet Monday, May 18 at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

Former Alabama wide receiver Brandon Gibson, who was a member of the Crimson Tide’s 2009 and 2011 national championship teams, will speak at the banquet, but he won’t be the only star of the evening. Seven high school seniors will also be awarded Dallas Wilcox Bama Club scholarships to use during their first year at the University of Alabama.

Morgan Academy’s Stanhope Frasier, Margaret Jackson, Wade Mahan, Ann Smith Reeves and Mary Logan Kelley are among the seven students being awarded scholarships that night. The other two are Wilcox Academy’s Grace Shirah and Amber Jackson from the Alabama School of Math and Science.

Each student must meet three criteria — grades, extracurricular activities and requirements for application — to receive a scholarship and are also asked to write an essay on why they should receive financial assistance from the Bama Club.

The club’s main objective is to assist students that aren’t already receiving scholarship assistance from the university. If extra scholarship funding is available, the club does also award scholarships to students that are already receiving some scholarship assistance, said club president Ronnie Leet.

All Bama fans are welcome to attend, but advanced reservation is required by May 13. The cost is $25 per person for Bama Club members and $35 per person for non-Bama Club members. The banquest starts at 6:15 p.m.

The cost includes dinner, door prizes, the opportunity to purchase new Alabama merchandise that includes Mal Moore’s autobiography and a chance to hear the night’s featured speaker, Gibson, who is expected to have a lot to talk about.

Gibson won a handful of awards during his time with the Crimson Tide. He received the 2011 Charlie Compton Award, which recognizes Christian Leaders, was named the 2011 Special Teams Player of the Year and the Jerry Duncan “I Like to Practice Award.”

He also caught a touchdown pass against Mississippi that helped the undefeated Crimson Tide put away the Rebels during their national championship season.

Anyone wanting to attend is asked to R.S.V.P by May 13 with cash or check to Dallas Wilcox Bama Club, P.O. Box 2395, Selma, AL 36702. For more information on the meeting, contact Leet at 875-2672.