The Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club held its annual banquet Tuesday night at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

The chapter of The University of Alabama National Alumni Association awarded 11 one-year, $2,700 scholarships to students who will attend UA this fall.

The Bama Club awarded a total of $30,000 from the 11 endowments setup for the scholarships.

“We’re here to help kids in their freshman year and see them prosper,” Bama Club president Ronnie Leet said.

The recipents were Ronia Gorden (Selma High), Tanita Harris (Amelia L. Johnson High), Lillian Youngblood (Morgan Academy), Mary Margaret Beers (Morgan Academy), Ellie Adams (Morgan Academy), Hardin Utsey (Morgan Academy), Preston McGee (Dallas County High, Hunter Towns (Dallas County High), Rachel Knight (Thomasville High) and Shakira Scott (Wilcox Central). Knight and Scott were unable to attend.

Tuesday’s primary speaker was Dr. Charles Karr, the dean of the College of Engineering at UA. Karr advised the scholarship recipients to work hard and stay focused

“This is always a great time for the young people,” Karr said. “They’re excited about coming to UA. They’ll  come to UA a certain person and leave a certain person.”

UA Student Government Association President Harrison Adams, a former Morgan Academy valedictorian, spoke.

“I was in the same boat as them three years ago when I received a scholarship,” Adams said.  “You don’t know what to expect. It’ll be the best time of their lives. They will make a lot of memories.”