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Each year, the Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club honors a group of high-performing students from across Dallas and Wilcox county with a scholarship to the University of Alabama.

“It can be financially challenging for students and their parents as they get started during that first semester,” said Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club President Ronnie Leet. “It’s important to us to provide financial assistance to qualified students and help them begin their college careers.

According to Leet, providing financial assistance to local students attending the university is the goal of the Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club.

Leet said the club, made up of University of Alabama Alumni, have been awarding scholarships to Tuscaloosa-bound area students since 1987.

The winning scholars are typically recognized at a banquet, but due to COVID-19, Leet said that wasn’t possible this year.

This year, six students were selected, representing four high schools across Dallas and Wilcox County, and awarded $7,000 scholarships.

Averee Adams, Abigail Bohannon and Tyler Elliott were all chosen from Morgan Academy.

Adams, daughter of Britt and Lauren Adams, finished Morgan Academy with a 3.45 GPA and is undecided what she’ll study at the University of Alabama this fall.

Bohannon, daughter of Sean and Dana Bohannon, finished with a 3.82 GPA and plans to study communicative disorders and psychology.

Elliott, son of Laura Johns and Frank Elliott finished Morgan Academy with a 3.29 GPA and plans to study history.

Caroline Bradford was chosen from Wilcox Academy. Bradford, daughter of Stan and Pam Bradford, finished at Wilcox Academy with a 3.36 GPA and plans to study childhood special education.

Landon Osburn was chosen from Dallas County High School. Osburn, son of Kenneth and Cindy Osburn, finished at Dallas County High School with a 3.7 GPA and plans to study nursing.

Christian Strong chosen from Selma High School. Strong, son of Shasta Johnson, finished Selma High with a 3.95 GPA and plans to study electrical engineering.

Leet said students are chosen based upon the criteria established by the University of Alabama Alumni Association.

“It’s really all about the students’ performance,” he said. “Their grades, test scores and extracurricular involvement both inside and outside of school.”

Leet said this year’s Bama Club scholars were and excellent group and that students awarded the scholarships always show promise.

“Every year we’re amazed by what these students accomplish both while they’re in high school and at the University of Alabama,” he said. “We’re really proud of how hard they’ve worked and we know they’ll go on to become wonderful representatives of Dallas and Wilcox Counties.”

Leet attributed the Bama Club’s Endowment Scholarship, its members and its annual season ticket raffle to its success.

While COVID-19 has made the possibility of a 2020 football season uncertain, Leet said he still hopes the Bama Club will offer their support.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club, call Leet at (334) 875-2672