By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News
It’s always a special moment when the young leaders of our state and nation are recognized for their accomplishments.
That thought rang true at Tuesday’s Elmore County Commission meeting, as two Elmore County Students were recognized as Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Awards recipients.
The Scholar-Athlete Award honors high school seniors who are both superior athletes and outstanding students. Selection considerations include: scholastic standing, sport involvement, athletic honors, student leadership and civic/church leadership.
The two winners were first nominated by their school before a regional committee determined who went to the state level. Then, they were evaluated among their peers across the state, who likewise, are exceptional student-athletes.
This year, the Class 5A Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Award winner was Sam Barlet from Elmore County High School.
The 6A Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Award winner was Morgan Causey from Wetumpka High School.
Barlet is senior at Elmore County High School who excelled in track in field. He came in 11th place at the Alabama State Championship his sophomore year in the 110 m hurdles category and recorded the second fastest time in Elmore County school history.
Barlet plans to attend Vanderbilt University where he will major in cinema media arts and marketing.
Causey, a senior at Wetumpka High School, played volleyball, basketball, and track and field during her time with the Indians. She led the volleyball team to four consecutive titles with 206 kills and 84 blocks, and will participating in the javelin section of the AHSAA State Track Championships this weekend in Gulf Shores.
“It goes without saying that these are two of the best and brightest in Elmore County,” said Commission Chairman and District 3 Representative Troy Stubbs. “Not only do they excel in their respective athletic fields, but in the academic department as well. They’re not stopping now because they have many more things that they desire to accomplish, and I’m confident that they’ve been prepared very well in our school system for the challenges that they may face moving forward.”
Both students were extremely humble and acknowledged that none of their accomplishments would have been possible without a strong support system.
“I’d like to thank my entire family – my mom, dad, and grandparents. Without their love and support I wouldn’t be able to stand up here in front of you all today. I’m just so grateful for this opportunity,” Causey said.
Barlet echoed several of his peer’s thoughts.
“I don’t think my family has ever missed a single sporting event that I was involved in, so I want to thank them for being there every step of the way. I also want to thank my teachers and support staff for all the hard work that they do as well,” Barlet said.
Causey explained that she plans to pursue playing volleyball for LSU, while Barlet will solely focus on academics.
Both students achieved great success throughout their high school career and are, in the eyes of the commission, viewed as champions.
“We love champions in Elmore County, and we have numerous students who are achieving great success in many different areas – sometimes athletics, sometimes academics or extracurricular activities. It’s important to us to make sure that those students are recognized,” Stubbs said.
