By Carmen Rodgers

Elmore Autauga News

The 2025 Joe Sewell Scholarship Award recipients were announced last night at the Wetumpka Civic Center.

This year, Kayden Elizabeth Edwards from Elmore County High School and Colby Gantt Beyer from Stanhope Elmore High School earned the two top spots. Edwards received the Girl’s Overall Award, and Beyer received the Boy’s Overall Award.

Each year, one male and one female senior from an Elmore County high school are chosen for the Joe Sewell Memorial Award. Each winner will receive a John Sewell Scholarship for $3500.

Category winners are also selected for academics, athletics, leadership, church, community, and character. Each category winner receives a $1500 scholarship.

Clenangelo Sharvis Peake Jr., Wetumpka High School, received the Boy’s Leadership Award. Zoie Jalese O’Neal Holmes, Stanhope Elmore High School, received the Girl’s Leadership Award.

Tyler Colt Wesson, Holtville High School, received the Boy’s Academic Award. Johnna Beth Sims, Wetumpka High School, received the Girl’s Academic Award.

Ethan Edward Pruitt, Holtville High School, received the Boy’s Church, Community, and Character Award. Victoria Christine Bullock, Holtville High School, received the Girl’s Church, Community, and Character Award.

Harold Jackson Stallworth, Stanhope Elmore High School, received the Boy’s Athletic Award. Lily Monroe Davenport, Wetumpka High School, received the Girl’s Athletic Award.

The Joe Sewell Memorial Award is a special honor given to high school seniors in the River Region who show strong character, leadership, and honesty. It’s the only award program in the area that not only recognizes these students but also gives them money to help pay for college.

Both the top winners and category winners receive scholarships.

The award is named after Joe Sewell, a man known for his faith, service, and love for helping young people. This program keeps his memory alive by encouraging and supporting future leaders.

Sewell grew up in Titus. He went on to have a very successful career in Major League Baseball from 1920 to 1933. In 1977, Sewell was added to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He still holds two major league records, including the fewest strikeouts in a career—only 114 times in over 7,000 at-bats.

Sewell was known for more than just his natural talent for sports; his strong character and leadership are at the roots of this award.

The top scholarships are named after his cousin, John Sewell, who also loved sports and spent his time coaching and helping kids. Both men made a lasting impact in Elmore County and set an example that others can follow.

For more information about the Joe Sewell Awards, visit https://joesewellaward.com/.