Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The YMCA – FCA Christian Leadership Banquet was held Monday night at the First United Methodist Church in Prattville. The banquet promotes the mission of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the YMCA to impact students for Jesus Christ and to provide community-based programs based on Christian principles.
Prattville Girls’ Basketball Coach Erica DuBois won the Otis Reeves Outstanding Coaches Award. The award is presented to a coach that has exemplified a lifelong commitment to youth sports and impacting young people in the community. DuBois has developed the Prattville’s girls’ basketball program into a perennial contender in the highest classification in the state. She led the Lions to the Class 7A Final Four twice and most recently led the Lady Lions to a Regional Tournament berth.
Marion Lewis was selected as the 2026 T.O. McDowell Christian Leadership Award winner. Lewis is a senior at Prattville Christian Academy and is involved in SGA, DECA, Model United Nations, FCA, Junior Civitan, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Spanish Honor Society, Ambassadors, Leadership Academy, and FBLA.
Each Autauga County school selects up to five students for the YMCA-FCA Christian Leadership Circle Award, and these individuals were recognized at the banquet.
Autauga Academy winners were Aubrey Carter, Logan Dunaway, Ford Hallman, Kameron Seamon, and Westin Ware.
Billingsley High School winners were Shelby Boice, Franklin “Trent” Cobern, Avry Coburn, Lane Plott, and Cam Sheppard.
Marbury High School winners were Marrell Hollon, James Ninesling, Jacob Rawlinson, Kaidence Seamon, and Shay Sheridan.
Prattville Christian Academy winners were Jack Diefenderfer, James Little, Brysen Pugh, Tillman Simpson, and Aiden Williams.
Prattville High School winners were Tucker Edfelt, Dorsett Jackson, Jake McConnell, KeLeigh Mullens, and Lanieya Page.
Finally, each Autauga County school chooses one YMCA-FCA Christian Leadership winner, and those individuals were recognized and given a plaque, with one overall winner earning the Willis Bradford Christian Leadership Award.
Autauga Academy: McKinley Hester is a senior at Autauga Academy and has been a member of the varsity cheer team for four years, serving as team captain and earning All-American honors. Hester has a 3.89 GPA and plans to attend Central Alabama Community College to complete her basics before transferring to Trenholm State Community College to pursue a degree in sonography. She hopes to use her career to serve others in the healthcare field.
Billingsley High School: Alana Jones is a senior at Billingsley High School and a standout multi-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross country, and flag football. Throughout her high school career, she has earned numerous honors including All-State selections, team captain roles, and recognition for her performance across multiple sports. She has also set school records in volleyball and achieved over 1,000 career points in basketball, demonstrating both versatility and excellence in athletics.
In the classroom, Jones excels academically, maintaining a 4.13 GPA while completing dual enrollment coursework. She plans to attend Coastal Alabama Community College, where she will continue her volleyball career while pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy
Marbury High School: Ava Larkin is a senior at Marbury High School and serves as a captain of the girls’ cross country team. She excels in the classroom with a 4.3 GPA and has been accepted into the Honors College at the University of Alabama, where she plans to pursue a degree in biology.
Larkin is the President of the Student Government Association, President of Student 2 Student, and Vice President of Beta Club. She is also actively involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, and National Honor Society. She plans to attend the University of Alabama.
Prattville High School: Aiden Urnis is a senior at Prattville High School and a standout member of the varsity baseball team, where he has played for four years as a shortstop. Urnis has a 3.8 GPA and was an AHSAA All Star Selection. He is actively involved at East Memorial First Baptist Church, where he serves through Vacation Bible School and participates in Operation Christmas Child.
Urnis plans to continue his academic and athletic career at Mississippi Gulf Coast, where he will play baseball and further his education.
The 2026 YMCA Willis Bradford Christian Leadership Award was given to Baylee Rogers from Prattville Christian Academy.
Rogers is a senior at Prattville Christian Academy and an exceptional multi-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. A four-year team captain in volleyball, Baylee has distinguished herself as one of the top athletes in the state, earning numerous honors including AHSAA All-State selections, Player of the Year recognitions, and leading her team to multiple state championships.
At PCA, she founded the school’s Serve Team, creating opportunities for students to live out their faith through service. She is actively involved in FCA, National Honor Society, and student leadership, and has led chapel and devotionals for her peers. In her community and church, Rogers participates in mission work both locally and internationally, including service trips to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and an upcoming mission in Kenya.
Rogers plans to attend the University of Mobile, where she will play volleyball and pursue a degree in Christian ministry, with the goal of becoming a missionary.
