BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
AWARD PHOTOS BY CHRIETZBURG PHOTOGRAPHY
Morgan McKinlee Causey, of Wetumpka High School, and Carson Michael Peevy, of Edgewood Academy, are the Overall winners from the 2021 Joe Sewell Memorial Award Scholarship Banquet held Tuesday evening at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
In the graphic is a list of all winners from Tuesday night’s event. Keynote speaker was Brodie Croyle.
The Joe Sewell Memorial Award
Information credited to Joesewellaward.com
This award is named after one of Elmore County’s professional athletes who displayed leadership and Christian character both on the fi eld and in his home community of Titus, Joe Sewell. Sewell still owns two of Major League Baseball’s records for the single season fewest strikeouts in both 1930 and 1932 as well as the lifetime record of fewest strikeouts during his 14-year career. While he excelled on the field, Sewell was known as a quiet man of character and conviction who gave back to his community as often as he could.
The purpose of the Joe Sewell Memorial Award is to recognize outstanding high school senior athletes who have consistently represented the highest ideals of Christian leadership and emulate the character of Joe Sewell. Each participating high school nominates up to four senior students for this award. The Joe Sewell Memorial Award Board of Directors names Finalists from that list of nominees. Students are then evaluated on the criteria of excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and church, community, and character, as well as a panel interview conducted by the Board. One male and one female are selected as the overall Joe Sewell Memorial Award recipients. Each of those students receives a $3,000 John Sewell Scholarship. One male and one female are also selected at the Category Winners for each of the four categories listed above, and each is awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The Joe Sewell Memorial Award Board of Directors also names 9th Grade Certificate Winners who exemplify the same criteria as the seniors to encourage these youth to continue to excel. High schools are invited to nominate up to four freshmen who are then evaluated by the board prior to being named a Certificate Winner. Many of our 9th Grade Certificate Winners return as Senior Finalists.
John Sewell Scholarship
John Sewell was a cousin of Joe Sewell who was dedicated to the game of baseball and making a positive influence on young people. After a successful business career, John spent almost all of his available time working with young people. He admitted his greatest weakness in life by saying, “I just can’t say no to a kid that wants to play ball. I’ll do anything to help him.” In 2000, John went on a mission to find his cousin’s famous bat. When it was found in Birmingham, John had the opportunity to hold it and make the connection to his famous cousin from years past. John continued to coach and be a part of youth baseball until his death in 2003. He was a resident of Coosada, and his wife Billie serves with the Board of Directors.
The John Sewell Scholarships presented to students each year are fully funded by donations from local businesses and individuals who want to encourage excellence in Elmore County students and support the furtherance of their education. The scholarships for students would not be possible without these sponsors’ participation each year – for their generosity, we are truly grateful.
