By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
Top Photo: Morgan Causey and her family at the Elmore County Commission Meeting Monday.
The overall male and female winners for the annual Joe Sewell Award were recognized at the Monday Elmore County Commission meeting.
The awards were presented back in May and are named after one of Elmore County’s professional athletes who displayed leadership and Christian character both on the field and in his home community. Sewell played Major League Baseball for 14 years.
This year, the male overall winner was Carson Peevy, Senior at Edgewood Academy. Peevy served as a captain for his football team, and was involved in community projects throughout his years at EA.
Peevy will attend the University of Alabama in the Fall.
“Carson is exceptional in the classroom and on the football field,” said Troy Stubbs, Commission Chairman. “I attended several of their games this year, and I heard the name Peevy called quite a bit,” Stubbs laughed.
The female overall winner was Morgan Causey. 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 participated in the javelin section of the 2021 AHSAA State Track Championships, winning the state title. She was also elected valedictorian of the 2020-2021 WHS senior class. She will attend LSU in the Fall, studying criminology and law.
“Her accomplishments are long, both in and out of classroom,” said Stubbs. “It’s important to note, for both of the students, that the Joe Sewell Award is not just for your senior year. It’s a progression where they’re both recognized throughout their high school careers. I thank both of these students for their commitment to their school, and we wish them the best moving forward.”
Richard Burleson, Junior at Holtville High School, was also in attendance to seek approval for his upcoming Eagle Scout project. The project, which was ultimately approved, will see a flagpole erected at the Elmore County Health Department.
Burleson, member of Troop 185 in Slapout, says that his time in the Scouts has greatly impacted his life.
“I used to be very shy. Being a part of the Boy Scouts has made me more social and taught me about life skills. If I’m going to be a part of the boy scouts, why not follow through and make it all the way to Eagle Scout. I just want to be the best that I can,” Burleson said.
Burleson also scored a perfect 36 on his ACT this past year.
“It’s a great attitude to have. If you’re going do it, you may as well be the best at it,” Stubbs said. “The level of achievement that you [Burleson] have had in the scouts and in the classroom is incredible.”
