Celebrating Sports Fellowship,
Spirit, and Community Pride
GCAC
2015 Scholarship
Recipients
2011-2012
Nominees
Welcome to our GCAC
Gulf Shores High School Scholar
Athlete Nominees page.
Each of the following scholar athletes have been recognized and honoured at our Gulf Coast Athletic Club for their individual outstanding performance on the field or court and for their excellence in the classroom.
Each nominee will be entered into our $3,000 scholarship pool, where our GCAC board of directors will review and vote for one outstanding male and female scholar athlete.
Each winner will receive a minimum $1,500 scholarship.
The nominees for 2014-2015 include:
(in order of most recent appearance at our GCAC Meetings)
2012-2013
Nominees
Nominee from our meeting of September 8th, 2014
Nathan Harris
My name is Nathan Harris.
I am a son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and grandson. I am a student, quarterback, shortstop, spear fisherman, hunter, fisherman. I spent the first fifteen years of my life growing up on a cattle farm.
I am proud to be an American, Southerner and Alabamian. All of these labels may say something about me but the only thing that defines me is my relationship with Jesus Christ.
More than ever I have seen how things don't always go as planned. Injury can change so much in sports but God is always faithful.
I don't know what the future holds or where I will be this time next year but I do know it will be exactly where God wants me to be.
3.67 GPS
ACT 23
Hello, My name is Margaret Lloyd! Thank you so much for nominating me as one of the Academic Athletes for Gulf Shores High School. Not only is this such an honor, but I also have the honor of dining with some of the GCAC members. I am a swimmer, cross-country/track runner, and a triathlete, so I can eat serious meat.
Swim, Bike, Run are the three words that describe my life. I have been on the swim team since I was six years old. If it wasn’t for swimming; I would have never developed the discipline and time management skills that help me so much today. I have been Captain of the swim team for 2 years and have been to the State Swim Competition 3 times. I started running because my father ran in college and I became instantly addicted to it. I have participated in the State competition for 6 running events. I have been running and swimming for many years, but I did not become serious with triathlons until 2011. I fell in love with cycling because it is different every time I ride: I can never get bored. I also participated in various sports like varsity softball, volleyball, and soccer throughout middle school and high school. I enjoyed those sports as well but I knew where my heart wanted me to be. I am so grateful for my coaches and the lessons I have learned from them. They have helped shape me into the person I am today.
I am extremely thankful for my parents because without them I would have never gotten this award. When I was very young, my parents gave me this ultimatum: If you want to participate in sports, you must have perfect grades.” I have been living by this phrase since elementary school. The 3 hours of swimming or running after school make the 8 hours at school worth it. Without my parents, I would not be prepared for college or the real world. My parents have done so much for me; wether, it is driving me to practice, cheering me on, or supplying me with an unlimited refrigerator. My parents, Nell and David Lloyd are my role models.
I also participate in various school and community activities. I am the Student Government Association (SGA) president of Gulf Shores High and the public relations officer of National Honor Society (NHS). I am an active member of Lagoon Baptist Church where I have helped with Vacation Bible School and many other fundraisers. Last summer, I helped chaperone a week long trip to a children's youth camp in North Carolina. I love volunteering but, I love spending money more. I work for the City of Gulf Shores as a Lifeguard/swim coach.
All these activities and jobs have led me to my career path: a pediatrician. I love children and because of that I would like to go to the University of Alabama at Birmingham or the University of Auburn and pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a pre-med track. I plan to get into medical school where I can complete my dream. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. I can not wait to meet each of the members of GCAC.
By: Jim Walker
Nominee from our meeting of September 22nd, 2014
Kristen House
My name is Kristen House and I am a senior at Gulf Shores High School. I am ranked 8th in my class of 199 students and have a 3.8 GPA.
I am a student athletic trainer for the varsity football team, and I play varsity basketball and softball. During my freshman and sophomore years, I was awarded Softball JV Captain, Basketball JV Captain, Most Outstanding Defensive Player, and Scholar Athlete. As a junior, I received the “Best Attitude” award in Basketball. In Softball I received the “Lunchbox Award” leadership award, and all county runner-up.
In addition to my academic and athletic accomplishments, I am the Senior Class president, Leo Club president, and National Honor Society secretary. I am also member of the International Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the P.U.R.E. Club.
My goal is to attend the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue a degree in Secondary Education and touch the lives of teenagers.
My motivation comes from Jesus Christ – I could never the woman I am today without my Savior. I owe all of my triumphs, on and off the field, to Him!
Nominee from our meeting of October 20th, 2014
Margaret Lloyd
Hello, my name is Ryan McIntosh, and I am a senior at Gulf Shores High School.
Since I was 6 years old, sports have played a very important role in my life as a student. When I was little, I played baseball, soccer and football. Today, I compete in track as a thrower and am a member of the varsity football team as the starting left guard. I plan to join the new wrestling team as it starts this fall. I am also a member of the scholar’s bowl team and will be competing this November against teams from all over Baldwin County in a battle of wits rather than brawn.
I am a member of both the National Honor Society and HOSA, an organization of students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.
Upon graduation next spring, I will attend college to pursue a degree that will allow me to become a pediatrician. Being a pediatrician will give me the opportunity me to combine my two greatest passions -- healing the sick and helping children.
I hope one day to be the man that those who have helped me get here today believe I could be. I have a 3.9 weighted GPA and a 3.6 unweighted GPA with a 30 on my ACT. This would not be possible without the support of my teachers, school administrators, parents and many others who have helped me throughout the years.
I would like to thank the Gulf Coast Athletic Club for recognizing me tonight as a scholar athlete and also Coach Ben Blackmon for recommending me for this honor.
My love of sports and learning has allowed me to visit with you today, and I am grateful to you all for this incredible honor.
Nominee from our meeting of October 20th, 2014
Ryan C. McIntosh
Nominees from our meeting of November 17th, 2014
Brittany Leserra & Phillip Nelson
Hello! My name is Brittany LeSerra.
I would like to start off by saying thank you to the members of The Gulf Coast Athletic
Club for recognizing me as one of the Scholar Athletes at Gulf Shores High School.
As the youngest in my class, I am in the top 5% with a 4.1 GPA, am enrolled in AP level and dual enrollment college classes, and will graduate with the highest degree offered, "Honors with Distinction”.
My athletic career started when I was a little girl playing basketball, softball, and soccer for recreational league teams. Upon entering high school my love for sports followed me. I started out my freshman and sophomore year by playing basketball and softball. During my junior year not only did I play basketball, but I developed an interest in golf and decided to join the team. I immediately excelled in this sport and went to Regionals. This year I am a team captain for the varsity basketball team and am expected to go to Regionals again for golf. Not only do I play sports, but for the past 3 years I have been an assistant boys basketball coach at our local Rec center.
I am very active at Gulf Shores High School and participate in organizations such as:
Key Club, National Honors Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Friends with
Exceptional Children, and FCCLA. I also volunteer my time by running our school’s
Dolphin Cafė, and serving food in our school cafeteria.
Outside of school I participate in the Gulf Shores Police Explorers Academy and am currently the commanding officer. I love to give back to my community by volunteering at different sporting events, hosting NAIA soccer teams and helping with AVCA sand volleyball.
My involvement in the community has restored beauty to the environment through the Coastal Cleanup and habitat restoration on Robinson and Bird Islands. I help to provide a safe habitat for citizens too by assisting the Gulf Shores Police Department with the Citizens Academy and National Night Out. I have also helped with multiple city, chamber, and private events and festivals. My dedication to the community is recognized through my tireless volunteer service. Each year I give back at least 100 hours.
I am extremely thankful for my parents Braswell and Tara McMeans. They are the ones who shaped me to be the well rounded person I am today. They have taught me to work hard to achieve my goals, give back to my community, and that education comes first.
Learning is a lifelong lesson and I still have a lot to learn; that is why I am pursing a
major in Criminal Justice. I plan to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the fall, and then go on to pursue my dream of becoming a crime scene investigator.
Thank you again for considering me as one of the Scholar Athletes.
Brittany Leserra
My name is Phillip Nelson. I have lived in Gulf Shores for ten years and have played four years of soccer for Gulf Shores High School. I was a JV captain my sophomore year. I also have played club soccer for the Perdido Bay Futbol Club, where I captained that team. I then moved to the Mobile Bay Futbol Club where I also was captain and we were the first team to win the State Cup for our club June 2014. I captained the team again this year for Mobile Bay. This fall I was fortunate enough to be asked to be the kicker for our Football team, and it was a wonderful experience. I only wish I had played football all four years.
My brother
David, who is a United States Marine inspires me more than anyone else, he is the strongest man I know.
I work at Animal Medical Center for Dr. Heilmeier, and I also intern at the zoo. I plan on becoming a veterinarian, I will attend either Auburn or Mississippi State University. Through the Health Science Academy at the High School, I attended the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)leadership conference in Montgomery last March and placed in the top six in the state for veterinary medicine where i demonstrated K-9 CPR. Ironically I found myself actually using that skill to try to save a dog’s life. I was unsuccessful but the experience most definitely changed my life, opened my eyes, and made me more determined than ever to become a Veterinarian.
Nominees from our meeting of November 17th, 2014
Emily Taylor & Henry Boles
By: Jim Walker
Hi, my name is Emily Taylor.
I would like to thank the members of the Gulf Coast Athletic Club for nominating me as an Academic Athlete for Gulf Shores High School.
I am a senior at Gulf Shores High School. I am ranked 4th in my class with a 4.2 GPA and I have a 29 on the ACT. I am involved in many clubs such as Key Club, National Honor Society, Book Club, and Juniorettes. In addition to this I am also the Senior Class Vice President and Treasurer of the National Honor Society. I love to give back to my community. I volunteer at a week long overnight summer camp for kids ages 8-13 during the summer - two weeks last summer and hopefully three weeks this summer. I am a member of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. I was chosen as a member of the Homecoming Court all four years that I have been at Gulf Shores High School.
I have been a member of the High School Soccer Team for 4 years. I am a team captain for the 2014-2015 season. I started playing soccer in 7th grade and have enjoyed the sport and all of my teammates through the years. Before middle school I also participated in City League Sports.
I am inspired every day by my parents Matt and Brooke Taylor. By always expecting the best from me, they have taught me to always work hard and to keep trying for the things that I want. This has helped me succeed throughout my high school career and I will carry it with me in my future!
I plan to attend Auburn University in the fall. I have not yet chosen a major but I am considering Accounting, Forensic Accounting, and Pre-Med with a future in Anesthesiology.
Brooke Taylor
My name is Henry Boles. I am a 17 year old senior at Gulf Shores High School. I have been on the Gulf Shores High School football team for 4 years, and was fortunate enough to be picked as a team captain this year.
I work for Miss Jenny Charters as a deckhand and for Redstick Properties as a ranch hand. My favorite activities are football, hunting, and fishing.
I have many role models, including my Dad, and I am inspired by honest, hard working people who try to be the best they can be. After High school I hope to attend Auburn University and pursue a degree in engineering.
Friends or Family of Scholarship Nominees
can contact us for copies of pictures.
Contact Jim Walker: JamesWalkerHomes@gmail.com
The Gulf Coast Athletic Club
Is Proud To Announce Our
2014/2015 Scholar Athlete
Scholarship Award Winners!
Brittany Leserra & Ryan C. McIntosh
Brittany and Ryan will both receive a $5,000 Scholarship Award.
The GCAC, through the hard work of their members and partnered sponsors, were able to increase the scholarship award
to the highest in the clubs history.
Brittany and Ryan were chosen from a distinguished list of Scholar Athletes from the Gulf Shores High School. We wish nothing but continued success in the futures of both our winners.
G U L F C O A S T A T H L E T I C C L U B
L to R: Taylor Means, Ryan McIntosh, Brittany Lesarra
