68 VENTURES BOWL HONORs 11 LOCAL STUDENTS, 10 TEACHERS AND 5 AREA SCHOOLS AT COMMUNITY AWARDS BANQUET
Mobile, Ala. (Nov. 19, 2024) – The 68 Ventures Bowl Community Awards Banquet honoring this year’s art contest winners, scholarship recipients, and grant recipients for Extra Yard for Teachers was held last night, Monday, November 18, 2024 at the Moe’s Original BBQ.
The Gus Shopoff Memorial Scholarship presented by Aaron Dais and the John Gottfried Memorial Scholarship presented by Joe Gottfried, is awarded annually to Team Focus Chapter Members based on academic merit, participation in the Team Focus mentoring program, and their leadership skills.
Gus Shopoff Memorial Scholarship Winner:
Trey McKinstry
John Gottfried Memorial Scholarship Winner:
Tyras Jackson
The 68 Ventures Bowl Art Contest invites students from Mobile and Baldwin County schools to enter this annual contest for a chance to earn funding for their school’s art program. This years’ theme was “What does Mobile mean to you?” Finalists were selected by judges Nancy Raia, from the American Sport Art Museum & Archives, and Madison Corl from Mary’s Shelter.
Last nights’ winners received cash prizes for their schools’ art programs. As a result of this contest, The 68 Ventures Bowl has awarded approximately $31,800 in the last 18 years to the art programs in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, and this year a total of $1,200 was donated. The students will receive mention in the 68 Ventures Bowl game program, as well as game tickets and gift certificates from Foosackly’s and Southern Art and Frame. Their artwork will be on display throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties at numerous locations.
Art Contest Winners:
6th-8th Grade
1st Place: Charlotte Peek, 8th Grade, Floretta P. Carson, Soynika Bush
2nd Place: Kelsey Scott, 7th Grade, Causey Middle School, Cheryl Ankrom
3rd Place: Mariah Leggins, 8th Grade, Dunbar Magnet School, Bronco Sloan
Honorable Mention: Bryce Zirlott, 7th Grade, Grand Bay Middle School, Jaelynne Yerena
9th-12th Grade
1st Place: Yufei Zhao, 12th Grade, Saraland High School, Catherine Wood
2nd Place: Evania Murphy, 10th Grade, Saraland High School, Catherine Wood
3rd Place: Elin Backman, 12th Grade, Bayside Academy, Carrie Jackson
Honorable Mentions:
GG Webb, 10th Grade, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Felicia Olds
Lyda Holmes, 11th Grade, Alma Bryant High School, Mrs. Lewis
School’s Art Program Prize Money
Bayside Academy, Carrie Jackson
Dunbar Magnet, Bronco Sloan
Causey Middle School, Cheryl Ankrom
Floretta P. Carson, Soynika Bush
Saraland High School, Catherine Wood
Each year one of the winning pieces has been chosen to be featured as the cover art for the 68 Ventures Bowl game program. This year’s honor went to all finalists as a collage cover art was designed.
The Extra Yard for Teachers Grant is a program in conjunction with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation where we come together to recognize deserving teachers in our community. The 68 Ventures Bowl chose 9 teachers to receive recognition and funding for their efforts and commitment to educating our children. Each recipient received $1,000 to utilize in their classroom to improve student learning, and grow their teaching resources.
Extra Yard for Teachers Grant Winners:
Jessica Dennis, Dawes Intermediate
Ashton Gibbs, J.E. Turner Elementary
Christina Milburn, Pearl Haskew Elementary
Krissy Brown, Gilliard Elementary
Shisheria Rankins, Burns Middle School
Rachel Battles, Mobile County Training Middles
Patty O’Quinn, Philips Preparatory School
Laura Hollins, Blount High School
Nicole Landry, Mary G. Montgomery High School
Deshawn Sewer, Williamson High School
Anchor Cares Scholarship
Anchor Cares has teamed up with the 68 Ventures Bowl to aid in our new Scholarship Program. The program awards a $500 scholarship to two Mobile/Baldwin County high school seniors that are involved in the school, the community, and/or had to overcome an obstacle that has affected their life in some way.
Anchor Cares Scholarship Recipients
Emma Brown, Baker High School
Hannah Williams, McGill Toolen
The 26th annual 68 Venture Bowl will kick off at 8:00 pm, on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. Top teams from Conference USA or Mid-American Conference and the Sun Belt Conference will square off at Hancock Whitney Stadium. For more information about tickets, bowl week events, and other 68 Ventures Bowl news, visit www.68venturesbowl.com
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