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The Troy Exchange Club announced this week the nominees for the 33rd Annual J.O. Tip Colley Award, which will be presented on May 20.

The award is presented annually to a senior student-athlete in Pike County in honor of the late Dr. J.O. “Tip” Colley and goes to both male and female students that embody what the Troy Exchange Club emphasizes that Colley stood for: faith, academic, athletics and community.

Colley was a star athlete at Troy High School and went on to earn a football scholarship at Howard University. Colley was a part of a Howard team that played in the very first game inside of legendary Legion Field in Birmingham. Colley was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa national honor society and went on to attend the University of Alabama’s medical school. He would receive his M.D. from Tulane University before doing post-graduate work at the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, La., and Columbia University in New York.

Colley returned to Troy in 1935 and practiced with Dr. O.N. Edge before setting up his own practice. In 1937, Colley was appointed college physician by Troy State Teachers College, which would go on to be known later as Troy University. He was also school physician at his alma mater, Troy High School (now Charles Henderson High), for 40 years and 10 more years at Pike Liberal Arts School. A wing of Alumni Hall at Troy University is named in his honor.

Colley and fellow physician Dr. William Stewart purchased Beard’s Hospital in the 1940s and ran it as a general hospital until the opening of Edge Memorial Hospital, now known as Troy Regional Medical Center. He and his brother, Dr. Jesse Hall Colley, would later found the Pike Manor Nursing Home.

Colley’s many accomplishments include being a member of the International College of Surgeons and the Southeastern Surgical Congress, along with serving as deacon of First Baptist Church in Troy, director of First Alabama Bank and as a board member on the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. In 1985, he was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

Colley and his wife of nearly 60 years, Lummie Colley, had five children, two of which went on to enter the medical field, as well. The Colley family is still very involved with the Tip Colley Award. The award was originally founded by the Troy Civitan Club, in Colley’s honor, before the Troy Exchange Club took it over.

“We think it is one of our premier projects that we do every year,” Troy Exchange Club member Jerry Miller said. “We’re biased but we think this award is the premier award given out in the county to our youth. The way we’ve been able to pull the banquet together and to get community support and increase these cash scholarships, we think it’s a premier award just to be nominated.”

Miller emphasized that the award is prestigious not just for the cash award that comes with it, but because of what it stands for.

“It doesn’t just measure the best athlete or the best academic accomplishments,” said Miller. “These students are rewarded because of excellence in all of these areas: faith, school activities, academics, athletics and community involvement. All of those things go into the process of us determining the winners.”

A total of 26 students from Charles Henderson High, Pike Liberal Arts, Pike County High and Goshen High were nominated for the awards this year. Of those 26, one male and one female winner will be selected with both receiving $1,500 cash scholarships. A male and female runner-up will also be selected and they will receive $500 awards. A male and female third place recipient will also be selected and they will receive $250 awards.

All 26 nominees will be recognized at the 33rd Annual J.O. Tip Colley Award Banquet at the Troy SportsPlex at 6:30 p.m. on May 20. University of Alabama broadcaster Chris Stewart will be the featured speaker at the event.

Parker Adams

Adams is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. He is the son of Kevin and Aaron Adams. The family attends the Church of the Highlands in Troy.

Adams is a member of the Charles Henderson football and baseball teams. He earned All-Messenger honors and was Offensive MVP for the football team this season. On the baseball team he was his team’s Pitcher of the Year. He also earned All-State honors in 2023 in football and was All-Messenger in football and baseball in 2023.

Academically, Adams is a member of the National Honors Society (NHS), Future Farmers of America (FFA) and is an office aide at the high school. He’s also a member of Motion, Serve Day and Youth Group Leader at Church of the Highlands.

Adams will attend Faulkner University and will play both football and baseball in college.

 

Campbell Baker

Baker is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Matt and Stephanie Baker.

The family attends First Baptist Church of Troy, where Campbell is a part of student ministry, the leadership team, choir, the International Mission Team and is a Kids Zone volunteer.

She is the chaplain for the NHS, National Society of High School Scholars, SGA, Ole Miss Legacy Scholarship, Yearbook Staff and Jimmy Rane Foundation Class.

Baker is a captain of the PLAS basketball team and is a member of the tennis team. She is also social media content creator for the PLAS football and basketball teams.

Baker is the secretary of the Interact Club and Pledge Captain of Twilighters along with being a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Dugout Dolls, Excel Club, Patriot Pals and Drama Club.

Baker is also a Junior Ambassador, Alabama Statehouse Senate Page and volunteers with Operation Xmas Child, the Child Advocacy Center, Troy Miracle League, TroyFest and Keep Troy Beautiful.

Campbell will attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).

 

Harlee Bennett

Bennett is a senior at Goshen High School. She is the daughter of Tracey and Donna Bennett.

The family attends First Baptist Church of Troy, where she is a nursery volunteer and member of Vacation Bible School and Discipleship Now.

Bennett is the captain of the Goshen cheerleading squad. She is also a member of the All-In Youth Council and JROTC.

Bennett is a member of the NHS, NTHS, SGA, Girls State and Beta Club. She is also the Class Historian and takes part in dual enrollment. She’s also a Junior Ambassador and volunteers with the Salvation Army, Pike Animal Shelter, Miracle League, TroyFest, Farm Day and Elementary ACAP.

Bennett will attend the University of Alabama.

 

AJ Brown

Brown is a senior at Goshen High School. He is the son of Walter and April Brown.

The family attends Troy Community Church, where Brown plays the drums on the Worship Team.

Brown is a captain of the Goshen football team and also a member of the GHS basketball and soccer teams. He was also a member of the Goshen Band.

Brown is a member of the NHS, Beta Club, Troy Leadership Academy and is the president of the Student Council. He also takes part in dual enrollment.

Brown will attend Augustana College in Illinois on a football scholarship.

 

Jackson Cleveland

Cleveland is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. He is the son of Jared and Kelli Cleveland Brookins.

The family attends Oak Grove Methodist Church, where Cleveland is a member of the Youth Group, VBS and takes part in the Easter and Christmas programs. He also is a scripture reader at church and helps with lawn maintenance.

Cleveland is a member of the PLAS golf team, where he helped win a State Championship in 2022. He was an AISA All-American and All-State in golf. He also was an AHSAA Golf All-Star last season.

Academically, Cleveland is a member of the NHS and took part in the Scholars Bowl and South Alabama Electric Youth Tour. He is also a member of the Interact Club, Excel Club, FCA and Drama Club.

Cleveland will attend Troy University.

 

Rylee Copeland

Copeland is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Chad and Donna Copeland.

The family attends Brundidge Methodist Church, where Copeland is a Sunday School teacher and takes part in the Food Drive and Children’s Church along with volunteering in the youth group nursery.

Copeland is a member of the PLAS volleyball, tennis and basketball teams. She’s also a member of the NHS, Calculus Club, Math Team, Drama Club, Interact Club, FCA, Chapel Committee, Twilighter Club and Junior Ambassador. She also is the PLAS Salutatorian along with being Class Vice President and Excel Club President.

Copeland volunteers with Operation Xmas Child, Troy Miracle League, Turkeys from Heaven, Clean Up Pike County, the Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse.

Copeland will attend Troy University.

 

Elsie Clare Coppage

Coppage is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Bo and Daphne Coppage.

The family attends Park Memorial Methodist Church, where Copeland is a member of the Youth Group, Acolyte and plays piano. She’s also a Bible School teacher and Youth Sunday.

Coppage is a captain of the CHHS cheer squad and earned UCA All-American honors. She helped her team earn third place at the AHSAA State Cheer Competition and was voted Best Role Model and Cheerleader of the Year by her teammates.

Coppage is a member of the NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, NTHS, Youth Tour, Interact Club, HOSA and Junior Ambassador. She is also the Beta Club Treasurer, Senior Class Vice President, 21 Club Vice President and was her Junior Class President. Coppage also volunteers as library aide.

Coppage was the 2024 DYW Scholarship winner and volunteers at Troy Regional Medical Center as an intern along with volunteering with Operation Xmas Child, Turkeys from Heaven, Troy Miracle League, Salvation Army, Pike Animal Shelter and Save-A-Life.

Coppage will attend Auburn University.

 

Jada Duncan

Duncan is a senior at Pike County High School. She is the daughter of Myra Duncan.

The family attends Union Missionary Baptist Church, where Duncan is a youth assistant and Bible School teacher.

Duncan is a member of the PCHS softball, track, volleyball and cheerleading teams. She was a captain of the volleyball and softball teams and earned All-Messenger honors in softball in 2023.

Duncan is a member of the NHS, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Interact Club, Tri Omega and JROTC. She also was on the Dean’s List for dual enrollment. She volunteers with Rotary Club and owns her own small business.

Duncan will attend Claflin University on a softball scholarship.

 

Benton Dunn

Dunn is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. He is the son of Ben and Jennifer Dunn.

The family attends Troy First Methodist Church, where Dunn is a member of the Youth Group, VBS, Easter Cross Crew, Children’s Church and volunteers in the nursery.

Dunn is a captain of the football and basketball team. He has earned All-State and All-Messenger honors in football twice and was an AHSAA All-Star in football. He was also selected as the Lineman of the Year for his team.

Dunn is a member of NHS, Beta Club, Interact Club, 21 Social Club and FCA. He volunteers with Operation Xmas Child, Troy Miracle League, DHR Angle Tree, Turkeys from Heaven, Pike County Food Bank and owns his own lawn service.

Dunn will attend Kennesaw State University on a football scholarship.

 

Bess Dunn

Dunn is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Ben and Jennifer Dunn.

The family attends Troy First Methodist Church, where Dunn is a member of the Youth Group, VBS and Acolyte. She is also a singer and volunteers with the food drive.

Dunn is a member of the CHHS volleyball team. She is the President of the NHS and Beta Club along with being SGA Vice President, Interact Club Secretary, JR Class Secretary, 21 Social Club Secretary and Thespian Club Vice President. She is also a member of Mu Alpha Theta and is a Diamond Doll. She also took part in Girls State and is the CHHS Yearbook Editor.

Dunn volunteers in the CHHS Library and also is a Junior Ambassador along with volunteering with Pike Animal Shelter, Salvation Army, Troy Miracle League, Clean Up Troy and she owns her own photo business.

Dunn will attend Troy University.

 

Mary Samson Dunn

Dunn is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Ben and Jennifer Dunn.

The family attends Troy First Methodist Church, where Dunn is a member of the Youth Group and VBS along with volunteering in the nursery and food drive.

Dunn is team captain of the CHHS tennis team and also was a member of the CHHS cheerleading squad as a junior. She’s also a trainer for the CHHS football team.

Dunn is a member of the NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Beta Club and Art Guild. She is the Interact Club Vice President, 21 Club Pledge Captain and is a Diamond Doll.

Dunn volunteers with Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Turkeys from Heaven, Troy Animal Rescue, Pike County DHR and was DYW third runner-up.

Dunn will attend Auburn University.

 

Houston Gunter

Gunter is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. He is the son of Shaun and Alithia Gunter.

The family attends First Baptist Church of Troy, where Gunter is a member of the Youth Group and VBS.

Gunter is a member of the football and baseball teams at PLAS, helping the baseball team win an AISA State Championship as a sophomore.

He is a member of SGA, NHS, Boys State, Excel Club, Interact Club, FCA, FCS, Drama Club, Agriculture and Woodworking Club, Home Economics and Spanish Club.

Gunter volunteers with Salvation Army, Operation Xmas Child, Turkeys from Heaven, Troy Miracle League, Troy Food Bank and Veteran’s Breakfast.

Gunter will attend Southern Union State College.

 

Markelis Hobdy

Hobdy is a senior at Pike County High School. He is the son of Dana Wheeler.

The family attends Lily Hill Baptist Church, where Hobdy is a member of the Youth Group and choir. He is also a worship leader.

Hobdy is a member of the PCHS football, basketball and track teams. He earned All-Messenger honors in football in 2023 and basketball in 2024. He’s also a member of the honor roll and NTHS.

Hobdy will attend Miles College on a football scholarship.

 

Tailor Hobdy

Hobdy is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Michael Hobdy and Miriam Scott.

The family attends Outreach Endtime Deliverance Church, where Hobdy helped raise funds for the homeless shelter and is Youth Group President. She also takes part in Operation Outreach, Hallelujah Night and is a member of the Praise and Worship Team.

Hobdy is a member of the CHHS cheerleading and track teams. She’s also a member of NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Phi Theta Kappa, Interact Club, Culturama Pearls, NTHS and Junior Ambassador. She is also a member of the Band.

Hobdy is on the President’s List for dual enrollment. She’s the Class Secretary, Tri Omega Service President, SGA Secretary and Beta Club Secretary. She also was the DYW Fitness winner.

Hobdy volunteers with Troy Miracle League, Troy Clean Up, Pike Animal Shelter, Salvation Army, Pike County DHR, TroyFest and the Boys and Girls Club.

Hobdy will attend Alabama A&M University.

 

Ansley Holbert

Holbert is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. She is the daughter of Rick and Jen Holbert.

The family attends First Presbyterian Church, where Holbert is a member of the Youth Group, Worship Team, Children’s Ministry and plays the piano. She also volunteers in the nursery and is a Sunday School teacher.

Holbert is a member of the CHHS tennis team. She is also a member of the NHS, NTHS, Beta Club, Drama Club, School Musical, JR Ambassador, Tri Omega and HOSA Vice President. She volunteers with Turkeys from Heaven and interned at Troy Regional Medical Center.

Holbert will attend Troy University.

 

Joshua Hooten

Hooten is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. He is the son of Gary Bradberry and Shirley Hooten.

The family attends Rockwest Missionary Baptist Church, where Hooten is a member of the Youth Group.

Hooten is a member of the CHHS baseball team and is a member of the NHS, Beta Club and Interact Club.

Hooten will attend Enterprise State Community College, where he will play baseball.

 

Emily Hussey

Hussey is a senior at Goshen High School. She is the daughter of Daniel and Shana Hussey.

The family attends Joquin Baptist Church, where Hussey is a member of the youth group, VBS and Trunk or Treat.

Hussey is team captain of the GHS volleyball and cross country teams. She is also a member of the Junior Ambassadors and NTHS. She’s NHS Vice President and SGA Vice President. She was GE-Regan Semifinalist and the DYW Essay winner. She also won the Heisman High School Scholarship and took part in dual enrollment.

Hussey volunteers for Troy Miracle League, Special Olympics, Troy Clean Up, TroyFest, Salvation Army, Farm City and is a volunteer volleyball coach.

Hussey will attend Troy University.

 

Martha Hurt

Hurt is a senior at Pike County High School. She is the daughter of Mark and TaMika Hurt.

The family attends Faith Church, where Hurt is a member of the Youth Group, the Prayer Team and I Need a Word Ministry.

Hurt is a member of the PCHS softball team and played on the basketball team as a junior. She’s also a member of NHS, Beta Club and FBLA. She also took part in dual enrollment, is a member of Congress of Future Medical Leaders and the National Academy of Future Physicians.

Hurt volunteered in the school library as an aide and also volunteers with the homeless shelter, Capitol Hill Nursing Home, MLK Parade and Voter Registration Campaigns.

Hurt will attend Tuskegee University, where she will play softball.

 

Sarah Lee

Lee is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Scottie and Sharon Lee.

The family attends Bush Baptist Church, where Lee is a member of the Youth Group, VBS and Disciple Now. She also volunteers in the nursery and food drive.

Lee is a member of the PLAS tennis team, where she twice eared third place at sectionals. She’s also a member of the NHS, National Society of High School Scholars, Scholar’s Bowl, Alabama Governors School, Calculus Club, Interact Club, Junior Ambassadors and Spanish Club. She earned AISA All-State Academic honors and is Captain of the Writers Bowl, Vice President of Excel Club and Treasurer of 21 Club.

Lee volunteered with Turkeys from Heaven, Operation Xmas Child and Salvation Army.

Lee will attend Auburn University.

 

Kate Nelson

Nelson is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of David and Candace Nelson.

The family attends First Baptist Church of Troy, where Nelson is a member of the Youth Group, Discipleship, Neverthirst, Barranca Ministry and Common Ground.

Nelson is captain of the cheerleading team at PLAS and was recipient of the UCA Pin-It Forward Award. She’s also NHS President, SGA Vice President, AISA State SGA Treasurer and Yearbook Editor. Nelson is also a member of Calculus Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club, FCA, Pep Club, Excel Club, Headmaster Advisory Team, Government Club and is a Dugout Doll and took dual enrollment classes.

Nelson volunteers with Operation Xmas Child, the Johnson Center for the Arts, Turkeys from Heaven, Troy Health and Rehab, United Way, First Responders Breakfast and owns her own art business.

Nelson will attend Auburn University.

 

Britton Paul

Paul is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Jeff and Amanda Paul.

The family attends Collegedale Church of Christ, where Paul is a member of the Youth Group, VBS, Backpack Program, Lads to Leaders and Bible Bowl.

Paul is captain of the PLAS tennis team where she was the #1 seed on the team. She is also Senior Class President, NHS Secretary, 21 Club President and Yearbook Editor. She’s a member of the Math Team, Scholars Bowl, Interact Club, Excel Club, Spanish Club and Chapel Worship Team. She earned AISA All-State Academic honors and was a HOBY participant.

Paul volunteers with Turkeys from Heaven, Operation Xmas Child, Salvation Army, Pike County DHR and Troy Miracle League.

Paul will attend Troy University.

 

Emily Price

Price is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Greg and Amy Price.

The family attends Troy Church, where Price is a member of the Worship Team and Youth Group.

Price is co-captain of the PLAS tennis team and is the #3 seed.  NHS Public Service Officer, Senior Class Secretary, Interact Club Vice President and Twilighter Service Club Vice President. She’s also a member of SGA, National Society of High School Scholars, Calculus Club, Drama Club, Junior Ambassadors, Excel Club and FCA. Price was an Alabama State House Page, recipient of the Heisman Scholarship and is a teacher’s aide.

Price volunteers with Operation Xmas Child, Turkeys from Heaven, TroyFest, Classroom in the Forest, Salvation Army and Troy Miracle League.

Price will attend Troy University.

 

Addie Renfroe

Renfroe is a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School. She is the daughter of Al and Laura Renfroe.

The family attends Troy Church, where Renfroe is a member of VBS, Youth Group, Common Ground and is a volunteer in the nursery.

Renfroe is a captain of the PLAS volleyball team, where she earned All-Messenger honors this season. She also won the Coaches Award and Patriot Award. She’s also a member of the PLAS tennis team.

Renfroe is PLAS Valedictorian, NHS Vice President, Class Treasurer, SGA (scrapbook) and Twiligther Creative Director. She is also a member of the Calculus Club, Economics Club, Drama Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club, FCA, Excel Club and participated in dual enrollment. She was also PLAS Homecoming Queen.

Renfroe volunteers with Operation Xmas Child, Salvation Army, Turkeys from Heaen, Food Bank, Troy Miracle League, Hospital Blessings and the Troy Arts Festival.

Renfroe will attend Troy University, where she will be a manager for the volleyball team.

 

Paitin Riley

Riley is a senior at Goshen High School. She is the daughter of Jeff Riley and Sonya and Chris Galloway.

The family attends Hephzibah Baptist Church, where Riley is a member of the Youth Group, VBS and Children’s Ministry. She also volunteers in the nursery.

Riley is a captain of the GHS volleyball and cheer teams. She’s a member of the NHS, NTHS, SGA Historian, STEM Academy, Junior Ambassadors, Junior Class Secretary, Mathletes, Montgomery Youth Tour and Freshman Forum. She was top two in her class and is on the Chancellor’s List in dual enrollment.

Riley volunteers with Team Up to Clean Up, Pike Animal Shelter, Salvation Army and is a volunteer volleyball coach.

Riley will attend the University of Alabama.

 

Sterling Sharp

Sharp is a senior at Charles Henderson High School. He is the son of Eddie and Victoria Sharp.

The family attends Lily Baptist Church, where Sharp is a member of the youth group, Junior Deacons and choir.

Sharp is a member of the CHHS football, track and wrestling teams. He is a captain of the football team and earned a State Championship in track in 2023.

Sharp will attend LaGrange College on a football scholarship.

 

Ashlin Williams

Williams is a Goshen High School senior. She is the daughter of James and Quintina Williams.

The family attends Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where Williams is a member of the Youth Group, Missions, Visitation and Mission Day. She is also secretary and a singer in her church.

Williams is a member of the GHS cheerleading squad. She’s also a member of NHS, NTHS, SGA, Beta Club, JROTC, Spanish Club and Culturama Pearls. She is her Senior Class President and is a library aide at the school.  She also took dual enrollment courses.

Williams volunteers with Salvation Army and a cleanup campaign.

Williams will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham.