The Wharf at Orange Beach has officially opened applications for its fourth annual $10,000 scholarship, aiming to recognize and support the academic aspirations of a graduating high school senior residing and attending school in Baldwin County in 2024.

The scholarship is an integral part of The Wharf's Anchor Campaign, a mission-driven initiative dedicated to bolstering the strength, safety, and security of the local community. Through financial aid, volunteerism, donations and community partnerships, The Wharf's Anchor Campaign seeks to make a positive impact on children, families and organizations along the Gulf Coast.

"The scholarship was developed from the desire to expand The Wharf's Anchor Campaign to focus on supporting our future leaders, educators and entrepreneurs," said Sheena Mizell, marketing and public relations director, The Wharf, in a news release. "We received more than 200 applications over the past three years from students across the county that had outstanding achievements and abilities, so we're excited to bring back the program for its fourth year."

Open to high school seniors across Baldwin County—whether attending public, private or virtual schools—the award will be evaluated based on community involvement, academic achievement, and responses to a written essay featuring three provided prompts. In addition to the main scholarship, this year will see the continuation of the runner-up award, amounting to $500.

Past recipients of The Wharf Scholarship include Kamiya Watson, a 2021 senior from Baldwin County's Virtual School, attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Denver Persinger, the 2022 winner from Spanish Fort High School, now at the University of Denver in Colorado; and Kaysheri Haffner, the 2023 recipient from Gulf Shores High School, currently majoring in law at the University of Florida.

Required elements for the scholarship include a current resume, unweighted GPA, highest ACT/SAT scores, three references and a parent/guardian signature. Guidelines specify eligibility criteria, such as residence in Baldwin County, a minimum 20 ACT/1030 SAT and a 3.0 unweighted GPA. An application checklist as well as more information for eligible high school seniors seeking to apply is available at alwharf.com/news/the-wharf-2024-scholarship.

To discover more about The Wharf and its offerings, visit alwharf.com.