Scholarships and Awards
Never underestimate the valuable and important difference you make in every life you touch; for the impact you make today has a powerful rippling effect on every tomorrow.”
- Leon Brown
In 1987, a scholarship committee was formed within the Optimist Club of Foley to award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating Foley High School senior. The committee selected and interviewed four students. The committee was so impressed by all of the students interviewed that awarding one $1,000 scholarship was bittersweet. Three other students had to be turned away.
Further discussions with teachers, counselors, and principals confirmed that there were indeed many other deserving students. The Committee reported back to the Optimist Club that far more resources were needed for funding more scholarships. The Club immediately committed to expanding its scholarship program and asked the Committee to find ways to bring other resources, civic organizations, companies, and individuals on board. The Committee, with the principal’s blessing and Attorney Mort Swaim’s volunteer legal expertise, incorporated the South Baldwin Education Foundation and obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Good things began to happen and to multiply:
In the 38 years since its inception, the South Baldwin Education Foundation has awarded more than $8.5 million from more than 75 sponsors.
The Optimist Club of foley and several of its members have awarded approximately 200 scholarships totaling more than $200,000.
We are continuously looking for ways to expand our scholarship program to honor individuals who are or have been community leaders and supporters of the YOUTH in the South Baldwin area. We also want to keep increasing the available resources for the many deserving students who graduate each year from our local schools.
If you have an interest in honoring/remembering someone in your family or in our community, please consider co-sponsoring a scholarship with the Optimist Club of Foley for that purpose. Fill out the contact form at the end of this page or email nmoore@outlook.com for more information.
Student Scholarships and Awards
Academic
Scholarship Awards for 2025 included:
The Charlie Boller Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
The Charles J. Ebert Jr. Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
The Frank Turner Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
The Jackie McLeod Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
The Foley Optimist Club Scholarship - $1,000
The Dr. Elizabeth Coward Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
The Louise Provost Bouzan Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
The Colonel Robert Fortner Patriot Award - $500
The Max Osborn Spirit Award - $500
Athletic
The Optimist Club works with Foley High School coaches and staff to recognize outstanding young athletes with our “Players of the Week” and “Players of the Month” lunches and awards.
Essay and Oratorical Contests
Our chapter of Optimist International participates in the annual Optimist International Essay and Oratorical Contests. Our local oratorical and essay contests give Foley students the opportunity to compete on the national stage for academic scholarship.
Our local chapter scholarships for the essay and oratorical contests are as follows:
The Optimist International Essay Contest - $500
The Optimist International Oratorical Contest - $500
Community Awards
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:
An officer who goes above and beyond to protect and serve our community.
Firefighter of the Year:
A firefighter who goes above and beyond to protect and promote fire safety amongst the youth.
Teachers of the Year:
An outstanding educator from each of Foley’s feeder pattern schools is selected.
Public Servant of the Year:
An all-around outstanding individual whose public service goes beyond their vocational responsibilities.
Each year, the Optimist Club of Foley honors outstanding individuals and organizations in our community. We recognize their service and/or support their organization in a variety of ways…monetary contributions, gift certificates, gift baskets, certificates, plaques and/or medallions.