The Wharf announced Jan. 26 that applications are open for the sixth annual $10,000 scholarship, which will be awarded to one graduating high school senior that resides and attends school in Baldwin County in 2026.

The scholarship is awarded through The Wharf's Anchor Campaign. The mission of The Wharf's Anchor Campaign is to ensure the strength, safety and security of our local area by supporting children, families and organizations on the Gulf Coast with funds, volunteerism, donations and community partnerships.

"Expanding upon The Wharf's Anchor Campaign, the scholarship aims to empower tomorrow's leaders, educators and entrepreneurs," said Mary Kate Lantrip, public relations and social media manager at The Wharf. "Over the past five years, we've received nearly 300 applications from students county-wide, showcasing exceptional achievements and capabilities. We're thrilled to announce the program's return for its sixth year."

High school seniors across Baldwin County — public, private and virtual — are eligible to receive the award which will be evaluated based on community involvement, academic achievement and their response to a written essay from a provided prompt. The Wharf decided in 2025 to increase the runner-up award amount to $2,500 due to the immense talent, dedication and academic excellence demonstrated by former applicants.

Previous Wharf Scholarship winners include Kamiya Watson, a 2021 senior in Baldwin County's Virtual School, who was selected as the first-ever recipient of the award and attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The 2022 winner, Denver Persinger, graduated from Spanish Fort High School and is now at the University of Denver in Colorado. In 2023, Gulf Shores High School senior, Kaysheri Haffner was presented the award and is now at the University of Florida majoring in law. The 2024 winner, Dianna Moore, graduated from Gulf Shores High School and is currently attending The University of West Florida majoring in biomedical sciences. In 2025, The Wharf Scholarship was awarded to Cami Wiles, a graduate from Orange Beach High School and current student at Auburn University where she has double majored in commercial music and marketing.

To apply or for more details on scholarship guidelines, qualifications and deadlines, visit alwharf.com/news/the-wharfs-anchor-campaign-scholarship-2026.