Jasmin Alvarado, a senior at Foley High School, has been named the recipient of the 20th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Scholarship, an award given by the Original Oyster House to honor the memory of a beloved former employee whose legacy continues to inspire young artists.

Alvarado, who plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of South Alabama this fall, earned the scholarship for her vivid artwork depicting a Gulf Coast sunset. The piece features a fiery sky reflected over an Oyster House shrimp boat, with pelicans diving in the foreground — a tribute to the region's natural beauty and a nod to the restaurant's coastal roots.

Her work will be displayed at the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores for patrons and tourists to enjoy.
The scholarship was established in 2006 to honor Chelsea Garvin, a standout team member at the Original Oyster House and a volunteer rescue diver with the Fish River Fire Department. Garvin was just 19 when she died in a boating accident while volunteering. She was also a gifted artist, and the scholarship was created to recognize students who reflect her artistic passion and spirit of service.

Alvarado has been active in both school and community art events, including Art in the Park, BBQ and Blues and the Auxiliary Veterans art contest.

The Original Oyster House, with locations in Mobile and Gulf Shores, has long been a staple on the Alabama coast. Known for its fresh Gulf seafood and panoramic waterfront views, the restaurant is also recognized for its sustainability efforts. It was the first in the state to pilot the Oyster Recycling Shell program and remains one of the few to maintain an oyster garden, helping restore local reefs.

In April, the Alabama Coastal Foundation reported more than 26 million oyster shells had been diverted from landfills thanks to the program, which the Original Oyster House actively supports.

With a menu featuring hand-shucked and fire-grilled oysters, homemade gumbo, blackened shrimp over cheesy grits and the famed peanut butter chocolate chip pie, the restaurant has earned its place as a go-to destination for locals and visitors for more than four decades.

The Mobile location is at 3733 Battleship Parkway on the Causeway. The Gulf Shores restaurant is located at 701 Gulf Shores Parkway on the Original Oyster House Boardwalk. Both offer private party rooms and family-friendly dining with a view.

For more information on the Chelsea Garvin Spirit Scholarship, visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/scholarship or call (251) 928-2620.