ORANGE BEACH — The Wharf has awarded Kaysheri Haffner, a senior at Gulf Shores High School, The Wharf Scholarship in the amount of $10,000.

“The Wharf is proud to continue our scholarship program for the third year,” said Kristen Hammack, management team leader, The Wharf. “Kaysheri exemplified the characteristics of an ‘exceptional student,’ and we are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and contributions to our community. Each of the applicants were standout students and have shown a positive attitude while prioritizing their many hours of studies and community involvement. The Wharf believes in supporting our future leaders and citizens of Baldwin County and commends the Class of 2023 for their achievements.”

Haffner has maintained a 4.0 grade point average, scored a 32 on her ACT and founded the Helping Hands’ Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center Tutoring Program. Rev. Larry Wood describes her as “a blessing to the community, a mentor to other students, maintains a demanding course load and is a good person with a deep soul. She’s a servant leader, destined for great things.”

At the age of 11, Haffner founded a non-profit organization, “Helping Hands Gulf Shores,” based around kids helping kids and raising funds to sponsor children in the community who are truly in need. Since founded in 2016 the organization has raised over $55,000.

Some of Haffner’s notable undertakings and successes include Gulf Shores Virtual School Ambassador, founder of the Yoga Club at GSHS, member of the National Honor Society and Key Club, participation in the school play and art competitions. She has also worked numerous hours at local food establishments.

Haffner was selected among 60+ other applicants vying for the award that was announced in January as part of a The Wharf’s charity giving campaign named, “The Wharf’s Anchor Campaign: #AnchorForCommunity.” High school seniors across Baldwin County were eligible to receive the award that was evaluated based on community involvement, academic achievement and their response to a written essay from three provided prompts.

Haffner plans to attend the University of Florida and will be perusing a degree in law.

In addition to the $10,000 first-place scholarship, a runner-up award of $500 was given to Madison Lipke, Orange Beach High School senior.

Applications for The Wharf’s 2024 Scholarship will open in January 2024. For more information on The Wharf or The Wharf’s Anchor Campaign, please visit alwharf.com.