Island Spirit Award presented to Kelly Quinley

By Melanie LeCroy / melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 12/22/21

Kelly Quinley is the first person you encounter as a visitor to Gulf Shores High School. If you have had the honor of meeting her you will understand why she was selected as the Island Spirit Award …

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Island Spirit Award presented to Kelly Quinley

Posted

Kelly Quinley is the first person you encounter as a visitor to Gulf Shores High School. If you have had the honor of meeting her you will understand why she was selected as the Island Spirit Award winner for November.


The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's Island Spirit Award selection committee received a letter nominating Quinley. The letter stated:


"I have had the opportunity to interact with Kelly Quinley on dozens of occasions because I am the mother of two Gulf Shores High School students. She is the first smiling face you see when you enter Gulf Shores High School and she is so welcoming and kind. She always remembers your name and treats everyone with respect. As the new school is developing, I feel she is the best representation of our community. Although she recently lost her husband, she has maintained an incredibly positive attitude and still makes students feel special. Her professionalism, friendliness and attention to detail make her most definitely deserving of the Island Spirt Award."

Upon arriving at Gulf Shores High School to present Quinley with the award, the Island Spirt team learned she was a prior award winner. Quinley was presented the Island Spirit Award when she was just 16-years-old and an employee at Harco Drug in Orange Beach. Staff at the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber have searched the archives and believe Quinley is the first, two-time Island Spirit Award winner.


During the award ceremony, Quinley recounted a funny story about her first win at Harco Drugs. She had worn jeans to work that day thinking she could get away with it (they were not allowed to wear jeans). She walked in to see her manager and district manager standing with a group of people only to find out she had won. Thankfully, she did not get into trouble for her wardrobe.


The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber present the Island Spirit Award monthly to an individual who works on the island and displays an attitude of concern, warmth and hospitality. Past recipients have included waitstaff, service station attendants, police officers and receptionists. If you would like to nominate someone visit mygulfcoastchamber.com/islandspiritaward.