Five Baldwin County student-athletes have been recognized among the state's best after earning regional honors in the 2026 Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Program.

Selected from Alabama High School Athletic Association member schools across Alabama, the group includes both Scholar-Athlete and Achievement Award recipients, highlighting excellence in academics, athletics and perseverance.

The Scholar-Athlete Award was established in 1986 and honors those who stand out in both academics and athletics, with consideration given to leadership and community involvement. The Achievement Award was created three years later to recognize those who succeeded despite challenges relative to their ability.

Leading the local selections is Samantha Kokoska of St. Michael Catholic, who was named the Class 4A Scholar-Athlete recipient for Region 1. Classmate Nick Russo also represented St. Michael as the Class 4A Achievement Award winner.

In Class 7A, Foley's Jacob Warner earned Scholar-Athlete honors, while Fairhope's Dean Gearhart was selected as a regional Achievement Award recipient. Baldwin County High's Samuel Sullivan rounded out the list as the Class 6A Achievement Award winner.

All five honorees will receive $3,000 scholarships and are set to be recognized at the 41st annual Bryant-Jordan Awards Banquet on April 13 in Birmingham. Additional awards, including class and overall state winners, will be announced during the ceremony.

Go to www.ahsaa.com or visit the Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Program official website to read more about the program and the local winners.