The Original Oyster House recently awarded its 19th-annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Scholarships to Isabelle Rutland of Bayside Academy and Ava Crone of Spanish Fort High School.

Rutland, planning on attending the University of Notre Dame, and Crone, bound for Auburn University this fall, embody the spirit and talent of Chelsea Garvin, in whose memory the scholarship was established in 2006. Garvin, a cherished employee and volunteer Fish River Fire Department Rescue Diver, met a tragic end at age 19 in a boating accident while serving as a volunteer.

Rutland's winning entry, an oyster triptych exquisitely rendered with oil paints, speaks volumes about her artistic prowess and Southern roots.

"Spicy crawfish, chargrilled oysters, popcorn shrimp and any other seafood you can think of have been my staple for as long as I can remember. I'll always treasure memories of sitting across from my dad at the Oyster House, tearing through a plate of oysters on the half shell," Rutland said about her creation.

Crone's entry, a captivating depiction of an oyster shell with pearls, underscores the significance of oyster shells and the imperative of oyster shell recycling in the community.

"What a great opportunity to illustrate the impact the Oyster House has on our community and how art can illustrate what this restaurant means to them," Crone said of her winning entry.

Both winning artworks will grace the walls of both Original Oyster House locations, serving as a testament to the restaurant's enduring impact on patrons and tourists alike.

Known for fresh Gulf seafood, Southern hospitality and panoramic locales, the Original Oyster House has earned its status as a culinary landmark. Diners flock to indulge in hand-shucked and fire-grilled oysters, homemade gumbo and signature desserts like the peanut butter chocolate chip pie.

Additionally, the Original Oyster House has been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, a pioneering member of the Oyster Recycling Shell program and actively participating in oyster gardening to refurbish reefs. Through partnerships like the Alabama Coastal Foundation's Oyster Shell Recycling program, the restaurant has diverted over 23 million oyster shells from landfills.

With locations in Mobile and Gulf Shores, both offering picturesque waterfront views and private party rooms, the Original Oyster House continues to delight diners as one of the area's premier family restaurants.

For more information, visit www.originaloysterhouse.com or call (251) 928-2620.