GULF SHORES, Alabama — The Gulf Coast Athletic Club presented its annual scholarships to Gulf Shores High School Senior Scholar Athletes, Virginia Taylor Jones & Tyler Stargel at the school’s annual awards night. Each received a $1500 scholarship.

Virginia Taylor Jones is involved in her school, church, and community. She is an active volunteer in her community, has tutored elementary students for two years, and has served as Altar Attendant in her church, St. Andrews by the Sea, for four years.

Virginia played varsity volleyball for four years; was All-County in 2008, 2009, & 2010; Athlete of the Week in 2008 & 2009; All-State Honorable Mention in 2009; First Team All-State in 2010; State All-Tournament Team in 2010; and Gulf Coast Beach Volleyball Tournament Champion in 2009.

Virginia, who was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Gulf Shores High, has been on the A-Honor roll all four years at Gulf Shores and was Student of the Month in 2008 & 2009. She is a member of the National Honor Society where she is the current Vice President. Virginia is also a member of SGA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, a class officer in each of her high school years, plus other activities. Virginia is in the Advanced Placement Program where she maintains a 4.36 GPA and scored 31 on her ACT.

After graduating from Gulf Shores High School Virginia plans to attend a four year university and study English or International Relations.

Tyler Stargel played four years of varsity football at GSHS, where he earned All-County honors and was team captain in 2010. He was named 2011 Pre-Season All State by Scout.com and ranked 30th best player in Alabama by Rivals.com. Tyler has accepted a full football scholarship to Georgia Tech.

Tyler is a member of the GSHS National Honor Society, maintains a 4.25 GPA and scored 29 on his ACT. He is a leader in the Gulf Shores Fellowship of Christian Athletes and SGA.

Tyler tries to be a role model and leader for other students by working hard and taking pride in whatever activity he is involved with. He credits his parents for his competitive nature and work ethic.

As Tyler wrote: “What's important to me is making a difference in someone’s life, whether it be large or small, because that's the simplest yet greatest personal accomplishment a person can attain.”

Tyler considers Tim Tebow his role model and believes Tebow has laid the framework for other athletes, like himself, who harbor that same passion for God and sports to build on and change the landscape of athletics forever.