As the Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club awarded fourteen rising University of Alabama freshmen $2,000 scholarships on Monday, a replay of the school’s 21-0 victory in the BCS National Championship game last January played beside the stage, setting a celebratory tone for the evening.

Tyra Jackson, who currently attends Selma High School and was awarded one of the scholarships, said she couldn’t be more thankful to be receiving one of the $2,000 awards.

“It means a lot to me because I come from a low-income family, but most importantly, it feels great because I’ve always been a fan of the University of Alabama football team,” she said. “Just to go to the school is amazing.”

The Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club also awarded Tyra Jackson’s sister, Terra, one of the fourteen scholarships.

“As a child, I never dreamt that I would be here receiving this award or ever attending the University of Alabama,” Terra Jackson said. “I’m very thankful to everyone who made this possible.”

In total, the Club presented $28,000 in scholarships to high school seniors from Morgan Academy, Selma High School, Keith High School, Wilcox-Central High School and Wilcox Academy.

“This scholarship means having some type of monetary gift put towards my education to help me further my hopes and dreams of becoming a pediatrician,” award recipient Kierra Cook said. “I thank everyone involved with the Dallas-Wilcox Bama Club and all those who are helping my dreams come true.”

The Club also recognized three area students — Ashley Palmer, Sarah Mahan and Adam King — who have been offered a presidential scholarship to the university for scoring above a 30 on the ACT, having a GPA higher than 3.5 and participating in many extra curricular activities.

Crimson Tide play-by-play announcer Chris Stewart served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. During his speech, Stewart talked about some of his more memorable experiences since joining the Crimson Tide Sports Network.

Stewart spoke about covering the university’s baseball, basketball and football teams before congratulating the soon-to-be graduates on their achievements.

“I’m proud you’ve chosen the University of Alabama to be your school,” Stewart said. “We’re all excited about having you there. It’s the next phase in your life, a very important phase, and I know that you’re going to have a ball. Enjoy it and make the most of it; I know you will.”