Vincent’s Aiden Poe, Opp’s Haley Vendetti Claim 2025 Bryant-Jordan Awards
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Vincent High School’s Aiden Poe and Opp High School’s Haley Vendetti were crowned the 2025 Bryant-Jordan State Award winners at the 40th annual Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Awards Banquet. The event took place on Monday night at the Sheraton Ballroom, honoring their exceptional achievements both on and off the field.
Poe received the Larry Striplin, Jr. Scholar-Athlete Award, while Vendetti earned the Ken and Betty Joy Blankenship Student Achievement Award, marking the 37th consecutive year of the Achievement category being awarded. Both are now part of an elite group recognized for outstanding academic achievements, athletic success, and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Over $500,000 in Scholarships Awarded
This year, the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship program rewarded a total of 104 regional recipients with over $500,000 in scholarship funds. Each regional winner took home $3,000, with 14 class winners receiving an additional $3,500. The two overall state winners, Poe and Vendetti, were awarded an extra $4,000 stipend.
The awards honor the legacy of legendary coaches Paul “Bear” Bryant (Alabama) and Ralph “Shug” Jordan (Auburn), recognizing 52 Scholar-Athlete winners for academic and athletic excellence and 52 Achievement winners who competed in sports while overcoming significant obstacles.
Aiden Poe’s Impressive Journey
Poe, a standout multi-sport athlete at Class 2A Vincent High School, made history as the first Class 2A student since 2011 to earn the Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. A baseball sensation and academic powerhouse, Poe is headed to the United States Air Force Academy, where he plans to pursue a career as a pilot while continuing to excel on the baseball field.
Academic & Athletic Excellence
- GPA: 4.4
- ACT Score: 31
- Salutatorian of his senior class
- Dual enrollment and AP courses
On the field, Poe is recognized as one of Alabama’s top high school baseball players. He began as a varsity shortstop in seventh grade and earned the Class 2A Pitcher of the Year Award in 2024 with a stellar junior season.
- Stats from Junior Year:
- Pitching Record: 12-1 with one save
- Strikeouts: 134 out of 303 batters
- Walks Allowed: Just 8 in 79 1/3 innings (a state record)
“I’ve never been a ‘rah-rah’ guy to get motivated,” Poe said. “But this honor means the world to me. I’m so grateful.”
Poe’s leadership extended beyond baseball as captain of his school’s football and soccer teams, further cementing his legacy at Vincent.
Haley Vendetti’s Resilience and Triumph
Haley Vendetti’s life story is marked by perseverance and strength. After surviving a devastating car accident in 2014 that claimed her stepfather and two younger siblings, Vendetti faced years of uncertainty. Moving between various schools in Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama, she finally found stability at Opp High School as a freshman.
Despite her challenges, Vendetti thrived. Known for her encouraging spirit and uplifting personality, she serves as an inspiration to all who know her. “I truly realized I had the fortitude to face anything when I looked back on what I’d overcome,” Vendetti said.
Athletic & Personal Achievements
- Ran in the AHSAA Cross Country Championships twice
- Played tennis for Opp High School
- Worked multiple part-time jobs to support herself
- Currently employed at W.S. Harlan Elementary’s after-school program in Florala
“Haley is the epitome of persistence,” said Opp Principal Matt Blake. “Her ability to rise above adversity and define her own future is nothing short of inspirational.”
Vendetti plans to pursue sonography at Gulf Coast State College with hopes of working in pediatric or obstetric medical care. “I’m so thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way!” she added.
Honoring Excellence in Alabama
The Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Foundation continues its proud tradition of celebrating the academic, athletic, and personal achievements of Alabama’s top high school students. For Poe and Vendetti, these awards are a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and positive impact on their communities.
Their incredible stories remind us all of the power of determination, resilience, and striving for greatness in every aspect of life.
The individual Class winners for the 2023-24 school year included:
2025 Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program
Larry Striplin Jr. Scholar-Athlete Award Recipient
STATE RECIPIENT: Aiden Poe, Vincent High School
Class 1A: Ty Taylor, Wadley High School (District 6)
Class 2A: Aiden Poe, Vincent High School (District 5)
Class 3A: Shila Marks, Lauderdale County High School (District 7)
Class 4A: Trey Rutledge, Plainview High School (District 8)
Class 5A: Sarah Sloughfy, Jacksonville High School (District 6)
Class 6A: Jack Abernoja, Mountain Brook High School (District 5)
Class 7A: Hudson Spivey, Davidson High School (District 1)
Ken and Betty Joy Blankenship Student Achievement Recipient
STATE RECIPIENT: Haley Vendetti, Opp High School
CLASS WINNERS
Class 1A: Kennedy Cleckley, Maplesville High School (District 3)
Class 2A: Jaylen Hart, Loachapoka High School (District 4)
Class 3A: Owen Abernathy, Ohatchee High School (District 6)
Class 4A: Haley Vendetti, Opp High School (District 2)
Class 5A: Drake Loggins, Jacksonville High School (District 6)
Class 6A: Brit Godfrey, Hartselle High School (District 8)
Class 7A: Gray Pope, Hewitt-Trussville High School (District 5)
For the fourth straight year, the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program’s newest scholarship, the W. Edgar Welden Service Award, was presented to two recipients, one from each category. The recipients were Jada Mock of Eufaula High School and Cooper Michael Kurth of St. Michael Catholic High School. The grants are named in honor of Mr. Welden, who serves as the Chairman Emeritus of the Bryant-Jordan Board and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Board.
The list of other class and special scholarship recipients honored Monday night were:
2025 Bryant-Jordan Special Scholarships
Dr. Gaylon McCollough Medical Scholarship
Jack Abenoja, Mountain Brook High School
W. Edgar Welden Service Award Scholarships
Jada Mock, Eufaula HS
Cooper Michael Kurth, St. Michael Catholic High School
Alabama “A” Club Educational & Charitable Foundation Scholarships
J.R. Howard, Madison Academy – Achievement Award recipient
Bryant Thompson Jackson, Citronelle HS – Scholar-Athlete Award Recipient
Auburn Football Lettermen Club Scholarships
Jack Cobb, Vestavia Hills High School
John Lambert Moore, T.R. Miller High School
United Methodist Children’s Home ‘Embrace Alabama Kids’ Scholarships
Dixie Storme Baggett, Robertsdale High School
Jayden Lee Griffin, Dora High School
The regional recipients recognized at the 40th annual banquet included:
2025 Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program
Scholar-Athlete Regional Recipients
CLASS 1A
Region 1 Sophie Massey, Leroy High School
Region 2 Manning Fox, Brantley High School
Region 3 Ja’Kayla Moore, Keith High School
Region 4 Ty Taylor, Wadley High School
Region 5 Ava Camilla McNees, South Lamar High School
Region 6 Cheyenne Rice, Faith Christian School
Region 7 Madilyn Kerber, St. Bernard Preparatory School
Region 8 Julie Mavity, Ider High School
CLASS 2A
Region 1 William Stanley, Providence Christian High School
Region 2 Risdon McCraney, G.W. Long High School
Region 3 Harrison Renfroe, Reeltown High School
Region 4 Aiden Poe, Vincent High School
Region 5 Reese Robbins, Westminster-Oak Mountain High School
Region 6 Landon Kelley Winston County High School
Region 7 Tucker McWilliams, Covenant Christian School
Region 8 Ian Wickwire, Decatur Heritage Christian Academy
CLASS 3A
Region 1 John Moore, T.R. Miller High School
Region 2 Mary Helen Mendheim, Houston Academy
Region 3 Elle McBride, Montgomery Academy
Region 4 Raju Sudarshan, Altamont School
Region 5 Lena Johannson, Weaver High School
Region 6 Carson Young, Piedmont High School
Region 7 Colby Buttram, Sylvania High School
Region 8 Shila Marks, Lauderdale County High School
CLASS 4A
Region 1 Reade McGuff, Satsuma High School
Region 2 George Folsom, Geneva High School
Region 3 Maria Schwarz, Montgomery Catholic School
Region 4 Jackson Bennett, Oak Grove High School
Region 5 John Barrett Godsey, Haleyville High School
Region 6 Trey Harbin, Hokes Bluff High School
Region 7 Chloe May, Central-Florence High School
Region 8 Trey Rutledge, Plainview High School
CLASS 5A
Region 1 Thomas Jackson, Citronelle High School
Region 2 Sarah Taylor, Charles Henderson High School
Region 3 Emery Wideman, Demopolis High School
Region 4 Taylor Leib, Briarwood Christian School
Region 5 Emerson Schneider, John Carroll Catholic High School
Region 6 Sarah Sloughfy, Jacksonville High School
Region 7 Lawson King, Arab High School
Region 8 Spencer Duncan, Lawrence County High School
CLASS 6A
Region 1 Basia Czarkowska, Spanish Fort High School
Region 2 Colby Beyer, Stanhope Elmore High School
Region 3 Thomas Woolf, Northridge High School
Region 4 Zachary Erickson, Spain Park High School
Region 5 Jack Abenoja, Mountain Brook High School
Region 6 Kye McEwen, Oxford High School
Region 7 Pablo Lopez, Fort Payne High School
Region 8 Davis Wood, Muscle Shoals High School
CLASS 7A
Region 1 Hudson Spivey, Davidson High School
Region 2 Linnea Cox, Auburn High School
Region 3 Jack Cobb, Vestavia Hills High School
Region 4 Luke Alverson, James Clemens High School
2025 Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program
Achievement Award Regional Recipients
CLASS 1A
Region 1 Hisun Marlowe, Millry High School
Region 2 Brock Skipper, Red Level High School
Region 3 Taliyah Howard, Autaugaville High School
Region 4 Kennedy Rae Cleckley, Maplesville High School
Region 5 Julian Scott, Lynn High School
Region 6 Kaylyn Meyer, Victory Christian School
Region 7 Tyler Manley, Meek High School
Region 8 Carter Johnson, Woodville High School
CLASS 2A
Region 1 Tamera Walton, Washington County High School
Region 2 Joseph Legear, Zion Chapel High School
Region 3 Jaylen Hart, Loachapoka High School
Region 4 Darus Molette, Isabella High School
Region 5 Da’Mia Duncan, Holy Family Catholic Cristo Rey High School
Region 6 Walker Lewis, Winston County High School
Region 7 Hunter Stallings, Cedar Bluff High School
Region 8 Guadalupe Lopez, Tanner High School
CLASS 3A
Region 1 Byron Hollinger, Monroe County High School
Region 2 Aiden Harkey, Slocomb High School
Region 3 Tyson Summers, Alabama Christian Academy
Region 4 Jarrious Moore, Greensboro High School
Region 5 Keylan Hughes, Winfield High School
Region 6 Owen Abernathy, Ohatchee High School
Region 7 Corder Hobbs, Elkmont High School
Region 8 Sumi Chung, Colbert County High School
CLASS 4A
Region 1 Cooper Kurth, St. Michael Catholic School
Region 2 Haley Vendetti, Opp High School
Region 3 Bodie Giddiens, Bibb County High School
Region 4 Amberly Synchak, Handley High School
Region 5 Jayden Griffin, Dora High School
Region 6 Eryn Spradley, Alexandria High School
Region 7 Landon Bagwell, Good Hope High School
Region 8 J.R. Howard, Madison Academy
CLASS 5A
Region 1 Madeline McMurphy, UMS-Wright Preparatory School
Region 2 Jada Mock, Eufaula High School
Region 3 Tyson Ratliff, Holtville High School
Region 4 Jaden Eason, Elmore County High School
Region 5 Brayden Lowery, John Carroll Catholic High School
Region 6 Drake Loggins, Jacksonville High School
Region 7 Zane Hayes, Douglas High School
Region 8 Claire Hurt, Priceville High School
CLASS 6A
Region 1 Chloe Burford, Baldwin County High School
Region 2 Cle Peake, Wetumpka High School
Region 3 Alyssa Quintanilla, Calera High School
Region 4 Johan Favero, Pelham High School
Region 5 Charlie Sims, Homewood High School
Region 6 Emma Crider, Shades Valley High School
Region 7 Carter Reed, Jasper High School
Region 8 Brit Godfrey, Hartselle High School
CLASS 7A
Region 1 Dixie Baggett, Robertsdale High School
Region 2 Kyle Epperson, Opelika High School
Region 3 Gray Pope, Hewitt-Trussville High School
Region 4 Claire Wright, Austin High School
FEATURED IMAGE: AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon (center) congratulates 2025 Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program Overall Winners Haley Vendetti of Opp High School
and Aiden Poe of Vincent High School. (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)
