The Wharf Awards Scholarships to Two Outstanding Local Graduates

OBA Staff • May 29, 2025

Cami Wiles earns $10,000 for academic and community excellence. Hudson Wilmott, named runner-up, receives a $2,500 scholarship.

Cami Wiles earns $10,000 for academic and community excellence.

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Wharf in Orange Beach has awarded scholarships to two high school seniors for their achievements in academics, leadership, and community service. Cami Wiles was named the winner of the 2025 Wharf Scholarship and received $10,000. Hudson Wilmott was chosen as the runner-up and awarded $2,500. The Wharf’s scholarship program aims to support local students who show dedication to both their studies and their communities.


The winners were announced yesterday, May 28, 2025. The Wharf’s scholarship program is now in its fifth year. More than 70 students from Baldwin County applied for the awards, which were first announced in January as part of The Wharf’s Anchor Campaign.


Cami Wiles is a top student at Orange Beach High School with a 4.0 GPA and a 31 ACT score. She is an AP Scholar and earned the AP Chemistry Award, scoring a 5 on the AP Chemistry exam. She is also President of the Thespian Honor Society and has won Superior Ratings at state theater competitions.


Wiles is involved in many honor societies and community service projects. She serves as Secretary of the National English Honor Society and volunteers at local schools. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.


Cami is a former varsity basketball player and plans to attend Auburn University to study Commercial Music. Her achievements in academics, the arts, and service made her stand out among the Class of 2025.

Hudson Wilmott, named runner-up, receives a $2,500 scholarship.

Hudson Wilmott, the runner-up, also impressed the selection committee with his strong academic record and leadership in school organizations. He will use his $2,500 scholarship to continue his education at the University of Alabama.


The Wharf decided to increase the runner-up award this year because of the high quality of applicants. The organization says this move shows its commitment to supporting future leaders and changemakers in the community.


Applications for The Wharf’s 2026 Scholarship will open in January 2026. More information can be found at
The Wharf’s Website.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo Returns for Eleventh Year
By OBA Staff June 3, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo is back for its 11th year, offering fun for anglers of all ages and skill levels. The event welcomes both seasoned fishermen and first-timers—no boat is required to compete. With prizes, live music, and food, it's a full weekend of Gulf Coast entertainment. Registration is now open and includes both youth and adult divisions.
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullen June 3, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is looking to spend $287,604 received from opioid litigation settlements. The council wants to buy automated external defibrillators for the fire department. The council will discuss authorizing the money and buying the defibrillators at an upcoming work session. They will replace aging equipment.
Cafe lights similar to these in another city, will be placed on West Jessamine Avenue near Hey 59
By Guy Busby June 3, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is getting updates to make it safer and more enjoyable for people walking through the area. New bollards will block cars from entering pedestrian zones. Decorative lights will be added above city streets. The improvements are meant to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Volunteers Needed to Drive Foley Historic Train Tours
By Guy Busby June 3, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is expanding its event train schedule now that school is out and summer has started. The city is also looking for more volunteer drivers to help run the train. The event train gives rides around Heritage Park and is a popular summer activity. Volunteers are needed to help keep the train running smoothly.
Things To Do on the Gulf Coast this Week
By Jessica A. Taylor June 2, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A full slate of family-friendly events, hands-on experiences, and cultural celebrations are taking place this week across the Gulf Coast. From nature encounters and educational programs to music concerts and fishing competitions, there’s something for all ages and interests. Whether you're a resident or a visitor enjoying the start of summer, this week's calendar offers opportunities to explore wildlife, meet community partners, enjoy coastal cuisine, and take in the arts. It’s a good time to get outside, learn something new, and connect with the vibrant communities that make up Alabama’s coastal region.
Gulf Shores City Hall
By John Mullen June 2, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will present an analysis of the new traffic pattern in the Gulf Pines neighborhood because of the construction of the pedestrian bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway at East Second Street and Canal Road. The 90-degree intersection had to be closed for construction. Traffic now is routed down East Third Street to East 22nd Street and then west to East Second Avenue. The new route goes through a neighborhood and past Meyer Park.
Foley City Hall
By John Mullen June 2, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley will consider appropriating almost $700,000 to complete phase two of the North Cedar Street sidewalk. This portion of the project will run from Fern Street in the south to West Peachtree Avenue to the north. The winning bid was from James Brothers Excavating. It was under the budgeted amount and is projected to cost 698,984.
Sugarcane Jane at the Frank Brown International Songwriter's Festival — Photo by Shelley Patterson.
By R. Ken Cooper June 1, 2025
Sugarcane Jane, a popular Americana duo from Loxley, Alabama, has been nominated for Duo of the Year in the Americana category at the 11th Annual Josie Music Awards. The duo includes Anthony Crawford and Savana Lee. They are known for their soulful harmonies and heartfelt songwriting.
New Pavilion Planned for Graham Creek Preserve
By Guy Busby June 1, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A new pavilion is coming to Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley. This addition will create more space for outdoor activities. The pavilion will help the community enjoy events and gatherings in a natural setting. It will make the preserve even more inviting for visitors.
Laura Davis Named New Head Volleyball Coach at Gulf Shores High
By OBA Staff May 31, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores High School has chosen Laura Davis as its new head volleyball coach. Davis has a long history of success, both as a player and as a coach. She is known for helping student-athletes grow on and off the court. School leaders say her experience and leadership make her a great fit for the Dolphins.
Show More