Jax State Announces 2026 Honors Scholarship Recipients

John “Bear” Bosworth

A graduate of Crossroads Christian School, he was a captain of the East Central Patriots football team for both his junior and senior seasons and won the NHFA National Championship tournament in 2025. A very active member of his school’s Key Club, Bear served as the treasurer, among other positions, and won the Distinguished Service Award for three consecutive years. Bear was also very involved in volunteer work throughout his high school career, including serving at many food banks, the Christian Service Mission, and the St. Clair County Boys Ranch. He will be the first generation of his family to attend college. Bear plans to major in Secondary Education – Social Sciences and pursue a career as a high school history educator and football coach.

Caleb King

A graduate of Thompson High School, he was an avid member of his school’s prestigious bowling program, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team five times and finishing as a two-time state runner-up. Caleb was a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, National Spanish Honor Society, and the National Society for High School Scholars. He was a Scholar Bowl team captain for three consecutive years, as well as a leader in Kingwood Church’s Vacation Bible School. Caleb plans to major in Political Science.

Julianne King

A graduate of Lee-Scott Academy, she was a member of the National Athletic, English, Science, and Spanish Honor Societies. A varsity soccer player from grades seven to twelve, Julianne won the AHSAA State Championship in 2025, made the AISA All-Tournament Team three years consecutively, and won Defensive Player of the Year. Julianne also volunteered her time at several camps, including Camp 78 (Athens, Georgia), LSA School Soccer Camp (Auburn, Alabama), and various Vacation Bible School camps. Julianne plans to major in Marine Biology.

Mackenzie Maniscalco

A graduate of Cleveland High School, she was a varsity cheerleader for all four years of high school. For this, Mackenzie received the Universal Cheerleading Association All-Star Award for three years consecutively. She also received the Blount County Excellence Award through her participation in the National Beta Club for six years. Additionally, Mackenzie has been an active volunteer in her community throughout high school, including volunteering at Tait's Gap Missionary Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School for five years, the Blount County Kids’ Day on the Farm event, and the Sports Hall of Fame Banquet. Hailing from a long line of educators, Mackenzie plans to major in Early Childhood Education.

Halton Nance

A graduate of Cleburne County High School, Halton was a member of FCCLA for three years, Youth Leadership Cleburne County for one year, and the Cleburne County News team for two years. A member of the Scholar Bowl team, he placed first at the Southern Union Math Competition, as well as earning academic achievement recognition in both Honors Chemistry and Physics. Halton was also involved in Eagle Scouts Graveyard Veteran Research. Halton plans to major in Applied Manufacturing Engineering.

Alan “Chase” Price

A graduate of Childersburg High School, Chase was a member of the varsity baseball team and HOSA program for all four years of high school, and an FBLA member for two. He was the founder of Tiger Trails, a program that later developed into Tiger Spotlight under his supervision. Chase received the Barbara Jones Service Award and Star Student of the Month, while also placing in the top five in Alabama for HOSA Medical Innovation. He also volunteered as the Coosa Pines Diamond Kings assistant coach and was a Young Professionals graduate. Chase plans to major in Nursing.

Luke Robertson

A graduate of Gadsden City High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club. As a choir and band section leader, Luke earned All-State Choir honors, as well as a first-place performance in the Walter Trumbauer Festival. Luke has been a very active volunteer for many years, and his service includes the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Event, Kiwanis Pancake Community Event, and Mitchell Elementary Fall Festival and Pep Rally. Luke plans to major in Pre-Health Professional Biology with plans to become a psychiatrist.

Reesie “Reese” Williamson

A graduate of Ranburne High School, she was a member of the Language Arts Team, Scholars Bowl Team, and a GEMS participant. As a member of both the marching and concert bands, she served as a flute section leader. Reese was also a member of the Scholars Bowl team throughout high school and won first place at the Scholars Bowl event at Southern Union State Community College during her senior year. She has also participated in many volunteer opportunities, including volunteering at her local animal shelter and numerous service activities within her high school band. Reese plans to major in Political Science.