The Wharf Awards Scholarship to Exceptional Gulf Shores High School Student

R. Ken Cooper • April 30, 2024

Dianna Moore Wins $10,000 Scholarship from The Wharf

Photo of the 2024 Wharf Scholarship Winner and her Friends.

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Wharf announced on Monday that Dianna Moore, a senior at Gulf Shores High School, has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship. The Wharf is a popular shopping and entertainment destination in Orange Beach.


Kristen Hammack, management team leader, The Wharf states, “Dianna exemplified the characteristics of an ‘exceptional student,’ and we are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and involvement. Each of the applicants were standout students and have certainly contributed to the community while also prioritizing their studies. The Wharf believes in supporting our future leaders and commends the Class of 2024 for their achievements.”


Moore has maintained a 4.0 GPA, scored a 31 on her ACT, and excelled in athletics as part of the Gulf Shores High School Volleyball Team. She has also been involved in various community service projects, including Friends of Exceptional Students, Peer Helpers, Sustainability Academy, Coastal Cleanup, Prodisee Pantry, and Shrimp Festival. Her passion for environmental preservation guided multiple projects for the community, including the creation of a pollinator garden with an irrigation system for Gulf Shores Elementary School, Oyster Restoration project, Little Lagoon Water Quality testing and Dune Restoration projects. 


Moore has combined her love of the environment and her heart for special needs children to design and build a sensory wall at Gulf Shores Middle School for special needs students. She has also worked multiple years at local food establishments and serves as a tutor at Gulf Shores Middle School.


"Dianna is a natural leader, the perfect ambassador for our school system and community, and a brilliant and well-spoken young woman," said Jessica Sampley, the Academics and CTE Director for Gulf Shores City Schools.


Moore plans to attend the University of West Florida and pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences. In addition to the $10,000 first-place scholarship, a runner-up award of $500 was given to Riley Mellett, a senior at Daphne High School.


The Wharf's scholarship program is in its fourth year. "The Wharf believes in supporting our future leaders and commends the Class of 2024 for their achievements," said Kristen Hammock, the management team leader at The Wharf.

Share this article w/ Friends...

Coastal Alabama Food Truck and Beer Festival Set to Return to Gulf Shores
By OBA Staff June 11, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will once again welcome a popular event focused on food and fun. The Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is returning for its fourth year. It will be held on November 8 and 9 at Gulf Place. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes live music, lawn games, and activities for all ages.
Gulf Shores Approves Parking Study to Tackle Growth in Waterway Village
By OBA Staff June 11, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council on Monday approved a $72,625 not-to-exceed contract with Kimley Horn to launch a comprehensive parking study focused on the Waterway Village District. The move marks a key step toward revitalizing the area and addressing a growing need for smarter parking solutions.
New Halo Lights to Brighten Foley Streets
By Guy Busby June 11, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is adding more lights to the oak trees along city streets as part of a project to brighten the downtown area. The new lights will help make the area more welcoming and easier to walk through at night. They are part of a larger plan to improve lighting around town. The project focuses on adding lights to both the trees and nearby walkways.
Orange Beach Man Drowns in Wolf Bay on Sunday Afternoon
By OBA Staff June 10, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — An Orange Beach man drowned in south Alabama Sunday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Dewayne Stephens, 55, of Orange Beach, was identified as the man who lost his life.
City of Foley Firefighters Praised for High Performance
By Guy Busby June 10, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Fire protection in Foley has gotten better over the past few years, even though firefighters are answering more calls than before. A national study showed that the city's fire service has improved. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the higher score proves Foley’s firefighters are doing a great job under growing pressure. He credited Chief Joey Darby and the entire department for their work in keeping the community safe.
Full Moon Paddle Returns to Orange Beach Friday
By OBA Staff June 10, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach Wind & Water Learning Center is kicking off its summer Full Moon Paddle series with a night of fun on the water. The event is open to the public and features a mix of paddling, live music, and food. Guests will enjoy a unique experience under the moonlight while supporting a good cause. All proceeds benefit the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center.
Foley Police Cruiser
By OBA Staff June 9, 2025
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Police Department is investigating a burglary that happened overnight at the Tanger Outlet Mall. An employee at Zales Outlet called the police around 8:30 a.m. Monday. They reported that jewelry had been stolen during the night. The value of the stolen items has not been released.
Mini Golf Planned for Bubba’s Seafood House Property
By John Mullen June 9, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A group of four people is planning a new mini-golf course at the site of longtime Bubba’s Seafood House on beach road. John Pilcher, Jody Pilcher, Mary Pilcher and Emmie Pilcher Flowers are making the request. According to Baldwin County tax records, the group owns six parcels fronting the road east of Fat Daddy’s. They will request changes to a previously submitted site plan.
Orange Beach Sportsplex
By OBA Staff June 9, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Registration is now open for this year’s Little Mako Summer Camps in Orange Beach. Each camp offers a chance for kids to learn, practice, and enjoy sports alongside Mako coaches and players. The camps are open to beginners and those looking to elevate their skills. Activities include tennis, baseball, soccer, and cross-country.
Things to do on the Gulf Coast this week.
By Jessica A. Taylor June 9, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — As summer heats up along the Alabama Gulf Coast, the week ahead offers a full schedule of activities for locals and visitors alike. From aerial tours and live performances to educational programs, food festivals, and community clean-ups, there's something happening every day across the region. Whether you're seeking adventure, a learning opportunity, or a moment of quiet reflection by the water, the coast continues to deliver diverse experiences for all ages.
Show More