SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Spanish Fort High School seniors have less than two weeks remaining to apply for the Clemons-Imle Scholarship.

The award, honoring the memory of Art Clemons and Bill Imle, honors both a male and female from the graduating class during the high school’s awards night in May. Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Applicants must complete an application packet and essay, and scholarships are awarded based primarily on the students’ “community service and leadership character traits demonstrated throughout their high school years.”

Sandra Bostrom, executive director of the Spanish Fort Educational Enrichment Foundation, said both Clemons and Imle were dedicated to serving the Spanish Fort community, and that’s why the scholarship places those leadership qualities above all others.

Clemons, she said, was also a foundation board member before his untimely death while riding his bicycle with longtime friend Imle.

“These were two men who exemplified community service, and they are fine examples for our young people to follow,” Bostrom said. “Their strong sense of family, their faith in God, and their dedication to community were just a few of the common traits shared by these amazing men. Their leadership and community spirit inspires all who knew these very special men to strive for the best.”

Clemons, who worked for Kimberly Clark Corp. for 20 years as a mechanical engineer, moved to Spanish Fort with his family 11 years ago. In addition to his service with the foundation, Clemons was an active member of Spanish Fort United Methodist Church and helped with its free tutoring program. His family remains an active part of the community, with both children attending Spanish Fort schools and his wife teaching at Stapleton Elementary.

Imle, a captain in the Marine Corps and a retired commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, had 23 years of military service. After moving to Daphne in 2005, he worked for Lockheed Martin as a technical trainer in mission planning. He was assistant scout master for Boy Scout Troop 109, a member of the Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, actively participated in the Men’s Accountability Group at the church and attended many functions for the Baldwin County School System.