GULF SHORES, Alabama — The Gulf Coast Athletic Club recognized and honored Gulf Shores High School student athletes Sarah Uter and James Duggan last week.

Sarah Uter, the daughter of Paul and Christine Uter, participates in various sports activities at Gulf Shores High School including volleyball, basketball, and as a student athletic trainer for the football team. Sarah is an active member of the Student Government Association and Juniorettes and is an officer in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. She was recently honored as her school’s Homecoming Queen. Even with her many activities, Sarah maintains a 4.38 GPA while enrolled in the Advanced Placement Diploma program and scored 25 on the ACT.

Sarah is active in her community participating in the annual Shrimp Festival, Seafood Festival, and volunteering for the Fire Department fundraisers

Sarah considers her 18-year old cousin with Cerebral Palsy her inspiration to strive so high. According to Sarah, “Her love for life despite her disabilities gives me a bigger outlook on all that I do in life.”

Sarah plans to attend college and major in geology.

James Duggan, the son of Richard and Sherry Dugan, is a two year starter on the offensive line for Gulf Shores High School Dolphins. While excelling in sports he has maintained a 4.14 GPA taking Advanced Placement classes on the highest diploma offered and scored 25 on the ACT.

James was invited to attend the National Youth Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. where he spent six days learning about the interworking of our nation’s government. He also spent a week on campus at the University of Alabama for the American Legion’s Boy’s State. James always participates in the Relay for Life.

James considers Peyton Manning as his role model. Payton is the true definition of a leader, keeping a level head in any situation and leading his team. Quoting Dwight D Eisenhower, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” According to James, “This defines who I want to be. I want to be that person who leads a group of people in a direction that not only betters their life, but the lives of others around them.”

James hopes to continue his football in college as he pursues a degree in Automotive Engineering.

Both Sarah and James now qualify for the scholarship presented by GCAC to a Gulf Shores High School Scholar Athlete at the end of this school year.