By Karla McArthur, Correspondent
Several Etowah County students have been recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics and service through nominations for the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship program, an honor that highlights excellence in character, leadership and performance both in the classroom and in competition.
Brodey Wood, a senior at Westbrook Christian School, was selected as the school’s Bryant-Jordan Scholarship nominee and serves as the valedictorian for the Class of 2026.
Wood, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Wood, has maintained a 4.52 GPA throughout high school. He has been active in Key Club and the Student Government Association, serving as a class representative from his freshman through junior years before being elected vice president as a senior.
A three-sport varsity athlete, Wood has competed in football, basketball and track and field. As captain of the football team, he recorded more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and earned Class 3A Region 6 first-team all-region and second-team all-area honors. In track and field, he placed third in the state in javelin as a sophomore and second as a junior. He holds the school record with a throw of 176 feet, 9 inches and is currently ranked among the top five in the state.
School officials cited Wood’s athletic performance, academic success and strong character in his nomination.
Cooper Gomez was recognized as a scholar-athlete for his leadership, service and accomplishments in both athletics and academics.
As a student at Glencoe High School, Gomez has participated in varsity football, basketball and baseball and serves as a countywide leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also holds leadership roles as Future Farmers of America treasurer, Key Club president and a Peer Helper, and has served in multiple class officer positions throughout high school.
His community involvement includes volunteering with the Etowah County Special Olympics, participating in Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed builds, serving with his church’s media team and speaking at faith-based and community events.
Athletically, Gomez earned multiple all-county, all-region and all-area football honors at linebacker and received the David Burgess and David Holmes Champion Team Award. Academically, he has earned numerous distinctions, including College Board National Recognition Program honors, HOBY Leadership participation, multiple subject awards and top scores on Advanced Placement exams. He was also named a Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Regional Winner in 2026.
Hannah Westcott, a senior at Southside High School, was nominated for academic achievement. She participates in volleyball, basketball and tennis and is active in numerous student organizations, including ASTRA, FBLA, Key Club, the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, Student Council and the National Honor Society.
She serves as an ASTRA officer, vice president of FBLA, NHS historian and senior class chaplain. Westcott attends Church of the Highlands and plans to attend Auburn University in the fall, where she intends to pursue a career in the medical field.
Tanner Griggs, also a senior at Southside High, was nominated as an athlete-scholar.
A resident of Rainbow City, Griggs competes in track and field and cross country, focusing on long-distance running. He attends Southside Baptist Church and plans to major in neuroscience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Griggs said he credits his success to the support of his family, friends and community.
Kevin Rodriquez, also a senior at Glencoe High School, was selected as a scholarship nominee based on academic achievement. Rodriguez played varsity football throughout his high school career and played basketball during his freshman and sophomore years. He plans to play golf during his senior year.
Rodriquez earned All-Etowah County honorable mention honors in football during his freshman and junior years. He was selected as one of the team captains for the football team and received the leadership award.
He has maintained a 3.5 GPA and plans to attend Gadsden State Community College to study industrial automation.
School leaders said the students represent the high standards of achievement and character across local schools and exemplify the qualities the Bryant-Jordan program seeks to recognize.
