Double Victory: KDS Seniors Honored with Bryant-Jordan Awards

The Kate Duncan Smith DAR School community is beaming with pride as two standout seniors, Kate Aultman and Bailey Kendrick, have been named winners of the prestigious Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Award. This honor recognizes students who excel not just on the field, court, or track, but in the classroom and their local communities as well.

Established in 1986 by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), the Bryant-Jordan Program honors the legacy of legendary coaches Paul "Bear" Bryant and Ralph "Shug" Jordan. This highly competitive scholarship program recognizes "all-around" students through two primary honors: the Scholar-Athlete Award for exceptional academic and athletic excellence, and the Student Achievement Award for those who succeed while overcoming significant personal hurdles or demonstrating outstanding leadership. Awarded at both the regional and statewide levels, the program provides vital scholarship funds to support the future college education of these distinguished student-athletes.

Meet the Winners:

Kate Aultman (Achievement Award Winner): Kate is a dedicated multi-sport athlete who balances her competitive drive with a strong commitment to service. Beyond sports, she is an active leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Spanish Club, and SGA. Looking ahead, Kate plans to pursue a career in Meteorology.

Bailey Kendrick (Scholar-Athlete Award Winner): Bailey’s athletic resume is nothing short of legendary, boasting five State Championships in Cross Country. He serves his peers as the SGA Vice President and maintains high academic standards. Bailey plans to continue his running career at Samford University while pursuing a degree in Data Analysis.

Congratulations Kate and Bailey!