BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama Public Television recently announced the winners of its 2025 APT Young Heroes Scholarships. Among the three winners is Cullman High School Junior Grayson Gay. Other winners are Kayden Bland of Billingsley School and Courthey Pride of Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham. Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship to the school of their choice, a laptop computer and other prizes. The students will be honored at a luncheon at The Club in Birmingham on Tuesday, April 14.
Gay’s Young Hero profile reads:
“Grayson Gay, a junior at Cullman High School in Cullman, demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience when his life changed suddenly at the age of sixteen. He was nominated by his school counselor, Shannon Dutton, who has witnessed firsthand the strength of his character and the positive influence he has had on the Cullman High School community. On January 6, 2025, he was diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The once active and healthy athlete faced months of chemotherapy treatments, hospital stays, and physical exhaustion. While his peers focused on typical teenage milestones, Grayson confronted a life-threatening illness with strength and faith.
“Although cancer forced him to step away from extracurricular activities and complete coursework virtually, Grayson remained determined. Throughout treatment, he used social media to share encouragement and faith-filled reflections, inspiring thousands in his community. His message shifted from asking why he was facing cancer to expressing gratitude for the strength it revealed within him. His story resonated widely, drawing significant community support and attention.
“Now in remission, Grayson has returned to campus and to the football field, regaining his strength and preparing for the upcoming season. He adjusted his schedule to include strength and conditioning to rebuild stamina and position himself for a starting role. His oncology team was so inspired by his outlook that they invited him to mentor other children currently undergoing treatment in the same cancer ward where he received care. He accepted eagerly, hoping to provide encouragement to those still fighting their battles.
“Grayson’s servant heart extends throughout his school and community. He is a member of Key Club and Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a selective leadership program at Cullman High School. Through these organizations, he has helped organize service projects, including fundraising initiatives and community meals for families in need. He has also supported Special Olympics events and intentionally includes students with special needs, ensuring they feel valued and seen. His kindness is genuine and instinctive.
“Academically, Grayson maintains a 3.8 GPA while enrolled in Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. He is preparing to take the ACT and has enrolled in an ACT preparation course to support his goals. Despite the disruption of a cancer diagnosis, he remains focused on his academic future and aspires to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales, where he hopes to impact others in the health field.
“Grayson Gay embodies resilience, faith, and compassion. His courage in the face of illness, combined with his commitment to serving others, makes him a powerful example of strength and leadership. He is a deserving recipient of recognition as a Young Hero.”
One of the three Young Heroes will also be honored with the Marissa Feigelson Community Service Award during the lunch and ceremony on April 14. The award was created in honor of one of the first APT Young Heroes who tragically lost her battle with cancer. Each year Marissa’s father, Mr. Mickey Feigelson, selects the winner of the award, which includes an additional $1,000 scholarship.
This is the 25th year of APT’s Young Heroes Awards. Nominees for the award must be full-time students in 11th or 12th grade, and must have demonstrated academic excellence, active participation in their community and the courage to persevere in the face of adversity. Nominations were accepted from school staff, family members or other members of the students’ communities from September 2025 – January 2026.
The APT Young Heroes program is made possible by the generous donations of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and The Harris Trust.
Learn more at www.aptv.org/heroes.
