Three Alabama students who overcame serious health, financial and personal challenges have been named 2026 Young Heroes by Alabama Public Television, earning $10,000 scholarships for their resilience, leadership and service.
The annual program recognizes students across the state who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement and the ability to persevere through significant hardship.
Kayden Bland, a senior at Billingsley School, returned to competition after a life-threatening seizure in 2024 led to a severe epilepsy diagnosis.
Despite ongoing medical challenges — including surgery to implant a vagus nerve stimulation device — Bland qualified for the state championship meet in cross country and track, competing among the top runners in the 800-meter run and 4×200-meter relay.
She has also excelled in leadership roles, placing fourth in the state in the FFA Prepared Public Speaking event and serving as chapter president for three years. Bland is co-captain of the varsity cheer squad and a campus leader for First Priority.
Beyond school, she has led and participated in mission trips to Guatemala and helped organize a playground renovation project at the Prattville YMCA through Youth Leadership Autauga County. She has also contributed to fundraising efforts supporting a Vietnam Veterans Memorial project.
Bland maintains a 4.09 GPA and has earned honor roll recognition throughout high school.
After being diagnosed with stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma in early 2025, Cullman High School junior Grayson Gay stepped away from school activities to undergo months of chemotherapy.
During treatment, he used social media to share faith-based encouragement that resonated widely in his community, leading his oncology team to invite him to mentor younger cancer patients.
Following remission, Gay returned to campus and the football field while resuming involvement in service organizations, including Key Club and Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. In those roles, he has helped lead fundraising efforts, community meals and support initiatives for Special Olympics participants.
Gay maintains a 3.8 GPA while enrolled in Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses and plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales.
At the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, senior Courtney Pride has balanced one of the school’s most rigorous academic schedules while navigating financial hardship and family challenges.
Raised in a low-income household, Pride has taken on significant responsibilities at home while continuing to excel academically and artistically.
Even with housing instability and asthma-related health challenges, his work has been exhibited at Sloss Furnaces and the Birmingham Museum of Art. He has also completed a summer apprenticeship in metal arts and a scholarship-supported music production intensive.
Pride was selected as a Bateman Scholar, a competitive college preparation program for high-achieving students facing economic hardship. He maintains a 4.308 GPA and is regarded by faculty as a leader within the visual arts program, known for his analytical thinking and mentorship among peers.
Alabama Public Television selects Young Heroes each year based on academic performance, service and resilience, highlighting students who have overcome significant obstacles while continuing to contribute to their schools and communities.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
