2026 recipients



Lawson McKnight
Coach William Davis
Ms. Lisa McLain



May 18, 2026



2025 recipient - alex leonard



This year’s recipient is known for his servant’s heart and the genuine care he shows for his teammates. He played tight end on the varsity football team and set an example of commitment, dedication, and strong character for his teammates to follow. He earned Tip of the Spear honors and was a slough leader. This student is also a member of two honor societies, earned the Seal of Biliteracy, and was selected as Spartan Standout twice for his strong character. He earned the honor of Student Athlete of the Week, is involved in the Ultimate Frisbee Club, is a member of the Chess Club’s Student Council, volunteered at the Humane Society, and likes to fish.



The Nicholas Franklin Pierce Memorial Foundation Annually Awards Scholarships to Student Athletes for Academic Achievements, Athletic Accomplishments and Strength of Character.​



2024 Recipient - ham mandell



This year’s recipient has had a great influence on his football teammates since his first days on the team. He lifts the spirits of those around him with his positive attitude, sense of humor, and the way he encourages others. People are drawn to his magnetic personality, unselfish spirit, impeccable character, and many acts of kindness. He is always the first to step forward when there is work to be done. A leader on the football field, he is also Captain of the wrestling team and part of two state championship wrestling teams. He is an Eagle Scout, a student ambassador, a member of three honor societies, and a National Merit Finalist.



2024 Recipient - caitlin speake



This recipient has been involved with and advocated for The Nick Pierce Foundation officially for four years, including selecting the Dangers of Mononucleosis as the topic for her Ted Talk when she participated in the Tedx program as a high school freshman. She has been presenting the foundation scholarships in front of the MBHS student body since she was 15. As a member of Stage Crew, she has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the Olympian Pageant, choir performances, theatre productions, and other events were a success. She coached rec basketball for three years, served as Treasurer of GSA, and earned the Seal of Biliteracy. Founder and Co-President of the History club, she is a National Merit Finalist and Treasurer of the Spanish Honor Society.



Previous Recipients





2026 ~ Lawson Moore McKnight

2026 ~ Coach William Davis

2026 ~ Ms. Lisa McLain

2025 ~ Joseph Alexander Leonard

2024 ~ Philip Abraham Mandell

2024 ~ Caitlin Syltie Speake

2023 ~ Braxton Dean

2022 ~ George Tidwell Cain

2022 ~ Caroline Clarke Peterson

2021 ~ William Calvin Wilbanks

2020 ~ Logan Jeffrey Brewer

2019 ~ John Daniel Wilbanks

2018 ~ Clayton Robert Stearns

2017 ~ William Jay Wetzler

2016 ~ Rix Curtis

2016 ~ Ben Nelson

2015 ~ Wilkerson Anthony

2014 ~ Clyde Christian Anderson​








2013 ~ Joseph Samuel Centeno

2012 ~ David Alexander Hutchins

2011 ~ Harrison Franklin Smith

2010 ~ John Houston Blount

2009 ~ James Maben Shannon, III

2008 ~ William Seth Wood

2007 ~ Douglas Matthew Centeno

2006 ~ Robert Orman Thorpe

2005 ~ Joseph Anthony Carley

2005 ~ Joanna Michelle Smith

2004 ~ Joseph Russell Jones, Jr.

2003 ~ Cyrus Garrett Beasley, Jr.

2002 ~ George Augustus Nelson, IV



Nicholas Franklin Pierce Memorial Foundation



2225 Ruffner Road Irondale, AL 35210
205-323-1585