Students from Carver 9th Grade Academy and Dothan High competed in the inaugural competition, with the top 10 receiving $25,000 scholarships.“Why cornhole?” said Todd Mitchell, Principal at Carver Ninth Grade Academy. “Because it doesn’t favor an athlete, it doesn’t favor a basketball player. We wanted to get something that everyone can do at twenty feet.”“Students get report cards and so do schools,” said Mitchell. “Honestly, we didn’t like our grade.
“I came up with the scholarship idea because everybody needs help,” said Schmitz. “I’m just excited because I think our kids can compete with anybody and this gives them a chance to do that.” These students’ off-the-field achievements qualified them to play some cornhole and they competed for an opportunity to sink in their chance at going to college.“As you can see, they were all into it,” said Mitchell. “When it got down to the top 10 to 15, I actually saw sweat.”
That sweat paid off for Keandre Benton, Paden Wood and Dawson Hammick, who won and finished in the top three. “It means a lot to me to be able to have so much money that would take many hours to earn,” said Paydon.“It’s unbelievable,” said Dawson. “I didn’t even think I would make it to the rounds that I could win money but I’m here.”“I see it getting a little bit bigger,” said Mitchell. “What I would love to do is have it in the gym and have the Alabama association livestream it. We would love to fill up these stands.”and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning.