Dogwood Trail Court

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Dogwood Trail Court Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Optimist Club, the Dogwood Trail Court serves as goodwill ambassadors of our community.

The Dogwood Trail program has been a tradition on the Eastern Shore since 1960. Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Optimist Club, the program prides itself on its mission to further local young women's progress by offering opportunities to learn leadership, public speaking and life skills that will help equip them to achieve their personal and professional goals. Each Court Member receives a $1,500 scholarship, and during their year of service, each Dogwood Trail Court makes approximately 90 appearances as a Goodwill Ambassador of our community. The costumes worn by the Court Members are custom-made each year by local designers. They are artistic interpretations of our community's floral heritage, representing blossoms and petals. The Dogwood flower, though seemingly delicate, is a symbol of adaptability and strength, which is also reflected in the spirit of the Eastern Shore.

10/29/2026

Ghouls just wanna have fun! Such a fa-boo-lous Halloween-themed practice 👻

🎃🍁 Such a great time at the Fairhope East Elementary Fall Festival! 🍁🎃
10/29/2026

🎃🍁 Such a great time at the Fairhope East Elementary Fall Festival! 🍁🎃

👻🎃 Downtown Trick or Treat! 🎃👻We had such a good time in Fairhope seeing all the creative costumes, smiling faces, and s...
10/29/2026

👻🎃 Downtown Trick or Treat! 🎃👻

We had such a good time in Fairhope seeing all the creative costumes, smiling faces, and spooky-fun energy up and down the streets.

No tricks, only treats! Wearing our favorite costume, meet our lovely pink, Miss Ava Marie Bindon!Q: What is one piece o...
10/25/2026

No tricks, only treats! Wearing our favorite costume, meet our lovely pink, Miss Ava Marie Bindon!

Q: What is one piece of advice you have for the participants trying out this year?
A: “Talk to everyone even if it makes you nervous because you could be one conversation away from meeting your best friend!"

Q: What is something many people may not know about you?
A: "I love dogs but am very allergic to them!"

Q: What is your favorite line from the Optimist Creed?
A: “'Promise yourself to make all your friends feel that there is something in them'- I know how big of a difference it makes in your confidence when someone makes it known that they see something valuable in you."

Q: What word best describes our community?
A: "'Welcoming'- I believe the Eastern Shore is a unique community, which is seen in the way that people show up for each other. It is almost impossible to walk through downtown Fairhope without being greeted by at least one person, and that's what is so special about our community."

Q: What is your top future travel destination?
A: "I would love to visit Italy because I enjoy making pasta, so I would love to learn in the place that does it best."

Ava is a senior at Bayside Academy and a member of Peer Helper-President, Key Club, Biomedical Careers Club, National Honor Society, Bayside Honor Council, Alabama Youth in Government Club, and was Secretary her junior year. Outside of school, Ava is part of the 3Circle Church worship team, Alabama Girls State delegate, Wyldlife Leader, National Charity League Vice President of Inclusion (10th), Secretary (11th), and Treasurer (12th). Next year, she plans to study psychology and Spanish with dreams of becoming a pediatric oncologist or a neonatologist. Ava is the daughter of Michael and Jacy Bindon and sister to Mia, Chad and Piper.

Last night we had the privilege of celebrating some truly inspiring kids at the Fairhope football game! The Spina Bifida...
10/17/2026

Last night we had the privilege of celebrating some truly inspiring kids at the Fairhope football game! The Spina Bifida Awareness Game is always one of our favorite events of the year. Seeing these amazing kids filled with love, laughter, and joy reminds us all of the power of community. Here's to raising awareness and making memories that last a lifetime!

We are happy to stay in a lavender haze. 💜Meet our October Court Member of the Month, Miss Piper Isabella Phillips, lave...
10/11/2026

We are happy to stay in a lavender haze. 💜

Meet our October Court Member of the Month, Miss Piper Isabella Phillips, lavender!

Q: What is your favorite Dogwood memory?
A: “It has to be induction day! The whole day was pure magic. I will never forget putting the full dress on for the first time and realizing what I had dreamed about for so long was becoming a reality. It was the most joyful and surreal moment. It is one that I will forever cherish."

Q: What is something many people may not know about you?
A: "I love to bake! Whether I am making cakes, cupcakes, or macarons, I love trying new recipes. Challenging myself with different ideas or new techniques has become something I enjoy doing very much. The best part about baking is sharing the yummy goodies with my family. They never last long in our house!"

Q: What word best describes Dogwood for you?
A: “Formative- Dogwood has shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned so much about the importance of having a servant's heart and giving back to my community. This program is designed to form young women through leadership, service, and confidence as goodwill ambassadors."

Q: What song do you like to listen to on the way to an appearance?
A: "I love listening to 'Long Live' by Taylor Swift when I am on the way to appearances! It reminds me to soak in every moment and appreciate the friendships, memories, and opportunities that make this year so special. I know my time on the court will go by quickly, so I want to enjoy every moment of this special experience."

Q: What would be the title of your autobiography?
A: "'Taking the Scenic Route'- My family always jokes that I am a turtle and take my time doing everything. I like to think of it as enjoying every moment. I truly like to live life to the fullest and never take anything for granted. The scenic route is always worth the extra time for a beautiful view."

Piper is a senior at Fairhope High School and a member of Peer Helper, Create for Kids- Communications Director, Interact Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Club, and Psychology Club. She is a varsity cheerleader and serves as Social Media Manager. Outside of school, Piper is a UCA All American Cheerleader and Pin-it forward recipient, as well as Eastern Shore Cheer member. She attends 3Circle Church and was an Eastern Shore Youth Leadership Program Participant last year. She plans to attend Auburn University with a major in biology pre-med in hopes of becoming a pediatrician. Piper is the daughter of Jarard and Ashley Phillips and big sister to Sutton and Briggs.

What a wonderful way to support our four-legged friends and celebrate the joy that pets bring into our lives! It was an ...
10/06/2026

What a wonderful way to support our four-legged friends and celebrate the joy that pets bring into our lives! It was an honor to participate in The Haven’s Tails of Hope gala and learn more about their mission.

Together, we can make a difference and turn hope into reality for animals in need. 🐾

The Haven, Baldwin County’s longest-serving no-kill shelter, maintains a 95–99% save rate while delivering vital community services. To learn more about The Haven, visit their website here: https://www.havenforanimals.org/

Kicking off the fall season with Daphne Elementary’s Fall Festival! We had the best time! 🍂🍁🍂
09/28/2026

Kicking off the fall season with Daphne Elementary’s Fall Festival! We had the best time! 🍂🍁🍂

Last night was one to remember at the Alabama Orthopedic Society President’s Dinner at the beautiful Grand Hotel! From t...
05/16/2026

Last night was one to remember at the Alabama Orthopedic Society President’s Dinner at the beautiful Grand Hotel! From the moment guests arrived, the evening was filled with laughter, music, and so much energy.

We loved helping greet attendees and meeting people from all across Alabama and Mississippi. One of the best parts of the night was spending time with all of the children who kept us dancing, laughing, and playing games all evening long!

Between the live music, smiling faces, and a breathtaking sunset over the bay, it truly was a picture-perfect night. We are so grateful to have been part of such a fun and memorable evening!

Our final awards ceremony celebrating the Class of 2026 was held last night at Daphne High School. We are proud to prese...
05/16/2026

Our final awards ceremony celebrating the Class of 2026 was held last night at Daphne High School. We are proud to present the Dogwood Trail Court Scholarship to Madison Lang, who — along with her fellow court members — completed more than 200 hours of community service while serving with optimism, pride for our community, and a passion for spreading joy.

Congratulations to all of the Daphne students, and best wishes as you begin your next chapter. Go Trojans! 💜💛

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Fairhope, AL
36532

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