An achiever is defined as a person with a record of successes.

On Thursday, our community will honor a group of young people who have been labeled achievers by some who know them best — their coaches.

The 17th annual Achievers Award banquet will take place Thursday night at Greenville’s First Baptist Church.

It will serve as an opportunity to honor some of the best and brightest young people in our county.

The annual award recognizes top student-athletes from area schools who not only excel in the classroom and on the playing field, but are also involved in church and the community.

Student-athletes from Fort Dale Academy, Georgiana School, Greenville High School and McKenzie School are vying for the award. Two students – a male and a female – will walk away with a $1,500 scholarship.

To be nominated for the award is an honor in itself. With such demanding schedules, these students find time to not only improve upon their own personal qualities, but also to find ways to give back to the community.

The award says a lot about these students, and their devotion not only to growing as individuals, but giving back to those who have helped them succeed.

While only two students will walk away with the trophy, all these students deserve a pat on the back.

This year’s group of nominees includes Hudson Branum, Nedra Toulmin Crosby, Larry Harold, Hannah Johnson, Mary Sanford Perdue, Laura Sellers Perdue, John Coleman Poole, Chip Taylor, Chase Whiddon, Haley Williams, Akia Boggan, Morgan Burkett, De’Nasia Cheatheam, Matthew Colvin, Taylor Hartley, Lindsey Odom, Victoria Salvador, Alexandra Courtney, Asia Crenshaw, Devonte Crittenden, Faith Keeney, Joseph Longmire, Jr., Shelby Mayes, Keisha Rice, Michael Smith, Terail Snipes, Alexandra Clemons, Kayla Shufford and Dazia Womack.

We’d like to congratulate this year’s group of nominees on a job well done to this point, and we wish them continued success in the future.