Honors Night celebrates scholastic achievements and bestows accolades in a variety of areas upon graduating seniors at Thomas County Central High School.

Honors Night is held the Thursday prior to the seniors’ last day of high school. This year’s ceremony for the TCCHS Class of 2015 was held Thursday, May 14. It recognized graduating seniors for their academic accomplishments throughout high school and announced scholarships winners.

“It’s so nice to see that everyone that worked hard is being recognized,” senior Trey Owens, who was recognized in several areas, said. “Some of us have been at this for four long years and it’s great to see it pay off. It’s such an honor to be here with all my classmates.”

Numerous students were recognized during the ceremony, which was held in the school’s gymnasium and lasted approximately two hours.

Emily Kornegay, class valedictorian, received several recognitions and scholarships during the ceremony, including the Presidential Scholarship from the Georgia Institute of Technology. This is a full scholarship to Georgia Tech and includes all tuition and fees.

“Getting the Presidential Scholarship was awesome,” Kornegay said. “Tech’s investment in me will motivate me throughout my college career to achieve what I can while working as hard as I can.”

Recognitions given included honor graduates, Merit scholars, AP scholars, National Honor Society, Governor’s Honors, community service hours, CTAE Pathway credentials, departmental awards, and ACCEL, Dual/Joint Enrollment & Move On When Ready cords.  A variety of scholarships, from excellence in certain fields of study to those in honor of individuals, also were awarded.

Jaden Austin, in addition to other recognitions, received almost $3,000 in scholarships. She feels her hard work the last four years paid off.

“I feel very appreciative of all the scholarships and awards that I received,” she said. “I feel very honored and humbled that, out of so many students that applied for the scholarships, they picked me.”