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Columbus Honors Resilient Youth at Annual Awards Luncheon

Students celebrating at Columbus Youth Awards Luncheon

News Summary

The Exchange Club of Columbus held its annual Youth and A.C.E. Awards Luncheon, celebrating local high school students who have overcome challenges. Amanda Stewart, awarded the A.C.E. Award, and Marlie Tolleson, named Youth of the Year, stood out for their resilience and commitment to helping others. The event recognized multiple award winners and served as a celebration of community strength and the achievements of determined young individuals.

Columbus Celebrates Resilient Young Achievers at Awards Luncheon

This past week in the vibrant city of Columbus, an inspiring event took place that highlighted the remarkable abilities of local high school students. The Exchange Club of Columbus held its annual Youth and A.C.E. Awards Luncheon, honoring those students who have faced challenges throughout their lives yet triumphed with incredible resilience and determination.

Amanda Stewart Shines as A.C.E. Award Winner

A standout at this year’s ceremony was Amanda Stewart, a senior from West Lowndes High School. Stewart was awarded the prestigious overall Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (A.C.E.) Award, a special recognition aimed at students who have persevered despite adversities. Amanda’s journey is one of courage and tenacity, having taken on responsibilities at a very young age. By second grade, she was not only getting herself to school, but also safely guiding her mother home, showcasing her remarkable maturity.

In her biography, it was noted that, by that tender age, Amanda had already “outgrown her mother,” stepping into a role to care for her family. Life was not easy for her during those formative years. She often dealt with wrinkled clothes, matted hair, and worn-out shoes, yet Amanda always found ways to rise above her circumstances.

In a heartfelt moment at the award ceremony held at the Lion Hills Center, Amanda expressed her pride and gratitude for the recognition, feeling a sense of accomplishment for overcoming the obstacles life had thrown her way. She credits her intelligence and work ethic to a prayer her biological mother made during pregnancy, hoping for a “smart baby.” Now, Amanda stands out among her peers as one of the few students to earn an associate degree from East Mississippi Community College and has plans to study radiological sciences at Itawamba Community College this fall.

Her aspirations do not stop there; she has a deep desire to support children in need, vowing to help with everything from homework to transportation. Amanda aims to provide the kind of supportive environment to youngsters that she wished she had experienced.

Marlie Tolleson Named Youth of the Year

Another honoree at the luncheon was Marlie Tolleson, a senior from New Hope High School, recognized as the overall winner of the Youth of the Year Award for her outstanding academic performance and notable community service. Marlie lives her values of contributing and serving others through her involvement in church nurseries and youth programs, truly embodying the spirit of giving.

This summer, she plans to volunteer at a church camp in Louisiana, continuing her commitment to helping others. Marlie is also known for her efforts with the United Way, where she assists during the holiday season by providing gifts to families in need. Looking forward to her future, Marlie intends to study nutrition and food sciences at East Mississippi Community College in the fall, keen on making a difference in people’s lives through her chosen field.

Other Notable Award Winners

In addition to Amanda and Marlie, several other students received accolades at the ceremony. They include Ryoma Kurosawa from Caledonia High School, Savannah Massey from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, and Adam Malone from New Hope High School, all receiving A.C.E. Awards for their perseverance and accomplishments.

Furthermore, other recipients of the Youth of the Year Award included Ramse Jefferson and Joseph Jackson Wallace from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, as well as Ella Shepherd from Caledonia High School and Braycee Jade Fenster from West Lowndes High School.

A Celebration of Triumph and Service

The Exchange Club of Columbus’ annual awards ceremony not only took time to recognize exceptional students but also served as a heartfelt celebration of their achievements. By commending these resilient young individuals, the event highlighted the strength of community and the powerful impacts of overcoming life’s hurdles. Each of these students serves as a shining example of what it means to embrace challenges and commit to serving their communities with open hearts.