Ashley Paulk and Rickie Sallie each claimed $1,500 scholarships at the fifth annual Achiever Award Banquet.

Hats off to Paulk and Sallie, but also to the other 25 nominees for this year's honor.

This month, Paulk will graduate from Fort Dale Academy and Sallie will graduate from McKenzie High School, but students from Georgiana High School, Greenville Academy, and Greenville High School were among the nominees.

The banquet was an evening where the Butler County education community came together, regardless of the mascot.

Harvey Glance, who knows achievement as an internationally known athlete and coach, addressed the nominees, their families and others among the packed house at the Greenville First Baptist Church.

Although Glance spoke some about his career, he told the nominees that what he was most proud of was his work as a family man and a Christian. He said that each nominee is an achiever and that each individual should have the "audacity to dream."

And dream they should because without hope for tomorrow, it is impossible to achieve today.

Congratulations Ashley and Rickie, and all of the 2002 Achiever Award nominees.