Trence Carter II, an eighth grader at Greenville Middle School, recently was named a United States National Award Winner in history and government.

The United States Achievement Academy (USAA), benefactor of the award, recognizes fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students, stated a press release sent out by the organization.

As part of the honor, Carter will be pictured in the nationally published USAA Official Yearbook.

Using the recommendation of a teacher or coach, the USAA selects winners based on criteria including academic performance, interest, aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, attitude, cooperative spirit dependability.

Florence Simpson, Carter's Advanced Geography and Civics teacher, nominated him for the award.

Carter made the A-B honor roll for his school and said his best grades are in his Advanced Geography and Civics class.

He added that he is very interested in this class.

&uot;Recognizing and supporting our youth is more important than ever before in America's history,&uot; said George Stevens, executive director of the USAA. &uot;United States Achievement Academy winners should be congratulated and appreciated for their dedication to excellence and achievement.&uot;

Carter is the son of Trence Carter I of Greenville and Elaine Carter of Montgomery.

He is the grandson of Lucille Miller of Greenville and Bobby and Betty Carter of San Francisco, California.