Greenville High School's Lynn Lewis and McKenzie High School's Kathryn Sanford each took home a $1,500 scholarship Thursday night as both seniors were named as this year's Achiever Award winners.

Lewis and Sanford were chosen as the winners by a panel of judges after a process of nominations and interviews.

Lewis was voted by the football team as the Most Valuable Player while playing four positions. Lewis also played varsity baseball and was selected to the North-South All-Star team in 2006-2007. During the 2006 season, Lewis stole 66 bases, which ties him for second all-time in a single season. Lewis also played basketball for three years and is a member of Making a Change, the Spanish Honor Society and the Student Council.

Sanford played softball throughout high school and was a Girls State Representative. Sanford is a Student Government Representative, Secretary of the Senior Beta Club and she received the Principal's Award and good Citizenship Award. Sanford is active in the Future Business Leaders of America and Mu Alpha Theta.

During her acceptance speech, Sanford thanked her family, friends, McKenzie faculty and coaches, along with her greatest influence.

&#8220I just thank God for making the person I am,” Sanford said.

A visibly stunned Lewis stirred laughter in the crowd as he opened his acceptance speech by commenting on just how nervous he was.

&#8220Is the air on?” Lewis said as the crowd erupted in laughter.

The two winners mark the 10th anniversary of the award which was created to recognize Butler County's best athletes, students, community leaders and Christians, all rolled into one.

During Thursday's banquet, all 28 of the nominees, their friends and families and those in attendance enjoyed a meal before hearing Auburn University football team chaplain Chette Williams speak.

Williams became the Auburn team chaplain in 1999 and continues to serve in that capacity while also serving as the University campus director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and as the State Director for Urban Ministries.

Williams spoke about leadership during his speech, noting that those who were nominees were already leaders.

&#8220We have a crisis, a shortage of leadership,” Williams said. &#8220You have to take a stand when on one else will.”

Williams recalled his playing days at Auburn with Greenville native Tom Powell, whose son Tom Powell IV was a nominee Thursday, while also drawing many &#8220Amens” from the crowd as he spoke like a pastor preaching a sermon.

Next year's Achiever Award banquet is scheduled for May 1.