The Chilton Auburn Club recognized a former Auburn University football player and several scholarship recipients at its annual Unsung Hero Banquet at the Jemison Municipal Complex on Tuesday.

Craig Sanders, who played defensive end at Auburn from 2010–2013, was honored as this year’s unsung hero.

Sanders played in numerous games, including the 2010 SEC Championship Game, 2010 BCS National Championship game, 2013 SEC Championship game and the 2013 BCS National Championship game.

Sanders was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2013 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies in August.

The club recognized Anna Wilson from Chilton County High School and Kaiser Woodley from Jemison High School as its two newest scholarship recipients.

Each $6,000 scholarship is the equivalent of a semester’s tuition at Auburn.

Recipients are chosen by Auburn University based on guidelines set forth by the club, including academic achievement and financial need, Chilton Auburn Club secretary Glenda Mims said.

“Auburn University makes the choice, but we set up the guidelines,” Mims said. “They must be an entering freshman or an entering first-time transfer student.”

Jill Vinzant and Grace Foshee, past scholarship recipients, attended the banquet Tuesday and expressed their gratitude to the club for their scholarships.

Vinzant and Foshee just finished their freshman year at Auburn.

The club presented John McAfee awards to club members Curtis Smith and Helen Blackmon for their service and support.

“They were both surprised,” Mims said. “To do the program our club does takes the efforts of a lot of people. We just know over the years we’ve done it, those are people we can count on.”

Auburn’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig was slated to be the guest speaker at the banquet but was unable to attend because of inclement weather, Mims said.

Casey Woods, director of player personnel for Auburn football, attended in Craig’s place.

“I think we had a really good crowd,” Mims said. “We raised a lot of money and had a good time.”