Past recipients of the “Unsung Hero” award was on hand to witness Jonathan Wallace become the 51st recipient of the award during a Chilton Auburn Club banquet on Friday.

“It’s all about doing the right things and going out of my way to help serve other people,” Wallace said.

The banquet was a celebration of both Wallace and provided a look back throughout the ceremony of previous winners over the past half century.

“Living here and being a part of the club allows you to see the heart that these people have,” former recipient Jim Pitts said. “I don’t know any other place that does something like honoring those blue-collar individuals that don’t often get recognized.”

Pitts received the award in 1976 and was one of 16 former winners that attended the event, while five others provided written statements that were read to the crowd.

Those present each stood up and reminisced about the night that they received the award and how their life has changed since then.

“Auburn itself is unique,” Pitts said. “It’s a small town and if it wasn’t for the college, it wouldn’t be much bigger than Clanton. It’s just that kind of place.”

Wallace was primarily a backup quarterback during his time as a player at Auburn from 2012 to 2015. He started four games as a freshman and was a member of the SEC academic honor roll in 2014 and the SEC community service team in 2015.

“He was a good player, but an even better person,” guest speaker and first year Auburn receivers coach Kodi Burns said. “There are not many people like him. He is a true Auburn man.”

He will remain at Auburn University this fall as a graduate assistant on the Auburn coaching staff.

“None of this would have been possible without my parents and the people that have invested their time to help raise me,” Wallace said. “It’s a blessing.”

Nearly every person that spoke during the banquet mentioned the togetherness and comfortable environment that Auburn reflects.

“It is such a family-driven campus and the people there will do anything and everything to put you on the right path,” Wallace said. “I just want to continue to give that back to everyone that I come in contact with.”