Mallory Stewart, Thad Hunter, Lily Barnett and Anna Hilyer received certificates as recipients of the Craig Hunicutt Scholarship during halftime of the county basketball tournament on Jan. 7. Wes McGehee was also chosen, but is not present in the photo. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

The 2017 Craig Hunicutt Scholarship award winners were Wes McGehee of Jemison High School, Thad Hunter and Mallory Stewart of Maplesville High School and Lily Barnett and Anna Hilyer of Thorsby High School.

The five recipients were announced at the county basketball tournament during halftime of the varsity boys championship on Jan. 7.

As their names were called they came out onto the court to receive a certificate and applause from the crowd.

Thorsby and Maplesville each had two students chosen for the award.

“It was an honor to be chosen,” Barnett said.

The scholarship is award annually with the selections made by the Chilton County Principals and Coaches Association and given to students who have demonstrated good citizenship.

The money from the scholarship is divided up among the recipients, with each student awarded roughly $300 to help in their path to earning a college degree.

“Every little bit helps, especially nowadays,” Hunter said. “It definitely drives you to work even harder moving forward.”

Hilyer plans to start out at Jeff State and transfer to UAB in the field of radiology.

“I’ve been thinking about it for awhile now, and the fact that it is involved in helping people makes it something that I’m interested in,” Hilyer said. “From classes to books, this [scholarship] will really help.”

Barnett is still in the process of selecting a school with the possibility of continuing to play basketball in college, while following her interest in photojournalism.

“I have a few options right now,” Barnett said.

Hunter also remains undecided in his college choice at the moment, but he has aspirations of becoming a veterinarian and working with animals wherever he goes.

The award held even more special meaning to Hunter, who was handed the award by his father and Maplesville principal Steven Hunter. Maplesville served as host of the county tournament this year.

“I didn’t know whether to shake his hand or hug him,” Hunter said.

Each student was thankful to their family and the many people that have been there for them in their life.

“I give a huge thanks to my mother Nicole and my sister Ashlin for always encouraging me to be the best I can be and for helping me prepare for college and the real world,” Hilyer said. “Without them I don’t know where I would be.”