Several outstanding students and teachers were honored by the Exchange Club of Lake Higlands recently.

The group hosted its annual awards presentation Friday morning at the Lake Highlands United Methodist Church.

Among the awards presented were 2009 Youth of the Year, Teachers of the Year and ACE Awards, short for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence.

Lake Highlands High School seniors Avery Atkins and Reid McCann were selected by faculty as Youth of the Year. The awards are given to graduating seniors who excelled in academics, leadership and school and community service.

Atkins was a star soccer player for the Lady Wildcats and is ranked 4th in the LHHS Class of 2009.

McCann, who will graduate 6th in the Class of 2009 and was an honorable mention All-State football player for the Wildcats, said he and Atkins were humbled by the awards.

“It’s very exciting for both of us to win these awards. The Exchange Club does so many great things for the community and we’re honored to represent Lake Highlands High School,” McCann said.

Teacher of the Year recipients were recognized for excellence in their classrooms and helping to maximize their students’ dreams.

Honorees were Kathryn Laster of LHHS, Kim Aman of Moss Haven Elementary, Lainie Applegate of Aikin Elementary, Kathleen McClelland of Wallace Elementary and Tanisha Williams of White Rock Elementary.

RISD Trustee Luke Davis introduced the winners and was pleased with their selections.

“There aren’t enough words of praise I can offer these educators. I’m proud of them and in awe of their special contributions to the district and their schools,” Davis said.

The ACE Awards are given to Lake Highlands graduating seniors who faced adversity during the school year, accepted the challenge by overcoming the adversity and made themselves into a positive force within their communities.

Veronica Solorzano and David Bott each overcame hurdles during the year and excelled, earning 2009 ACE Awards.

The Exchange Club was also a winner. The group announced an anonymous donor gave an additional $12,500, which will be used to fund more area scholarships.

“This is another message that, even though times are tough, the Lake Highlands community spirit is strong,” said Exchange Club President Stan Scates.

For more about the Exchange Club, please visit their website at http://www.lhexchangeclub.org.