The Troy Exchange Club hosted its 18th annual ACE Awards Ceremony on Thursday. 

Donna McLaney Jones said the Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Award is awarded toa student who has overcome great physical, emotional or social obstacles to become eligible for high school graduation. 

“Contrary to popular belief, the lives of all students are not easy,” Jones said. “When obstacles come, the easy thing to do is to drop out. But I’m happy to present to you two students who did not choose the easy way. They chose to do whatever it took to overcome the obstacles that life set before them. And I’m extremely pleased to call them overcomers. I stand before you today to recognize these students who with great determination and perseverance overcame all odds. The ACE award has two objectives: it helps encourage students to overcome their hardships and get back on track toward a high school diploma. The award recognizes those students who are often overlooked for their accomplishments and this special recognition serves as a powerful example to all students that hard work and perseverance really do pay off.”

Akierra Cornell, a senior at Goshen High School, was selected as the recipient of the ACE award. 

Cornell plans to attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College after graduation and complete her associates degree. She plans to get an associate’s degree in applied science for welding and then pursue an engineering degree at a four-year college. While completing her associate’s degree, she plans to work for Dorsey Trailer. 

ChaNautica Cotton, a senior at Pike County High School, was the ACE Award runner-up. Cotton plans to enter the U.S. Army Reserves and then continue her education at Florida Southern University.