Some area high school students were recognized for overcoming adversity and received scholarships from the Exchange Club.
The Accepting The Challenge of Excellence Award recognizes students who've overcome hardships with a great attitude.
All nominees received $100. One student received $500 and will go on to the district level to compete for a scholarship.
Marcus Whitt, a junior at Elida High School, was the overall winner. Whitt was diagnosed with Gardner Syndrome, a genetic disease that causes benign tumors to develop across the body.
He had to give up boxing for non-contact sports. He's now running track.
He says he started sharing his story in hopes to inspire others.
Marcus plans to open a fitness facility, which will be called Whittness Fitness.
All students who were nominated:
John Wesley Godfrey, Perry High School
David Hirschfeld, Shawnee High School
Abby Lee, Apollo Career Center
Asya Hamilton, Delphos-Jefferson
Cole Ward, Spencerville High School
Marcus Whitt, Elida High School
Johnnie Wilson, Lima Senior high School
