Gilmer High School honored their top students in the junior and senior classes Monday with the annual Academic Awards Banquet where the top 10 percent of each class is recognized.

Principal Greg Watson presided over the evening’s festivity, a luau with each award recipient receiving a lei to wear. The Gilmer High School cafeteria staff prepared the dinner.

Slade Morris, a senior, gave the invocation.

Among the 29 students being named, Juniors were eligible for an awards blanket with their name monogrammed on it, while Senior recipients received a watch.

Businesses and individuals in the community sponsor the gifts and make the presentations to the students. Their parents in attendance are recognized, as well.

Steve and Lynne Williams made their presentation to Cara Davidson, while Todd and Eric Williams of TCMC – Commericial LP recognized Slade Morris.

For Gilmer National Bank, Larry Cowan presented his awards to Courtney Gipson and Haley Yazell.

Representing the Upshur County A&M Club, Donnie Plant presented awards to Michael Hendrix and Jared Plant.

For the Bluebonnet Club, Allison Logan presented awards to Danielle Plunk and Rebecca Hudson.

Chelsea Miears and Anthony Villafuerte received their awards from the Gilmer Athletic Booster Club, while Henry Troell presented his State Farm Insurance award to Cassandra Galeano. He also presented a State Farm award to Steve Holeman for Paul Herndon.

Mary Ann and Bill Patterson presented a watch to Kathryn Ivey, while Frank Breazeale represented the Texas Exes with an award for Juan Lopez.

Jean Hamil represented the Twentieth Century Club in making presentations to Hailey Langford and Kylie Gezella.

Standing in for her mother, Shawyne Donaho, Lindsey Donaho presented the Gilmer Kiwanis Club’s award to Shaylee Fennell.

Brandon Dodd gave the Gilmer Lions Club award to Zeth Abney.

The ETex Co-Op Award was presented by Becky Kaunitz and went to Chelsey Alexander.

Pete and Annette Herrmann presented their award from Economy Auto Supply to Sean Keegan.

David and Kelly McQueen presented an award to Dillon Sampson, while Troy Murray represented Croley Funeral Home in presenting a watch to Skylar Hollis.

Austin Bank provided the award for Dakota Martinez, and the Travis Hough Memorial went to James Whittle. Greg Watson made both presentations.

Eric Gray provided a blanket for Devan Jones.

Jeannie Smith represented the First National Bank in making awards to junior Henry “Hank” Nelson and senior Jackson McQueen.

Roy Brown broke tradition when he made his presentation to a future Texas A&M student, Haygan Thomas. Brown, a passionate University of Texas Ex, usually tries to recognize a future Longhorn.

Ed Williams made the Williams Insurance Agency’s presentation to Garrett Parish.