Thousands of dollars' worth of scholarships were awarded Thursday night to several Harlan County seniors who are currently enjoying their last days of high school and are making plans for college.

Now in its 22nd year, the annual Harlan County Community Scholarship Banquet saw a crowd of civic as well as educational leaders, along with proud parents and family members of the scholarship recipients who gathered to celebrate the success of each senior. As in years past, the event was held at the Harlan Baptist Church with Donell Busroe serving as the evening's emcee.

"How wonderful it is to be able to share in the excitement of this group of Harlan County's most elite high school seniors as you embark upon what I think is the most exciting time of your lives," Busroe told the scholarship recipients after they received their awards. "Congratulations to all of the students and to the parents as well. Good luck in your endeavors."

There were several scholarships handed out Thursday night from a wide variety of organizations.

The program concluded with the naming of this year's Harlan County Scholarship recipients, which included Christopher Kirk Vicini of Cumberland High School, Samantha Thomas of Evarts High School, Megan Donahue of Harlan High School and Kevin Cavins of James A. Cawood High School,

Runners-up received Harlan County Soil Conservation District scholarships of $500 each. The Harlan County Community Scholarships totaled $1,000 each.

"Tonight, we honor this special group of young adults for their scholastic and extracurricular achievements," said Harlan County Schools Public Relation Director Jeff Phillips, who spoke on behalf of Superintendent Tim Saylor, who was not able to attend the banquet. "These students' successes illustrate what is right with America's public schools. Scholarship recipients, you have met the challenge put before you. You are among the best and the brightest, a distinction that goes beyond your high school years."