It was a night of checks, medals and chords for Dawson County High School seniors as students attended an event in their honor.

Dawson County High School held its annual Senior Honor Night on May 2 in the school commons area. The ceremony saw numerous students awarded checks by organizations from across the state as well as recognizing those at the high school graduating with honors.

The scholarships started at $1,000. Many organizations throughout Dawson County, such as the Rotary Club, the woman's club, R.E.A.D, and Etowah Water and Sewer Authority, were present to award money to the students.

"These scholarships aren't gifts or handouts, but an investment," said Jute Wilson, Dawson County High School principal. "These are a financial placement with an expectation of return. These are investments into the future of our students."

Wilson said the total amount of scholarships given away that night was in the range of "tens of thousands of dollars."

Students were also honored with medallions and chords to wear with their cap and gown during the graduation ceremony.

All students receiving honor graduate status were recognized at the event, including special graduates such as the valedictorian, salutatorian, class officers and the national honor society.

Students were also recognized with awards from the heads of various departments at the high school, such as English, math, science and social studies.

The next step for the seniors is graduation, which will be at 8:30 a.m. May 25, at the Dawson County High School stadium.