North Moore High School senior Carrie Anne Smith received the Junior Builders Cup and a $2,500 scholarship Wednesday from the Kiwanis Club of the Sandhills.

Smith was among four students -- one from each of the county high schools -- recognized for academic excellence and community involvement.

The other students were Brett Baggett from Pinecrest High School, Ashley Thompson from Union Pines High School and Josh Wolonick from The O'Neal School. They received honorary plaques and $1,000 scholarships.

Mike Thomas, chairman of the selection committee, said the decision was a difficult one, since all the candidates were outstanding.

"All four of these folks are just absolutely exceptional," Thomas said. "They have accomplished great things, and it gives us great confidence in the environment they're growing up in."

The award recognizes students who excel in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and community involvement. After nomination by their high school, the candidates submit an application and are interviewed by the committee.

Smith is the daughter of Barry and Susan Smith, of Robbins, and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. She plans to major in political science and business administration, then enter law school to become an attorney specializing in business law.

She was a semi-finalist for the Morehead-Cain scholarship to UNC-CH and a finalist for the Park Scholarship to North Carolina State University.

During high school, Smith made straight A's all four years and ranked third in her class of 163 students. She was president of the National Beta Club and co-founded Teens Against Tobacco Use at North Moore High School.

She attended Governor's School East for social science in 2007 and received the Knights of Columbus Award her junior year.

In addition to her academic success, Smith played varsity volleyball and varsity soccer and was named a Wendy's High School Heisman scholar-athlete in 2008.

Smith also was active in the community, volunteering in numerous capacities and for numerous causes.

"She has the skills and talent to take her far, paired with kindness to make her life a blessing to those around her," wrote Jamie Brown, an English teacher and Beta Club sponsor, in a letter recommending Smith.

Brett Baggett

The son of Craig and Joan Baggett, of Pinebluff, Baggett was ranked fifth in his class of 414 and made the Distinguished List all four years. He was named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction his junior year and was nominated for the Morehead-Cain scholarship to UNC-CH.

He also excelled in athletics, and was named captain of the cross-country and track and field teams. He was named Mid-Southeastern Conference Runner of the Year for cross-country his senior year.

Baggett was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and the Student Government Association.

He also is a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and an active volunteer in the community.

Baggett will continue his education at UNC-CH and pursue a major in business or economics. He also plans to attend graduate school.

"He understands the importance of hard work and practice to become proficient, whether it is physical or mental," wrote Christina Walsh Doubleday, AP chemistry teacher at Pinecrest High School. "Brett is well-liked by his peers and the teachers here at Pinecrest for his humble character and good sense of humor."

Ashley Thompson

Thompson, the daughter of Jeff and Kim Thompson, of Cameron, will attend North Carolina State University as a member of the University Scholars Program. She plans to major in elementary education.

Thompson ranked fifth in her graduating class of 323 and won the Yale Book Award and the Knights of Columbus Award in 11th grade. She also won the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award in 12th grade. She was a nominee for Governor's School and the Morehead-Cain scholarship to UNC-CH.

She played junior varsity softball in ninth and 10th grades, as well as varsity softball in 11th grade.

In addition, Thompson served as president of the National Honor Society (NHS) and a senior mentor.

A member of Mount Pleasant Christian Church, Thompson participated in youth group and was a Sunday School and children's church teacher.

She also was a photography adviser for the Cameron Newshounds at Cameron Elementary School.

"She possesses a truly rare combination of intelligence, poise, integrity, compassion for others and natural leadership ability," wrote Glenn Caviness, NHS faculty adviser, in her recommendation of Thompson.

Josh Wolonick

Teachers also had excellent things to say about Wolonick.

"When I think of Josh, the words 'quiet determination' and 'intellectual curiosity' come to mind," wrote Cynthia Carr, chairwoman of the science department at The O'Neal School.

The son of Richard and Suzanne Wolonick, of Pinehurst, Wolonick won the prestigious Helen Pringle Holmberg Scholarship for ninth through 12th grade and made the High Honor Roll all four years.

He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Cum Laude Society and recipient of the Knights of Columbus Award. Wolonick was a semi-finalist for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship and won the Presidential Scholarship to the College of Charleston and the Chancellor's Scholarship to Appalachian State University.

At The O'Neal School, Wolonick participated in more than 20 theatrical and dance performances, and he attended Governor's School East for drama in 2007.

He also was team captain of the varsity swimming team and participated in varsity track and field.

He was involved -- and had leadership roles -- in several school clubs, including the Key Club, Model United Nations and Chess Club. He also was editor of the school newspaper during his senior year.

Wolonick also performed as the falcon mascot at The O'Neal School athletic events.

He plans to attend UNC-CH as part of the honors program and major in English and dramatic art.

Thomas said the selection committee considered each nominee extremely well-rounded, and all deserved respect.

"Every time I look at it, I think, 'How does a person get those grades and still do all they do?'" Thomas said.

Contact Kellen Moore at 692-7271 or by e-mail at kellen@thepilot.com.