Morgan Academy’s Greyson Harvill was named the 68th Paul M. Grist Boy of the Year during a ceremony Tuesday night at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

“I can really say this was unexpected. I feel everyone here tonight had an opportunity to win,” Harvill said. “It is a great honor that we are here. We have been leaders in our schools, in our communities and in our families. We need to remember going forth we are the future of America.”

Harvill is the son of Troy and Patrice Harvill. He attends Elkdale Baptist Church, is an Eagle Scout and involved in the National Honor Society, Student Government Association and many other organizations at Morgan Academy.

He plans to attend Auburn University and major in aerospace engineering and then earn his master’s in business administration at Troy University before going to work in the defense industry.

Harvill thanked God, his parents and family for their support and the YMCA for sponsoring the award.

Other nominees were Dominique Jones and La’Darius Pasley from Keith High School; Larry McGary Jr. from Ellwood Christian Academy; Patrick Haskell and Paul Daniels from Dallas County High School; De’Quan Johnson from Southside High School; Garrett Grantham from Meadowview Christian School; Ivan Williams and Ronterrious Tabb from Selma High School; and Frank Thomas Middleton from Morgan Academy.

Selma Mayor Darrio Melton was keynote speaker for the program. He was a Boy of the Year nominee in 1997. The Boy of the Year instead that year was James Logan Casey.

“Twenty years ago I sat right where you sat … It was a rough night for me because I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that I was going to by the Boy of the Year,” Melton said, joking that he would give his acceptance speech Tuesday night. “This moment is a moment you will forever cherish and you will remember. Out of all the young men here in Selma and Dallas County, there’s only 11 of you all who are here tonight.”