The Alpha Inspirational Achievement Awards (AIAA) banquet will be held Thursday at the George P. Evans Recreational Building.

The event gets underway at 6 p.m. and winners will be announced. The event includes honor students from all public schools and private schools in Dallas County.

The event was originally called the Mayor George Evans Achievement Award, but the name changed when Evans’ two terms as Selma Mayor ended in 2016. Evans said the award goes beyond making good grades.

“It’s a real inspiring program to recognize children in the city public and private who achieve in school and in the community in spite of difficult conditions,” Evans said. “It’s for good attendance, good grades, a C average or better, community service and good conduct. It’s not just about making A’s and B’s, it’s about the achievement you make outside the classroom and into the community.”

Evans, who served as Selma Mayor from 2008-2016, said each school recommended their two winners. He also said a committee recommends six winners from Grades 3 through 11.

Evans said the event didn’t take place last year because Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams had just arrived to the idea and he wanted her input with the program.