Sequoyah High School student Sylvester Williams has been named one of 16 honorees for the first Colored Rocks Prize, which is awarded by the Colored Rocks Foundation to Georgia high school male seniors from diverse ethnic heritages who have excelled in academics and service.  The amount of Williams’ cash prize will be announced by the Foundation in June once he completes all of the requirements for his award.  The 16 finalists are vying for the top cash award of $3,500.

Williams, who is on track to become an Eagle Scout, distinguished himself in the competition not only with his outstanding communication skills, but also with his plan to help young African-American Boy Scouts, according to the Foundation.  He said his formula for success is to set a goal, prepare for it and achieve it. “But the main thing I want to instill in younger kids is that it is important to give back, because in giving to others, you are actually giving to yourself,” he said.

Following his graduation from Sequoyah High School, Williams hopes to study at Auburn University and pursue a career in the aerospace industry.