We often hear about awarding winning college athletes, but rarely do we hear about award winning scholars. Today Chipola College celebrated those students who've excelled in the classroom.

Two students were singled out for special honors. At first glance this year looks like any other at Chipola College, but the college's vice president, Sarah Clemmons says that couldn't be further from the truth.

"It's been a very exciting year academically here at Chipola College. We have two organizations who have represented us really well. They've won state awards, national awards, and international awards."

Those two organizations are the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Chipola Brain Bowl team. Brain Bowl coach Robert Dunkle says they brought home the school's first ever Brain Bowl state title.

"Winning the state tournament, coming second in the nation when were the third smallest junior college in the state of Florida is the acme of my experience as a professor."

But the Brain Bowl honors are just he tip of the iceberg. Two students, Glen Thompson and Alicia Hatcher, are the other part of this year's success story because the Phi Theta Kappa members are ranked among the top 30 in the state, and Clemmons says that's only a portion of their accomplishments.

"Those two students went on to the international convention where they were named in the top 60 students internationally."

The students were honored for their overall achievements including grades, campus involvement and community service.

"I think the best part about this is getting to meet new people and giving back to my community. The recognition is great, but it would have been just as valuable without all the recognition for it," Hatcher said.

"We just trained members in the community in case a disaster like that was to happen here," Thompson added.

Both say they get the most satisfaction from improving the Marianna community, the biggest reason their pictures will hang on the wall of honor.

Hatcher and Thompson were also featured in USA Today's All American Academic Team. Both have received several scholarships to further their education.