Bound for the U.S. Naval Academy, Sharon High School senior Sean Genis can add one more laurel to his wreath of accomplishments.

Sean, a son of Vincent and Roxana Genis of 1619 McDowell St., Thursday night received the ninth annual Academic Achievement Award, presented by Fidelity National Information Solutions Inc.'s Empower Division, Sharon, and The Herald.

"We are here to honor the students ... and the people who got them there," said John L. Lima, publisher of The Herald.

Sean and 14 other students were honored for their academic ability, talents and community service at a dinner at the Sharon Country Club in Hermitage.

In all, $25,000 in scholarships were awarded to Mercer County area students.

As part of the scholarship process, local schools picked up to four of their top students, who submitted short biographies and essays naming the teacher who had the greatest influence on their lives. The teachers accompanied the students who nominated them to the banquet.

The essays and information were chosen through a blind judging process.

Sean honored Victor Ellenberger, his choir director.

"I am grateful and indebted to him for helping me become who I am," Sean said.

Sean plans to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall.

"I feel the need to give something back to the country," Sean said. "I am really grateful for the opportunity."

Sean is a National Merit Scholarship finalist, a four-year letterman and captain of the soccer team, a three-year letterman for varsity track, a two-year member of the Pennsylvania All-State Choir and was named to All-Eastern Choir.

Sean received a $7,500 scholarship and a traveling trophy, which will be displayed at Sharon High School until next year's awards.

Receiving a $3,500 scholarship was Leah Acker, daughter of Peter C. and Patricia T. Acker of Mercer. A senior at Mercer High School, Acker plans to attend Grove City College in the fall. Leah honored her teacher Hugh Ringer.

Amanda Jones of Greenville High School received a $2,000 award. The daughter of Kelly Jones and Jill Kimmy-Jones, Amanda plans to attend Duke University. Amanda honored her teacher Brian Herrick.

The other 12 students each received $1,000 scholarships.

Other students and teachers honored were:

   » Jennifer Armstrong of Wilmington High School and her teacher, Terri Stoner.

   » Corrie Buff of Commodore Perry and her teacher Nancy Collier. This is the second time Ms. Collier was honored.

   » Lucas Eidenmuller of Lakeview High School and his teacher Keith Miller.

   » Bradley Gill of Sharon High School and his teacher Edward R. Likovich. This is the sixth time Likovich was honored.

   » Nicole Hills of Reynolds High School and her teacher Leesa Donnelly.

   » Nick Kupensky of Brookfield High School and his teacher Gina Tabacca Woodley.

   » Teresa Lepak of Sharon High School and her teacher Mary Ann Krivda.

   » Andrew Leuenberger of West Middlesex High School and his teacher Bruce Turcic.

   » Gina LoScalzo of Hickory High School, Hermitage, and her teacher Cindy DiCiancio.

   » Jessica Miller of Kennedy Catholic High School, Hermitage, and her teacher, the Rev. Richard C. Tomasone.

   » Lauren Sauer of Lakeview High School and her teacher, Kim Dempsey. This is the second time Ms. Dempsey was honored.

   » Matthew Szugye of Kennedy Catholic and his teacher Joseph Pollock.

"This area has a lot of talent," said Gary Groshner of Fidelity National Information Solutions Inc. "And the best of it is here tonight."

The company co-sponsored the event, donating the money for the scholarships.