Lawton Dowdy of Jonesboro, Ga. received the 9th grade Christian Character award at Community Christian School (CCS) in Stockbridge. This award is presented to the 9th grade student who exhibits excellence through Christian character. Lawton excelled academically by maintaining an "A" average in all subjects during the school year and is a CCS Squire Honor Roll member.

Lawton Grant Dowdy was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Joshulyn McClinic, for inclusion in the 2010 United States Achievement Academy Science, Who's Who in Leadership, and the ll American Scholar National Yearbooks. Only a student whose name appears in one of the yearbooks is eligible for one of more than 4,000 educational grants rewarded annually. Lawton received these honors at the CCS awards ceremony on May 24.

Lawton was also nominated to take AP History next year by his history instructor, Michael Naragon.

Lawton is the son of John and Vickey Ponder of Jonesboro, Ga. and Dr. Lawrence Dowdy of Laurinburg. He is the grandson of Sallye McLaurin of Laurinburg.