Paxton Williamson, a junior at South Mecklenburg High School, was

recently named the recipient of the Will Appleby Award for Spirit, Dedication, and Leadership. This lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church is the son of David and Tracy Williamson. Paxton has served on the Youth Council throughout his middle and high school years and has participated in mission trips to Baltimore and Mexico. He is currently in his 4th year as an Ivey Handbell Ringer and has been on three tours with the group to the northeastern US, Canada, and Chicago. He is looking forward to their tour of the Pacific Northwest/Canada this summer. Paxton uses his musical gifts in other ways by playing the bass with the youth band on Youth Sunday and serving as an instrumentalist for the Children's Musical in the spring. Paxton attended the Montreat Youth Conference this past summer where he enjoyed meeting and getting to know youth from across the nation. In middle school, Paxton was asked to speak to the rising 6th graders about his experience in youth group and what it has meant to him. He has also participated in the 30 hour famine with other youth in the Charlotte area. Paxton currently serves as an Impact Group leader for the middle school youth and enjoys participating in PYC service projects.