Will Sherrer followed in the footsteps of his father Tuesday night, as he was named the 2015 Paul M. Grist Boy of the Year at the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County’s award banquet.

Fourteen seniors from seven area high schools were nominated for the award, and as they sat before their family, friends and past Boy of the Year winners, they were all recognized for their accomplishments.

“It was exciting [to hear my name called]. It was really an honor to be named Boy of the Year,” Will said, as he held his 2015 Boy of the Year Plaque in his hands. “It is a great award, and it is hard to believe I won it over all of these really deserving men.”

When the envelope was opened by Ray Thomas, chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors, Sherrer joined the same group of men his father, Todd Sherrer, did in 1982.

“It is awesome [to follow in his footsteps],” Will said. “He won it when he was here, and he has taught me the best way that he knows how.”

Todd Sherrer, who clapped as his son’s name was called, said he couldn’t be more proud of his son.

“I was very excited and proud for him. I’m proud of him on his own merits. He’s worked hard, and he is a fine young man,” Todd said. “He’s hard working, he’s sincere and he has a very strong ethic. He has a real sense of doing the right thing.”

After graduation, Will plans to attend the University of Alabama.

“I plan on studying international business with a minor in German and possibly Mandarin Chinese,” Will said. “I want to utilize my language skills and be able to travel.”

This year’s ceremony was a little different than years past, as former winners were invited to see the next Boy of the Year be crowned.

“When I was sitting at the table wondering, doubting, and my name was called, it was one of the greatest moments of my life and it continues to be,” said 1987 Boy of the Year winner Mark Peterson. “This award is prestigious because of the men that came before me and what they stood for.”

The ceremony gave past winners time to catch up.

“Tim Purdie (2008 winner) and I were friends from another program, and so this program inviting us back was pretty cool because we haven’t reconnected in years,” said 2007 winner Reese Armstrong.

It also gave them time to reflect on when they were named Boy of the Year and what it meant to them.

“Looking back, I was pretty excited even to be nominated because they only pick two people from each school each year,” Purdie said. “It kind of means the hard work you’ve been putting forth throughout your time in school pays off.”