The public may not be aware of challenges students must overcome to succeed, but they are welcome to hear about them Saturday.

The 14th annual MTM Unsung Heroes Banquet pays tribute to students who have overcome struggles and who need support to further their education. The free event is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at Round Island Mission building at 13829 Lucas Ferry Road, Athens.

Jan Matthews of MTM said students who have GPAs of 4.0 have plenty of support and encouragement. She explained the same is not true of B and C students.

“Sometimes that’s where the jewels are,” she said. “They are often the low-hanging fruit who need more motivation, and we become that motivation behind them.”

MTM presents scholarships to students, which are derived from donations. Local guidance counselors recommend the students, and the students in turn have to write an essay about how they are working to overcome the obstacles in their life.

Matthews said during the first year of the banquet, she and her husband provided three $500 scholarships and also provided gas cards to students who were nominated. One of the students awarded a scholarship in the first year recently got in touch with Matthews to tell her about her success.

“She thanked me for what we had done and said she had completed a degree at UAH and that she got an engineering job with the Department of Defense,” Matthews said. “That made me feel great, for all this time to have passed and she called to check on me and ask if we were still doing (the banquet).”

The banquet doesn’t just honor academic achievement; it also honors other endeavors. Four people will receive Keeper of the Community awards to honor those who are actively involved in making the Athens-Limestone community a better place to live.

“The mayor can’t do it all by himself,” she said,.

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, who participates in the program, commended Matthews and MTM for providing opportunities to students who otherwise might not receive scholarships or recognition.

“Jan and her volunteers see their potential and nourish their potential so these students have a foundation to earn a two- or four-year degree,” he said.

Those who want to give to the cause may mail donations to 112 Market St. West, Athens, AL 35611.

Matthews said while the weather may be stormy Saturday, she urged the community to come out and support the students and what they’ve achieved.

“If you want to come see hidden nuggets and find out what they’re doing in the community, this is the place to be,” she said.