Stewards of the Game, a Christian-based sports league specializing in baseball and basketball, awarded two local students $4,000 scholarships for their exceptional academic achievements, sportsmanship, leadership and community service.

The Christian Character Scholarships went to Beau Brilhante, a Lake Norman Charter High School graduate, and Caleb White, a Hopewell High School graduate. Brilhante, the son of Guy and Veronica Brilhante, led his school as student council president for three years and captained the basketball, baseball and football teams. Lake Norman Charter teachers awarded him with a Top Senior Award, which recognizes well-rounded students. He played six seasons of baseball and one year of basketball with Stewards of the Game and played on three all-star teams. He is attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

• White, the son of Mitch and Virginia White, has been involved with many mission trips, including one to Mexico where he recently led a construction team that built housing for homeless families. He also began a contemporary worship service at a local church and currently plays in the praise band at Lake Forest Church. He played six seasons of baseball with Stewards for the Games and coached a youth baseball team with his father. He is attending Appalachian State University in the fall.

• Carey Fissel, a Huntersville resident and University of Phoenix employee, was honored with the U.S. President’s Volunteers Service Award.

Fissel recorded 136 hours of service that range from independently volunteering her time to different causes to encouraging coworkers to do so as well. Fissel volunteered with organizations that promote breast cancer awareness and confidence building in girls and young women.

“Giving back is a crucial way to be part of something bigger,” Fissel said. “It’s about making your mark without any expectations for recognition and experiencing a deeper involvement that enhances you and your community.”