FORSYTH COUNTY — Awards and recognitions were doled out Wednesday night during a meeting of the Forsyth County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9143.

State Commander Al Lipphardt presented an award for recruiting the most members in 2015 to Post Commander Donald Hughes.

Hughes also was recognized as Mr. VFW of the Year. The state VFW leadership annually selects one member from more than 20,000 to receive this most prestigious award.

Hughes was selected for his leadership and commitment to the VFW principles and programs for more than 25 years as the local commander.

Hughes stepped down as post commander this year after a long tenure and said he plans to spend more time with his family, especially his granddaughters. He also has a 1957 Chevrolet restoration project that may take up some of his time.

Forsyth’s VFW post was honored by the state organization as one of the best due to Hughes’s leadership. Hughes said he “has seen many members over the years receive this award” but never expected to be part of that group.

The Post’s Ladies auxiliary president, Jane Vargas, received an award for Division III Outstanding President of the Year from Richard Knight, junior vice commander of the VFW Department of Georgia.

This is Vargas’s second award in two years.

In addition, the post was recognized for its members’ commitment to the Legacy of Life program, which allows members to contribute financially in perpetuity to the post.

Annually, the post selects students to receive the Edward L. Woods scholarship award. It is the longest running scholarship program in Forsyth County, according to Knight.

This year, Lambert High School’s Joseph Clark and North Forsyth’s Anthony Scheyer were the recipients.

Both students indicated the funds would be used to help them continue their education.