Friday, April 26, 2024

Meet the 2012 Vals & Sals

Anna Norkett, daughter of Margaret and John Norkett, sister of Mark and John, is the 2011-2012 Flower Mound High School Valedictorian.

Norkett is involved in the National Honor Society, mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta, band, science club and salt and light Bible study. She will attend Southern Methodist University in the fall on a full-ride SMU President’s Scholarship. While at SMU she plans to study finance and economics with a minor in music. Norkett would like to thank her parents, supportive friends and inspiring teachers: Russell Yeatts, James Hunt, Dorothy Chegwidden, Paul Gacke and Kyle Washler.

Kathryn Welch, daughter of Kimberlee and Darin Welch, sister to Brandon, is the 2011-2012 Flower Mound High School Salutatorian. She is involved with National Honor Society, Spanish honor society, math honor society Mu Alpha Theta, Flower Mound Youth Action Council and runs cross country. Welch will attend the University of North Texas in the fall where she plans to major in psychology. She would like to thank her parents and grandmother who have supported her in everything she has done. She would also like to thank the following teachers: Mary Walker, Jim Hunt, Jim Barclay, Anne Wilhite, Grace Sherrill, and Andrew Cook.

Jeffrey Scott Nichols, son of Cheryl and Kelly Nichols, is the 2011-2012 Marcus High School Valedictorian. While at Marcus, Nichols was president of the unicycling club, Science National Honor Society president, National Honor Society secretary, competed in UIL science and computer science and was a member of Mathematics Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta.  After graduation, Nichols will attend the Colorado School of Mines where he plans on majoring in mechanical engineering. He would like to thank his parents for making him realize how important school is, his older brother, Steven, for letting him learn from his experiences, and teachers Jan Hutley, Scott Hinsley and Terry Osborn.

Sean Patrick Duffy is the 2011-2012 Marcus High School Salutatorian. A resident of Highland Village, he plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in biomedical engineering. He hopes to change the world by improving the living conditions of those with certain health ailments. When asked what is the best advice you have received and from whom, he responded, “My dad always says, ‘if you prepare the smartest, and work the hardest, you can live with any result'”.

Lindsey Grigg, daughter of Travis and Diane Grigg of Denton, is the 2011-2012 Liberty Christian School Valedictorian.  She was a varsity cheerleader; an athlete in track and field; a member of the chapel worship band, National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and the Key Club; an Impact mentoring leader to Middle School students, and an actress in Liberty’s spring play, “The Three Musketeers.” She will attend Dallas Baptist University in the fall with a major in nursing and a minor in Biblical studies.

Marissa Marrs, daughter of Joe and Gay Marrs of Argyle, is the 2011-2012 Liberty Christian School Salutatorian.  Marrs was a member of the Science Olympiad, choir, art, theatre, swim team, SADD, Key Club, track and field team, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and theatre.  She will attend Texas A&M University in the fall with a major in mechanical engineering. Her top three scholarships came from Texas A&M University in mechanical engineering, the Lechner Scholarship, and the Opportunity Award Scholarship.

Joshua Isaac Goodpaster was named Valedictorian at Argyle High School.

Sarah Tucker Irons was named Salutatorian at Argyle High School

The top graduates from the Guyer High School Class of 2012 include seven valedictorians and three salutatorians.

Valedictorians

•    Alya Ayers, daughter of Doug and Donna Ayers of Corinth, plans on attending Texas A&M University and majoring in civil engineering. Alya attributes her high school success to a desire to always do her best and a supportive an encouraging family. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, UIL Academic Team, AWANA and the Wildcat varsity cross country and track and field teams.

•    Conner Crane, son of Peter and Kristen Crane of Denton, plans on attending Stanford University and majoring in human biology. Conner attributes his high school success to always challenging himself to do better and the support given by his family, teachers, coaches and friends. He is a student mentor, member of the National Honor Society and the Wildcat varsity football and track teams.

•    Mei Earling, daughter of Gerald and MutsukoEarling of Denton, plans on attending Southwestern University in Georgetown, and majoring in bio-chemistry. Mei attributes her high school success to challenging herself with AP classes and being involved in school events and clubs. She is a member of the Guyer Orchestra, National Honor Society, Key Club and Habitat for Humanity.

•    Aaron Jackson, son of Lori Henderson of Denton, plans on attending Texas A&M University and majoring in engineering. Aaron attributes his high school success to only focusing on the classes he was enrolled in at the time and the support his mother always provided. He is a member of the Math Olympiad Team, National Honor Society and Wildcat varsity tennis team.

•    Will Matthews, son of Billy and Angie Matthews of Denton, plans on attending the University of Texas at Austin and is undecided on his major. Will attributes his high school success to staying alert in class and actually studying at home. He is a member of the National Honor Society, key Club and Wildcat varsity baseball team.

•    Kendra Wenger, daughter of Bill and Julie Wenger of Corinth, plans on attending the University of Texas at Dallas and major in applied mathematics. Kendra attributes her high school success to paying attention in class and always doing the work when it was supposed to be done. She is a member of the Academic Decathlon Team, UIL Literary Criticism Team, French Club and Art Club.

•    Emily Windle, daughter of Jeff and Molly Windle of Corinth, plans on attending the Honors College at the University of Texas at Dallas and majoring in mathematics. Emily attributes her high school success to always turning everything in on time and paying attention in class. She is a member of the Key Club and served as National Honor Society President.

Salutatorians

•    Mikayla Hall, daughter of Kris Hall and Sherry Arrington of Denton, will be attending Texas A&M University and majoring in international relations. Mikayla attributes her high school success to her mother’s guidance and the encouraging teachers at Guyer, who always motivated her to succeed. She is a member of the Wildcat varsity volleyball and soccer teams, Guyer Theatre and served as National Honor Society Secretary.

•    Lindsay Mullin, daughter of Richard and Laurel Mullin of Denton, will attend the University of North Texas and major in visual arts. Lindsay attributes her high school success to receiving support from her parents and teachers and an internal motivation to do well. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity and took part in the German Exchange Program and the Visual Arts Scholastic Event.

•    Desiree Patterson, daughter of Kimberly Patterson of Corinth, plans on attending Texas Woman’s University and majoring in kinesiology. Desiree attributes her high school success to support and motivation from her mom and “being blessed” with teachers who ensured that she received the best education possible. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Guyer SEDD Dance.

The 35 graduates in Coram Deo Academy’s Class of 2012 are similar in their strengths, but diverse in their talents. One brought four souls to Christ while in China. One has traveled the world, and intends to serve his country through the Air Force. One took first at state with his art. One took state in the speech category of Current Events. Three are the recipients of Chancellor Scholarships and seven were given Presidential Scholarships. Two are National Merit Scholars and one is a National Merit Hispanic Scholar.

Together they garnered over $3 million in scholarships. Notable collegiate acceptances for their class include: Cornell University, Rice University, Savannah College of Art & Design, Taylor University, Texas A & M, University of Texas-Austin, University of Southern California, and Wheaton College. Most importantly, they have acquired the tools to shape culture for the glory of God and are on their way to do so.

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