Valedictorians and salutatorians honored across Brookhaven, Lincoln County

Published 9:37 pm Thursday, May 25, 2017

As graduations mark the end of the year and the end of high school for seniors, many awards are presented to students for academic, sports and extracurricular achievements.

Two awards that receive a lot of attention are for the students who have achieved the most academically across their years in high school. The valedictorian is the student who has accomplished the most academically. The salutatorian is usually only a point or two behind.

Area school principals and teachers recently recognized these students, and several of them shared their thoughts about their accomplishments.

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Brookhaven High School

Brookhaven High School named Mason Gardner as valedictorian and Amber Nations as salutatorian.

“Mason Gardner is a truly gifted student and has worked extremely hard over his high school career,” said Principal David Martin. “Not only is Mason a great student but an outstanding young man with incredible manners and character. We look forward to seeing what he will accomplish.”

He continued, “Amber Nations is an excellent student and has a drive that will take her far in life. Ms. Nations not only excels in academics but is one of the most polite and well-thought-of students we have on campus. She has a very bright future ahead of her.”

Brookhaven Academy

Julianna Mills was chosen valedictorian for Brookhaven Academy, and Colton Watson was chosen salutatorian.

“Julianna was just the ideal student,” said her college algebra teacher, Kim Cruise. “She was very quiet, just a beautiful person inside and out. She was a great student to have in class.”

Watson was her lone calculus student.

“He would sit and look at the material and process it,” she said. “He’s very talented, very gifted. He would see things in a different way. He could visualize it and do it.”

Cruise said they’re both gifted in their own ways. “Whereas, she is very articulate and would always have the correct answers worked out on her page, Colton would have nothing on his paper but have the answer, too. He would keep me on my toes. They were both a pleasure to have in class,” she said.

Bogue Chitto High School

Valedictorian for Bogue Chitto High School’s senior class is Kacy Bui. Salutatorian is Ma’rion Fuller.

“Both Kacy and Ma’rion are exceptional young ladies and very deserving of the honor of valedictorian and salutatorian,” said Principal Jay Rayborn. “They are model students and citizens of Bogue Chitto High School and even better people! High praise for both of these students.”

Enterprise High School

Enterprise High School’s top academic student is Katie Thompson. Salutatorian is Logan Holmes.

“Both Katie and Logan are outstanding young people who have achieved tremendous success in many areas. Their dedication to academic excellence is amazing,” said Principal Terry Brister. “I am confident they will achieve even greater success in the future as they continue their educations. Enterprise is honored to be represented by such incredible students.”

Loyd Star High School

Courtney Wyant earned the spot of valedictorian at Loyd Star High School. Jered Cade achieved the second highest academic honor.

“We are so honored to have Courtney Wyant and Jered Cade representing Loyd Star as valedictorian and salutatorian,” said Robin Case, principal. “Both of these students have worked long and hard to garner these honors. Courtney has a very outgoing personality and never meets a stranger. She embraces a challenge then sees it through to perfection.”

She admires Cade’s determination.

“Jered possesses a more quiet nature, but a strong resolve to achieve,” said Case. “He sets his eyes on a goal and never wavers in his pursuit.”

West Lincoln High School

West Lincoln High School named Abbey Grace Stogner valedictorian and Bransen Ainsworth as salutatorian.

“Abbey Grace is an outstanding student who has been an asset to West Lincoln for many years,” said John Shows, principal. “She is a leader and is a selfless individual who always has a positive attitude.”

“Bransen is a hard-working student with a great attitude,” Shows said. “He is a quiet leader who excels academically. He has a bright future.”

Wesson High School

Valedictorian for Wesson High School is Harmoni Ashley and salutatorian is Payton Selman.

“Harmoni Ashley is an outstanding young lady who is passionate about life and reaching her goals,” said Principal Marilyn Phillips. “We look forward to seeing what her bright future holds.”

She said Selman is a young man of character and determination. “He worked hard this year and never stacked up on his academic goals. His work ethic and contagious personality will open many doors,” she said.