Duane - 1996
Jeff - 1997
Russ - 1998
Michelle - 2001
Melissa - 2003
Ryan - 2005
Alan - 2008
ABOVE: Jared Tippets is shown with parents Duane and Lori Tippets. Lori shows excitement by tossing Jared’s hat because is he the last of eight children to graduate from Jacksonville High School. MAY 2013
Jacksonville Christian Jacksonville High Pleasant Valley High Piedmont High School Spring Garden White Plains
The Jacksonville News - The Piedmont Journal
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
2A • MAY 2013
Jacksonville Christian Academy Jacksonville Christian Academy
Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013
Alison Cline Valedictorian
Jordan Parker Salutatorian
Hilary Harmon Jonathan Owens
Harley Jones Historian
Kevin Alldredge
Seth Posey
Maggie Ray
Evan Bailey
Taylor Blackwell Zachary Brown
Aaron Cody
Brooklyn Draper
Ryan Elias
Courtney Russaw Brandon Sudduth Lake Williams Karoline Worman
Jacksonville Christian Academy to graduate 18 By Lori Tippets On May 23rd at 7 p.m. Jacksonville Christian Academy will graduate 18 seniors. The commencement exercises will take place at the school. Baccalaureate ceremonies was held May 19 at 5 p.m. at Faith Temple. Assistant principal, counselor and English teacher Tomya Hancock uses one word in describing this year’s graduating class, “Independent!” Hancock says, “In the past we have had classes that have been very close. This class has so many different interests in different areas. They are all friends, but have very different
interests. “Several have musical talents and they are very eager to use them on Worship team at our Wednesday chapel services. Several of these students serve on youth groups in their church, go on mission trips and work at Vacation Bible schools.” Most of the graduates will be heading to Gadsden State, JSU and the University of Alabama. Hancock says these students are, “hard working academic students. We also have one young man, Jeff Posey, whose lifelong dream was to be in the military. He will be attending JSU on a ROTC scholarship.”
While the class may be diverse they are also very concerned about each other. Two of the seniors have had parents pass away and the class has rallied around their friends. Alison Cline, this year’s Valedictorian, lost her father last year. “When they had the funeral it was amazing to me to see the love that her class had for her. They showed that they do care for her and were concerned,” said Hancock. The class also showed love and compassion when Brandon Sudduth lost his father this year. “Both of these students have had to overcome unfortunate circumstances
and have overcome the challenges associated with those,” said Hancock. Hancock says that she expects to see good things come from this graduating class. “We have a good many of them that have set goals that they will be able to obtain.” In a recent Wednesday chapel the service was dedicated to allowing the seniors to say some last words before leaving JCA. Hancock said that, “each person that spoke noted their gratitude for the teachers and administration.” The seniors also urged the underclassmen to seek the Lord’s will and guidance.
SPOTLIGHT STUDENT
JCA grad likes performing in plays and spending time with his friends By Lori Tippets Two years ago JCA senior Lake Williams transferred from Alexandria High School to JCA and he hasn’t regretted his decision at all. “I felt JCA would be the best place for me. I liked the people here and Dr. (Tommy) Miller was my pastor at my church, I felt it would be a good change of scenery.” Williams, this year’s Spotlight Student at JCA, has actually enjoyed the spotlight, in a very literal sense. Williams has been involved in two plays and starred in one of them, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Williams also joined the choir and
will be attending Gadsden State University on a partial choir scholarship. The multi-talented student has also lettered in football and basketball. While choir is a love, Williams plans on majoring in history or prelaw. His plans are to go to Gadsden State and then to transfer to JSU. At JCA, the classes that Williams enjoyed most were economics and government taught by Jeff Moore. “He has really made it enjoyable,” said Williams of Moore’s teaching. Outside of school Williams is very involved in his church’s drama program. Like others his age, he also enjoys “hanging out with people
and being with my friends.” Williams says that going to JCA has been a good experience. “I’ve met a lot of great people and made new friends. The small school environment is what I like; everyone knows each other no one gets lost in the shuffle. I feel like the teachers actually care about me; they care about my success and they care who I am as a person. They care more about me than just the academics.” Williams has these short words of advice to younger students, “Keep your head up, it’s almost over, and, enjoy it while it’s here!” Lake is the son of Marty and Velvet Williams.
Lake Williams
Scholarship winners JCA scholarship recipients from left, Lake Williams, Zack Brown, Karoline Worman, Alison Cline, Seth Posey, Jordan Parker, Harley Jones and Courtney Russaw.
Mr. & Miss JCA
Class of 2013
Seth Posey and Maggie Ray
We are proud of you, Graduates. 200 Coffee Street Jacksonville, AL Mon.-Fri. 7am-6pm · Sat: 7am-5pm
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The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
MAY 2013 • 3A
JCA TOP THREE Valedictorian Alison Cline By Lori Tippets Alison Cline, valedictorian at Jacksonville Christian Academy, is mature beyond her years and has endured many personal tragedies that have added to that maturity. Last year Alison’s father, Tony passed away. Her mother, Sharon, has been in a coma for the past 10 years. Alison lives with her grandparents, Dr. James and Rebecca Cole. “Alison has had a huge family responsibility all her school life,” says JCA assistant principal Tomya Hancock. “To me, she is an inspiration knowing the obstacles that she has overcome and to be able to maintain her high GPA.” Cline, a 4.0 student, will attend JSU on an Elite Scholarship. While she is not sure right now of her major, she is thinking of going into nursing, eventually becoming a nurse practitioner. While at JCA, Cline has been a member of the 4-H club and National Honor Society. Outside of school she enjoys reading, playing the piano and singing. Cline has loved going to JCA, a school
Salutatorian Jordan Parker This year’s salutatorian at Jacksonville Christian Academy is Jordan Parker, a 4.0 student who will be attending Gadsden State on an academic scholarship. Parker is planning on majoring in preathletic training. Parker has been attending JCA since the eighth grade. Vivacious and energetic, Parker has played softball every year for JCA being named to the all-county team her junior year. She has been presented the school’s Infield Award the past two years. Parker has also been a member of the volleyball team and a cheerleader since
she has attended for the past 11 years. “We are a Christian school so it has a really Christian atmosphere,” says Cline. “All the teachers are really supportive and they help us a lot with our school work. “Even though it is a small school we are like a big family. We don’t have a lot of things that public schools have but all in all it’s a pretty good school and I know that all the people here are here for me when I need to talk about anything.” In recalling the classes she has had over the years, a few quickly come to mind to Alison. “There was Mrs. (Judith) Bollinger’s math class in the eighth and ninth grades. I really liked the way she teaches math and I learned a lot in her class. In Mrs. Hancock’s English class, she is a very challenging teacher and that’s what I like about her. Mr. Robinson is very spiritual. He inspired me. I have known him pretty much all my life. He’s always been like a spiritual dad for me.” Cline’s advice to younger students is, “Always stay close to God because He will lead you in the right direction. Always do things that make you happy and never forget your friends. “Don’t be afraid to step out and be an example to others.” the ninth grade. She was captain of the cheerleading squad the past two years. A member of the 4-H Club and National Honor Society, Parker served this year as the public relations officer. Deeply religious and committed to what she believes, Parker’s passion is the Basement Ministries in Birmingham. “That’s what I feel that God has called me to go into,” explains Parker. “The Basement Ministries try to get people to know Jesus. I hope to get fully involved with the program after graduation. There is a very loving atmosphere there and they don’t judge you. “We’re here to worship Jesus. Jesus will always be there even when you don’t feel loved and you’re broken. He
Historian Harley Jones Harley Jones, this year’s historian at Jacksonville Christian Academy, has been attending JCA since the seventh grade. Jones has been involved at the school where she has been in choir, on the volleyball and softball teams for five years and was a member of the 4-H and Pep clubs and the honor society. Jones plans on attending Gadsden State on an academic scholarship for two years then transferring to UAB where she plans to pursue a career in optometry. In her free time, Jones enjoys photography and cosmetology and this summer hopes to work in the JCA Daycare. Jones has enjoyed her time at JCA. “More people are focused on each student than in the public schools,” feels Jones. “In the public schools they don’t take the time to sit down with each student and get to know each student. At JCA the teachers are concerned about you and where you are going.”
From left, Alison Cline, Valedictorian, Jordan Parker, Salutatorian and Harley Jones, Historian. will never leave you or forsake you. If you keep Jesus where he needs to be, you can’t lose. Romans 8:31 says we will always win with Him.” Parker says that going to JCA helped her to prepare for her involvement with Basement Ministries. “I am very thankful I moved here in the eighth grade. The people here care about you and the main focus here is yes, to get an education, but they want to make sure you’ve got Jesus first. “It (JCA) is a loving atmosphere, the teachers care about you. They care for you outside of the classroom. Dr. (Tommy) Miller (JCA principal) is like a second dad to me, I’m very close to him and his family.”
A self described, “math nerd”, Jones has loved her math classes, “especially calculus where I have a 107.” Of those who have been most influential in her life while at JCA, Jones looks to Dr. Tommy Miller, JCA principal. “Dr. Miller has been like a father figure to me,” explains Jones. “He is also my pastor (Wellington First Baptist) and I’m also related to him. “He’s been a big part of my life and every decision I’ve ever made.” Jones has this advice for the younger students, “During your high school years be respectful and obey God and obey your teachers and you will have an amazing year. “At this school the teachers say the more you do right the more privileges you’re going to get. In order to really enjoy high school just obey the teachers and do what’s right and you’ll have great high school years.” Harley is the daughter of Billy Jones and Carla Jones.
Parker lists history with Jeff Moore as one of the favorite classes she had at JCA, along with U. S. government and economics. Outside of school Parker enjoys her job working as a carhop at Sonic. For the younger students at JCA Parker says, “Keep God Number 1 and everything will fall into place. If you keep Him up there your grades will be fine, your sports are going to go great and your school year is going to be awesome. “In I Timothy 4:12 it says, don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example. Go all out. What do you have to lose?” Jordan is the daughter of Jared and Jennifer Parker.
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(256) 435-7407
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SGA officers from left, Seth Posey, president; Zack Brown, chaplain; Evan Bailey, treasurer; Alison Cline, class representative; and Hilary Harmon, secretary.
Photos by Anita Kilgore
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The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
4A • MAY 2013
Jacksonville High School Jacksonville High School Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 Class of 2013
Matthew Ryan Allen
Ariel Shanae Atkins
Kyle James Bacchus
Renee Nicole Bautista
Brianna Jessica Willow Caitlin Philip Alexander Martavius Kumi Jon Britt Buzan Essence Timeka LaShoun Byars Bell Blanks Brandow Brisker
William Andrew Kaitlyn Brianna Cailee Ann Cole Harley Nicole Croft Cobb Clingan
Neryzza Lynn Calo
Robert Julian Cherry, Jr.
Julian Anthony Diaz
Stephon Elijah Kenyatta Lonita Walker Daniel Ervin Evans Edmonson
Desmond Torrez Donovan Darnell Daniel Lawrence Damondre’ Cypress Davis Malcolm Delks Curry
Erica Quearra Michael Thomas Frankum Florence
Alexis Cierra Gamble
Kaila Brooke Green
Brian John Hunter
Joshua Tyler James
Natalie Michele Te’Arra Brenique Hall Gunter
Class of 2013 SARAH JO HARSCH
Khadijah Courtney Devon Mallory LeighAnn Monique Holifield Horton Haynes
Kaitlyn Anne Hanson
Edward Wayne Harper
Katlin Leigh Jennings
Keylee Renee Shawn Johnson Christopher Jones
Allison Kay Judge
Jessica Christine Lowe
Laura Elizabeth Savanna Carson Lumpkin Lynch
Anna Jade Maddox
Forrest Logan Brooke Alexandria Lakshmi Vasudha Jennifer Ashleigh Krishnaprasad RachelMichelleLeck Knight Kozinski
Bryan Jon Manuel
Kelsey Lee Matthews
Abigail Faith Jaskowski
Donna Lin
Katie Leighann Jennings
Shedric Bernard Long, Jr.
Charles Warren Jerrica Nicole Demontes Katherine Grace Moore, Jr. Moore McCutcheon Markel McKinney
"Our strong bond shall ne'er be broken, formed at Jacksonville High School for surpassing wealth unspoken sealed by friendships tie. High school days at best are passing, gliding swiftly by, let us pledge in word and deed our love for Jacksonville High. Amicci usque ad aras deep graven on each heart, shall be found unwavering true when we from school shall part."
Congratulations, Class of 2013! Continue to Strive for Excellence! Dr. Jon Paul Campbell and the Jacksonville City Board of Education Mike Poe, President, Kelley Pearce, Vice President, Steve Smith, Dr. Emily M. Sims, and David Glass
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
MAY 2013 • 5A
Jacksonville High School Jacksonville High School
Class of 2013 • Class of 2013• Class of 2013
Lavonta Marcel Morris
Trey Lonzel Morris
Tatiana Renee’ Pendleton
Heather Renae Pruitt
Benjamin Michael Pryor
Andrew Benajah Record
Joshua Tanner Sims
Aquamia Te’Nise Smith
Jordan Blake Staples
Amber Carissa Staton
Taylor Deacon Watts
Daniel Carl O’Donnell
Sharon Stockard Natalie Denise Owens Osterbind
Shawn Scott Roberson
Alex James Rowan
Emma Catherine Jasmine Euletha Connor Berry Salter Royster Shelton
Spencer Dillan Stephens
Jared Todd Tippets
Malikka Julianna Kristin Sarah Kathryn Tatyanna Nation Newell Rose Norris
Nathan Richard Ronald Denard Searra Danielle Jacob Whaley Whetstone Williams ChristopherWilson
Chametris Navon Young
Samuel Josiah Tompkins
Lillie Alexandra Zech
Haley Ann Nicole Turley
Tyler Van Pass
Wyatt Traut Veasey
Caroline Elizabeth Peevy
Cameron Justin Siders
Celisa Gabrielle Walton
C O N G R A T S
Photos by Anita Kilgore
The 2013 JHS seniors wore orange ribbons in memory of Caroline Neisler. ABOVE: Abby Jaskowski marches in to the senior awards ceremony. MIDDLE: The seniors donated $200 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. RIGHT: Crissy Werner of the American Red Cross presents Cailee Cole with a red cord for her involvement with the American Red Cross.
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The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
6A • MAY 2013
JHS senior class is a class of overachievers Honors Diploma Graduates
Top of the class From left: Allison Judge and Lakshmi Vasudha Krishnaprasa
Alison Judge is valedictorian
LORI TIPPETS News Staff Writer
If ever you’ve met a person who has it all, who has been blessed with a bevy of talents, it is Jacksonville High School’s valedictorian Allison Judge. Judge will attend Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., on presidential and choral scholarships. Judge plans on majoring in chemistry and right now is looking at pharmacy as a career. Topping her list of accomplishments at JHS has to be the fact that she has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. This competition was intense, starting with 1,500,000 students who were whittled down to 15,000 finalists of which Judge is one. Judge’s academic honors are numerous and include being a member of both the junior and senior National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She has been on the JHS honor roll for the past three years. She has been recognized as the Distinguished Young Woman of Calhoun County, an award through the American Junior Miss Organization, and as Northeast Alabama Cinderella Teen. At JHS Judge has been a vocalist with the jazz band, was all-state choir and belongs to the Drama Club and Key Club. Judge takes voice and piano at JSU and has been in a few operas with the Jacksonville Opera Theatre. In addition to her academic talents and honors, Judge has played on the JHS soccer team, helping her team to an Elite Eight playoff game. Judge chose to go to Millsaps College because it would offer her the opportunity to continue doing the things that she enjoyed in high school. Burt Lavender, chemistry teacher at Jacksonville High School, has been impressed with the student that Judge is. “Academically, Allison is second to none,” said Lavender. “She has such an awesome ability to comprehend and analyze mathematical concepts and applica■ See JUDGE, page 8A
These students are awarded the Honor Medallion for maintaining a 90 or higher Core GPA while completing courses for the Advanced Diploma with Academic Honors: Not in order, Brianna Jessica Bell and William Andrew Clingan with Career and Technical Endorsement, Cailee Ann Cole with Career and Technical Endorsement, Harley Nicole Croft with Advanced Career and Technical Endorsement, Natalie Michele Gunter with Career and Technical Endorsement, Sarah Jo Harsch and Mallory LeighAnn Haynes with Career and Technical Endorsement, Jessica Morgan Hill, Abigail Faith Jaskowski, Allison Kay Judge, Lakshmi Vasudha Krishnaprasa, Donna Lin, Jessica Christine Lowe, Laura Elizabeth Lumpkin, Kelsey Lee Matthews and Katherine Grace McCutcheon with Career and Technical Endorsement, Sharon Stockard Osterbind with Career and Technical Endorsement, Natalie Denise Owens with Career and Technical Endorsement, Tatiana Renee’ Pendleton and Jasmine Euletha Salter with Advanced Career and Technical Endorsement, Spencer Dillan Stephen and Jared Todd Tippets with Career and Technical Endorsement, Jacob Christopher Wilson and Lillie Alexandra Zech with Advanced Career and Technical Endorsement.
Half of class receives scholarships
LORI TIPPETS News Staff Writer
Nobody is ever going to accuse the Jacksonville High School 2013 graduating class of being underachievers. At 8 p.m. on May 23 at the Golden Eagle Stadium, 98 students will walk across the field to receive their diplomas. Of those 98 students, 48 have been offered scholarships totaling almost $3,072,684, the largest amount ever offered to a class at Jacksonville High School. Of the graduates, 24 will receive the honors medallion and 24 are in the National Honor Society. The class has the distinction of having a National Merit Finalist in Allison Judge. Several of the graduates will be leaving for military service to include one young lady, Kaila Green, who will be joining the Air Force. Five of the students have signed athletic scholarship to include soccer player Sharon Osterbind who was one of only five players in the
state to receive a Division I soccer scholarship. Students will attend colleges in Illinois, Florida, Texas, Mississippi as well as JSU, Auburn, Alabama and Gadsden State. Senior counselor Marcia Stallings is amazed by this senior class. Asked to describe them she said, “They are phenomenal, not only academically but they are kind, they are generous, they are compassionate; they are unique. “They are more low key than classes in the past but they take care of one another, they look out for one another, they are genuinely nice kids. They are all around nice, outgoing to new students, outgoing to other kids in general.” Stallings pointed out one example of the kindness and compassion that this class has exhibited in their senior class gift. Class member Daniel Davis has a rare form of cancer and the students raised money to help fund research for the disease. While other classes might have stood out as far as what they wanted to do with the future, choosing to be
doctors or lawyers, or some other specific occupation, this class, said Stallings, “will be doing anything they want to do. They will do great things.” Senior class advisor, Dr. Gene Rhodes echoed Stallings feelings about this senior class. “This year’s class is very supportive and caring with each other which can be seen in the way they’ve taken care of one of their own who is fighting a disease. “They are very loving not only toward each other but toward their faculty. They are very polite and considerate. “They enjoy life. They are serious when they need to be; they usually always have smiles on their faces.” Dr. Rhodes went on to say that this year’s class was top-notch academically. Dr. Rhodes also agreed with Stallings that this group of seniors at this point in time really don’t have clear-cut plans. “I see that they are trying to find what they enjoy doing, they are trying to find their niche in life.”
JHS’s salutatorian is wise beyond her years
LORI TIPPETS News Staff Writer
Upon first meeting Lakshmi Krishnaprasad you would think her to be a very shy, quiet and reserved individual. However, when you start to talk to Lakshmi you find her to be an avid conversationalist who loves to tell you her thoughts on just about anything. You find her to be insightful and wise beyond her years. Graduating as class salutatorian, Lakshmi will attend Auburn University on the Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship and also two scholarships for music, one for band and one from the department of music and another scholarship from the computer science department. Lakshmi plans on a double major of music and computer science. While at JHS, Lakshmi has been a
member of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society and the Scholar’s Bowl Team. Lakshmi has been a member of the JHS band and has held various positions of leadership. She has also been a member of the Etowah Youth Orchestra. Dr. Gene Rhodes, senior class advisor says that Lakshmi is “so driven toward perfection. She wants to get to the meat of the matter. She is extremely analytical.” Lakshmi’s parents, S and N Vasumathi are from India. Lakshmi has had the advantage of knowing two different cultures as she travels to India every other year. While she says that getting used to the pollution in India is hard to do, she has been impressed with the family dynamics in India, where she has observed that families are very close to one another. Lakshmi’s father is a computer science professor at JSU, so it is natural that
Lakshmi developed a love for the subject. “I have two passions,” said Lakshmi, “I really love music and everything to do with music but music is one of those careers that isn’t really a stable choice. I have a good interest in computer science and think about going into software programming.” While at JHS Lakshmi has enjoyed English with Dr. Rhodes and AP history with Mrs. Lauri Elam. “I’ve learned a lot more about how literature connects,” she said. “I felt Mrs. Elam was a good teacher and really helped us connect more with history rather than just read a bunch of facts. I really like math. There’s something about numbers driving everything in the world that is fascinating to me.” Lakshmi has also been impressed with her senior class. “I have a lot of pride for our class. We just have a lot of potential.
There’s a lot of talent. There are a lot of people who will be great musicians, great actors, writers, and politicians. I can see so much in our future. “I think we have been closer than any class I’ve seen. We just connected so well and even though we have our own little groups of people, somehow we manage to come back together and unite. “Even people really different from me or who I don’t talk to a lot end up having nice discussions.” Lakshmi has this advice to the younger students, “Take every chance you can to learn. School may seem like a place where you sit and just do work but it’s not. “There is so much out there in the world that you can expose yourself to and people have said knowledge is a gift, it is a key to our future, the way we can learn more about the world to make it a better place.”
//PHOTOS BY ANITA KILGORE
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The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
JHS Scholarship recipients
Meet JHS’s 2013 scholarship recipients: Kyle Bacchus, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Freshman Housing Scholarship, Department of Music Scholarship, and Academic Achievement Scholarship; Renee Bautista, Columbia College Chicago Achievement Award; Brianna Bell, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship; Willow Blanks, Jacksonville State University Elite Honors Scholarship; Britt Buzan, The King’s College Presidential Scholarship, Spring Hill College Portier Scholar Scholarship, U. S. Steel Foundation Scholarship, Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship, The University of Alabama Collegiate Scholar Scholarship; William Clingan, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship, Samford University Academic Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship, Legacy Scholarship, Minister’s Dependent Scholarship, The University of North Alabama Academic Scholarship; Cailee Cole, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship and the Exchange Club of Jacksonville Scholarship; Harley Croft, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Collegiate Honors Scholarship and Auburn University Achievement Scholarship; Desmond Curry, Snead State Men’s Basketball Scholarship; Daniel Davis, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship and The University of Alabama at Birmingham Golden Excellence Scholarship; Michael Frankum, Auburn University Achievement Scholarship, Alabama G. I. Dependents’ Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Engineering Scholarship and Collegiate Honors Scholarship; Natalie Gunter, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship, The University of Alabama Housing Scholarship and Collegiate Honors Scholarship; Sarah Harsch, The University of Kentucky Greater Birmingham Alumni Club Scholarship and Flagship Scholarship; Jessica Hill; Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship and Choral Scholarship, The University of South Alabama Presi-
dential Scholarship and Department of Music Scholarship; Brian Hunter, Gadsden State Community College Full Institutional Scholarship; Abigail Jaskowski, Jacksonville State University Elite Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Golden Excellence Scholarship, Auburn University Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship and The University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship; Keylee Johnson, Kent State University University Award; Shawn Jones, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship, Calhoun County Insurance JHS Mascot Scholarship; Allison Judge, Furman University Bell Tower Scholarship, Auburn University Dudley Academic Scholarship and Spirit of Auburn Presidential Scholarship, Spring Hill College Presidential Scholar Scholarship, The University of Mississippi Academic Excellence Scholarship, Academic Excellence Non-Resident Scholarship, Holmes Scholarship, and Academic Excellence Technology Scholarship, Samford University Academic Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship, and National Merit Scholarship, Millsaps College Presidential Scholarship, Founders Grant, and Millsaps Music Ensemble Scholarship, Troy University Millennium Scholar’s Award; Brooke Kozinski, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship and Music Department Jazz Scholarship; Lakshmi Krishnaprasad, Auburn University CSSE Industrial Advisory Board Scholarship, Auburn Music Scholarships for Music and Band, and Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Golden Excellence Scholarship, The University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship and College of Engineering Engineering Leadership Scholarship, Jacksonville Reading Council Scholarship, The University of Georgia at Athens Academic Scholarship; Donna Lin – Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Collegiate Honors Scholarship and Housing Scholarship, The University of Alabama in Huntsville Charger Scholar
SPOTLIGHT STUDENT
Osterbind is competitive athlete
Scholarship; Shedric Long – Northwest Florida State College Baseball Scholarship; Laura Lumpkin , Jacksonville State University Elite Scholarship, Auburn University Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship and College of Sciences and Mathematics Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Golden Excellence Scholarship, Mississippi State University Entering Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship and Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship; Savanna Lynch, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship and Leadership Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic Achievement Scholarship; Anna Maddox, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Golden Excellence Scholarship; Kelsey Matthews, Jacksonville State University Elite Scholarship, AOD Federal Credit Union Scholarship, The University of Alabama in Huntsville Charger Distinction Scholarship, Troy University Millennium Scholars Scholarship; Katherine McCutcheon, Auburn University Chemical Engineering Freshman Departmental Scholarship and Spirit of Auburn Presidential Scholarship; Jerrica Moore, Gadsden State Community College Partial Institutional Scholarship; Malikka Nation, Tuskegee University Alabama Incentive Award; Julianna Newell, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic Achievement Scholarship; Daniel O’Donnell, Jacksonville State University Band Scholarship and Gem of the Hills Scholarship, The University of Alabama School of Music Scholarship, Concert Band Participation Scholarship, and Million Dollar Band Participation Scholarship; Sharon Osterbind, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Women’s Soccer Scholarship; Natalie Owens,Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship, Wentworth Institute of Technology Wentworth Merit Award Scholarship and Wentworth Fund, Johnson & Wales University Presidential Academic Scholarship, FBLA Scholarship, and Johnson &
May 2013 • 7A
Wales University Grant, Spring Arbor University Presidential Scholarship and University Grant, Spring Hill College Portier Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Collegiate Honors Scholarship; Tyler Pass, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship; Tatiana Pendleton, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Collegiate Honors Scholarship; Benjamin Pryor, Tusculum College Tusculum Grant, Jacksonville State University Men’s Cross Country Award; Shawn Roberson. The University of South Alabama Presidential Scholarship, Freshman Laptop Scholarship, and Marching Band Scholarship; Alex Rowan, Jacksonville State University Gem of the Hills Scholarship; Emma Royster, Jacksonville State University Gamecock Scholarship and The University of Alabama Alumni Heritage Scholarship and Alumni Scholar Award; Jasmine Salter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship; Tanner Sims, Morthland College Heritage Award Baseball Scholarship; Jordan Staples, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship; Spencer Stephens, Jacksonville State University Faculty Scholarship, Mississippi State University Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship and Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Golden Excellence Scholarship, Auburn University Spirit of Auburn Scholarship; Jared Tippets, The Van Deerman Scholarship, BirminghamSouthern Football Scholarship, Cumberland University Football Scholarship; Ronald Whetstone, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Collegiate Honors Scholarship, The University of Alabama Capstone Scholar Scholarship; Jacob Wilson, The University of Alabama Alumni Heritage Scholarship, Capstone Scholar Scholarship, Alumni Scholar Award, and University of Alabama Concert Band Participation Scholarship, Chandler Foundation Music Scholarship and Lillie Zech, Stephen F. Austin State University Regent Scholarship.
JHS Class Officers
It’s only fiters,” laughs Osterbind. ting that this year’s “I really like sports and Spotlight Student for I just enjoy myself.” Jacksonville High The decision on which School is a student sport to play, basketball who has been in the or soccer, came down to spotlight for several Osterbind choosing the years, spotlighting sport that was her first not only her talents love. “I’ve been playing but Jacksonville High since I was 5 in parks School as well. and recreation, and I’ve Senior Sharon been playing with a lot Osterbind is this year’s of the same people for Spotlight Student. a long time like Kaila Osterbind has been the (Green, fellow senior). driving force behind I’ve played with her girls soccer and bassince I was 6,” explains ketball over the past Osterbind. few years, leading the “Soccer is the sport basketball team to its that I ‘ve liked the lonfirst ever state chamgest and have the best pionship and Calhoun memories with.” County’s first ever Osterbind went on to girls state championsay that her family all ship. She has also led Sharon Osterbind stands in spotlight. played soccer so it just From left, Natalie Owens – President, Sharon Osterbind– Vice the soccer team to the came naturally. President and Mallory LeighAnn Haynes – Secretary/Treasurer Elite Eight for three Osterbind, the youngstraight years. est of six children is a possible. // Photos by For her accomplishments, What sets Osterbind apart Osterbind has been rewarded from all the others is her ■ See OSTERBIND, page 8A Anita Kilgore • Story by Lori Tippets with a soccer scholarship to down-to- totally unafUAB. Osterbind is one of fected manner she has only five athletes in Alabama about her. Osterbind this year to receive a soccer loves to play sports and scholarship to a Division I it shows every time she school. takes the field or every To show just how domi- times she steps on the nant Osterbind has been in court. soccer over the years, she A competitive athlete, has been named First-Team Osterbind nevertheAll County for six years and less has found a way to All-State and the Calhoun totally enjoy playing. County Player of the Year. She is often seen with She played last year on the a smile on her face just North/South All-Star team. because she enjoys what Osterbind’s accomplish- she is doing. Coaches ments in basketball have often see her talking to been just as extensive, being opposing players, often 322 Nisbet Street NW, named All-County, All-State misunderstood as “talkJacksonville, AL 402 Pelham Road N., Suite 3 and being named to just ing smack.” “I just like about every tournament team talking to the other playDaniel & Leah Simmons - Owners
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The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
8A • MAY 2013
I
END OF AN ERA
The eighth and final Tippets graduates from JHS
Russ, he entered the Coast Guard. He and his wife, Caitlyn, have three children – Casper, Isaac and Phineas. Alan Tippets: Played tennis and ran t is the end of the cross-country for JHS, where he graduTippets era. ated in 2008. He is a student at Brigham For 24 years there Young University. has been a Tippets Jared Tippets: After graduation, Jared in the Jacksonville plans to attend the University of Alabama School System. although he had football scholarship When Jared Tippets offers from Birmingham Southern and receives his diploma Cumberland. At JHS, he played football, this week, it will end basketball and baseball. He also received a long streak for the the Van Deerman Scholarship from JHS family. and the National Scholar/Athlete Award “We had actuby the United States Army Reserve. ally only planned to “I will always be the baby in the famispend two or three ly,” Jared said. “That doesn’t bother me. I years in Jacksonville,” said Dr. Duane sort of like it. I can’t get by with anything Tippets, an orthopedic surgeon. He was because everybody knows me.” Jared in the Army and had plans to major in been stationed at Fort communications and McClellan. “But when wants to enter public we got here we liked relations, hopefully the area so much, and it in Major League was such a great place baseball. He will be to raise children, so we shadowing the public decided to stay.” relations department I wouldn’t change a Duane and Lori with the Arizona Tippets are originally thing. I think our kids Diamondbacks. from Utah and met at were great. I think the ”All the older kids a religious party given and the grandkids call at the governor’s manyounger ones looked him Baby Jared. The sion in Salt Lake City. up to the older ones grandkids really love “We were on oppohim and want to be for guidance” site sides of the room like him,” Lori said. and I saw her and I “I had one who wantLori Tippets knew she was the one,” ed to know where he Dr. Tippets said. was going to college The union produced and I said Alabama. eight children – six So he wants to go to Alabama now. boys and two girls. All were excellent stu“I think Jared may have had it harder dents and all were excellent athletes. than the other kids. He was the youngest They probably picked up much their and everyone expected him to live up to athletic ability from their mother, who what his brothers and sisters did. He has was reared with seven brothers. handled it very well.” “I would get right out there and play For a short period of time, all eight with them, especially baseball,” Lori said. children were in the house. Duane was 17 “In fact, I tried out for Little League basewhen Jared was born. ball and was second in batting and third “I really don’t know how she handled in fielding. But some parents complained it,” Dr. Tippets said. “But she knew who because there was a girl on the team. So had practice when and where or where they wouldn’t let me play.” there were games and when and she kept Because Dr. Tippets was in the Army, it all in her head.” the family moved a lot. Their oldest son, In addition to mothering duties, Lori Duane, was born while they were still in served 12 years on the Jacksonville Board Salt Lake City. Jeff was born at Bethesda, of Education. Md., Russ and Michelle were born in “Jared was in kindergarten and I was Washington, D.C., Melissa and Ryan were PTA and was involved in quite a few born in Honolulu and Alan and Jared were things in the school,” she said. “A lot of born in Calhoun County. people in the community had urged me to Let’s take a look at each Tippets sibrun so I did. I learned so much in those ling: 12 years. More than anything about how Duane Tippets: He is not a junior because much teachers and education people put he has a different middle name than into their jobs. They are the cream of the his father. Graduated from Jacksonville crop at what they do. They don’t make High School in 1996. He played football, the money they should, but they are doing basketball and baseball at JHS. He got what they love.” a scholarship to play basketball at Berry During the last years of her term she College. His wife, like his mother, is was selected an all-state board member named Lori. They have three children, after running a 10k in 30 different cities Mikey, Matt and Ben, and are expecting to bring the state’s education issues to the another son in September. Duane has forefront. joined his father at Anniston Orthopaedic Despite all the hard work and at times Associates. heartbreak, Lori said she would do it all Jeff Tippets: Played football, basketover again and that their Mormon backball and baseball at JHS and graduated ground has helped them through many in 1997. He and Duane played on the hard periods. basketball and baseball teams that were “I wouldn’t change a thing. Our chilrunners-up in the state playoffs. He signed dren have been great. I think the young a scholarship to play football at UAB. ones looked up to the older ones for guidHe and his wife, Jill, have three children ance. Every child worked hard in school. – Evie, Luke and Paul. They would come home, study and go Russ Tippets: He graduated in 1998 and to bed. entered the Coast Guard. He and his wife, “For my husband and me our children Erika, have two children – Valentino and have really been our lives and we have Estella. put them before anything else (as most Michelle Tippets: Played volleyparents do). Our social life has consisted ball, basketball, softball and soccer at of going to games and supporting them JHS. Graduated from JHS in 2001 and in all of their activities. As my husband played volleyball at Jacksonville State mentioned, at one time we had five chilUniversity. She and her husband, Keith, dren playing on four teams from college have four children – Joey, Laney, Kelsey level on down. We really had to divide and Jackson. and conquer then. Melissa Tippets: Like her sister she “When we were first married we had a played volleyball, basketball, softball saying that we followed, advice from a and soccer at JHS, where she graduated past president of our (Mormon) church, in 2003. She played basketball at Nova David O. McKay. He said, ‘No amount Southeast University. of success can compensate for failure in Ryan Tippets: Played football baseball the home.’ Duane and I decided that we and track for the Golden Eagles and would follow that advice and have tried to graduated in 2005. He was state chamdo that through raising our children.” pion in the 4x400 relays. Like his brother By JOHN ALRED Publisher
“
JUDGE: Allison has it all From page 6A
tions. I would rank her in the top 3 percent of all mathematical students I have taught in my nine years of teaching. “Aside from her athletic ability, Allison is a great person. She has a great sense of humor. She is kind and offers help to fellow classmates. She is also a great competitor and great athlete. She is also known to be a great singer. Allison is truly an amazing student and wonderful person.” Senior class advisor Dr. Gene Rhodes
says that Allison, “is very goal oriented, very driven. She wants to achieve, she wants to excel, not just for achievement itself but for the sake of learning.” Judge says that this year’s senior class “has a lot of overachievers, more than usual. We have 24 members in the National Honor Society and that’s pretty good.” To the younger students Judge has these words of advice, “Take the challenges in school and work hard at them. Find something outside of school and work at that too. You need a good foundation.” Allison is the daughter of David and Cynthia Judge.
Duane, Jared and Lori Tippets.
Photo by Anita Kilgore
OSTERBIND: ‘ . . . keep working’ From page 6A
rarity in her family in that she is the only child to have graduated from Jacksonville High School. Her siblings have all gone to either the Alabama School of Math and Science or the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Osterbind said she decided to stay home, as one of the schools didn’t have state playoffs, the other didn’t even have athletics, all of which proved to be beneficial to JHS. While Osterbind is well known for her athletics, she is also a gifted, straight A student and is ranked seventh in this class of 98 graduates. Osterbind plans on majoring in biology at UAB with thoughts of going to medical school. At JHS Osterbind has
also been involved with the Key Club, FCCLA, student council, Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society. When not playing sports or keeping up with school, Osterbind likes to put up her hammock, “hang out with friends and just normal teenage stuff.” She also likes to catch some sleep whenever possible. Osterbind has become a hero to local girls and is certainly a fitting example for them to look up to. Her advice to those coming up is to, “Play as many sports as you can until you have to narrow it down to one. “If you’re not as good as you want to be just keep working. Hard work pays off. “We have a lot of talent here in basketball and soccer and Coach Chambless and Coach Cain will help you get better.
“Work hard. The coaches here will help you get to the next level to play in college if you want to.” Osterbind went on to say that with the coaches that she has had they stress that grades and school come first. “You need to make that a priority and make sure that you study and have your priorities straight,” urged Osterbind. Osterbind was also thankful for the opportunity that she had to go to JHS. “We have some of the best academics in the area and the best athletics. The teachers are here for you, administrators care and everyone seems to want the best for you. It’s a lucky place to go to school, a well-rounded community and they are all here for you.” Sharon is the daughter of Kelly and Carter Osterbind.
CONGRATULATIONS JACKSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
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MAY 2013 • 9A
Pleasant Valley High School Pleasant Valley High School
Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 Class of 2013 Christian Taylor Wesley Robert Alexander IV Adams,
William Randy Ridge Andrews
Class of 2013 Zachary Tyler Samantha Blake Cassidy Denise Angle Austin Battles
Dylan Wayne Autumn Breann Morgan Blakeli Hunter Shane Brown Baugh Beal Sampson Bolt
Class of 2013 Tre Andrew Brown
Carson Coy Callender
Benjamin Wesley Carter
Megan Danniel Clevenger
Amber Lynn Cochran
Ashley Nicole Drury
Eric Breihan Dryden
Jacob Wayne Everhart
Kelsey Alexis Feiner
Devin Lee Fortenberry
Joshua Eli Holcomb
Alex Charles Houston
Dakota Cain Jennings
Class of 2013 Cody Rhett Fulmer
Cammie Hunter Wayne Morgan Hunter Logan Alexandria Gaines Glass Elizabeth Gravitt Green
Stephen Emile Andrew Clayton Greenwood Greer
Dylan Blake Jones
Jeremy Todd Kirk
Daniel Lee Kitchen
Kristina Marie Austin Douglas Ethan Alexander Hannah Nicole Lambert Lively Lakins Lambert
Zeek Ellett McCurry
Christian Nicholas Mobley
Isaac Odale Nasworthy
Destiny Taylor Parker
Emma Tyler Ponder
Garrett Lee Preston
Austin Larry Tate
Alexis Belle Thornton
Saydie Jade Marshall
Edward Phillip Kristin Heather Roe Runyan
Breanna Deshae Taylor Hayley Nicole Mayben Martin
Wes Dwayne Meghan Brooke Shackelford Sears
Class of 2013 Garrett Michel Shew
Brittany Lashay Destiney Nicole Smith Spears
ArlaRose Terrese Andrew Josh Wickersham Williams
Hannah Marie Stewart
Dalton Ray Turner
Charles Mitchell Meghan Leila Chelsea Tyler Welch Michaela Ward
Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 Congratulations
Class of 2013 from
The Jacksonville News and The Piedmont Journal
10A • MAY 2013
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
Pleasant Valley Class of 2013; Very creative bunch Sixty-two to graduate LORI TIPPETS News Staff Writer
“They’re a lot of fun,” explained senior class advisor Cerilla Roe of the 62 Pleasant Valley High School seniors set to graduate at 7 p.m. May 23 at the Raider Football Stadium. “They are a very creative bunch,” said the English teacher and senior advisor, as the seniors prepared for their “last hurrah,” the senior play. Each year the seniors at Pleasant Valley put on a play and this year they performed “Grease.”. “They learn a lot about working with each other. Suddenly they are working with kids they may not have known too well. Everyone has a job, acting, props, lights, sound or working on programs.” Roe explained that the play teaches the students that when they get out into the real world they are going to have to learn to work with people. “They have to learn how to compromise and get along to do things effectively.” While the purpose of the play is to teach working together, the concept is not one that this senior class really needs to be taught. In 2011 when the tornadoes ripped through the Pleasant Valley community, Roe explained that this senior class was among the first wanting to help. “They
were everywhere when the tornadoes came through, wondering what they could do and what needed to be done. “They are very community oriented, very focused on volunteering and the idea of outreach. They are very focused in that area,” said Roe. While some of the money that is raised from the price of admission to the senior play will go to a Senior Fun Day, the seniors are donating the rest of the money to tornado relief. Roe went on to say that from a very tragic event came a very positive consequence when it came to how this senior class responded. This class of graduates, according to Roe, is “very diverse, in their personalities, their interests, the things they want to do and the things they want to contribute.” Several class members have expressed interest into going into engineering, some accounting, two have expressed interest in law, some have expressed interest in education but a great number, according to Roe, want to go into the medical field. Four members of the graduating class will be leaving for military duty. Of the 62 graduates, 22 have been offered either academic or athletic scholarships, or both. Most of the graduates will attend local colleges.
Top of the class
Anita Kilgore
From left, Pleasant Valley top students Morgan Blakeli Sampson Bolt, Edward Phillip Roe and Garrett Lee Preston.
Top 10 students
Anita Kilgore
Morgan Blakeli Sampson Bolt, Edward Phillip Roe, Garrett Lee Preston, Destiny Taylor Parker, Andrew Josh Williams, Wesley Robert Alexander IV, Ethan Alexander Lambert, Meghan Leila Welch, Isaac Odale Nasworthy, Dylan Wayne Baugh.
Class Officers
The Pleasant Valley senior play was ‘Grease’ this year. Anita Kilgore
Eddie Roe, president; Cassie Battles, vice president; Wes Sears, secretary; Austin Lambert, treasurer.
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The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
MAY 2013 • 11A
SPOTLIGHT STUDENT Ethan Lambert excels both academically and athletically while at Pleasant Valley LORI TIPPETS News Staff Writer
Pleasant Valley High School’s Ethan Lambert is an accomplished student, both at Pleasant Valley and at the Calhoun County Career Tech School where he has been studying welding. At Pleasant Valley Lambert has excelled in both football and track and field. A member of the varsity football team since he was in the ninth grade, Lambert went on to be named team captain and was given the outstanding defensive line play award. He was named all-state twice in the discus, all-county three years in discus and all-county one year in
javelin. Academically Lambert has also excelled, winning the Science Award, the ninth grade Business Tech Application Award, a 10th grade history award and was named the outstanding Student of the Year at the career tech school. Lambert plans on attending Auburn University on the Auburn Achievement Scholarship and the Auburn University Board of Trustees Scholarship. He plans on majoring in civil engineering and to go on to a career in that field. When Lambert isn’t busy with sports or academics he likes welding, target shooting and skeet shooting
Blakeli Bolt Pleasant Valley Valedictorian While Blakeli Bolt may seem very quiet and reserved to those around her, underneath that persona is a person who is a leader. Bolt, this year’s valedictorian at Pleasant Valley High School, is described by senior advisor Cerilla Roe, as, “very quiet but extremely bright. She has a wonderful personality and leads by example. “She is such a pleasant young lady, anything you want done she will do.” Bolt, who will graduate first in her class of 62, will be attending Jacksonville State University on the Valedictorian Scholarship. Bolt is president of the BETA Club, secretary of the Student Council Association, vice-president of SADD, secretary of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, treasurer of Key Club, yearbook editor and is in Key Club. She also has been varsity cheerleading captain and twice has been named allAmerican. While at JSU Bolt plans on majoring in chemistry and hopes to go into pharmacy. It’s no wonder, wanting to major in chemistry, that Bolt’s favorite class at Pleasant Valley was chemistry taught by Randy Jackson. Bolt also looks at Jackson as one of the teachers who inspired her the most. “He taught me a lot and if I ever had any questions he could always answer them,” said Bolt. Jackson is just as complimentary of Bolt. “I have known Blakeli for three years and have taught her in physical science, chemistry and physics,” said Jackson. “During this time I have found her to be exceedingly intelligent, passionate about learning and incredibly focused. “Seldom have I encountered a student so driven to succeed. Blakeli is an innovative self-starter and a tenacious problem solver who has continually demonstrated the motivation, preserving nature and analytical aptitude necessary to be successful in all of her scholastic endeavors. She is a perfectionist who works through problems by painstakingly examining every detail. “Socially I know Blakeli to be a person of high moral standing. She is a very positive, congenial young woman who shows the utmost respect for those around her.” Bolt has enjoyed her senior class saying, “We all get along, we are all friends.” Bolt has these words of advice to younger students, ”Always do your work and pay attention because it will pay off if you work hard. Always remember that someone is watching you, so make sure you make good decisions.” Blakeli is the daughter of Jason and Shaa Bolt.
and does “a lot of physics outside of school because I enjoy physics.” Lambert has been impressed with his senior class because, “everybody works hard and everybody is incredibly competitive. Everybody wants so be the best.” Cerilla Roe, senior class advisor at Pleasant Valley, describes Lambert as being, “very focused, very intense. He has a totally unassuming personality. He is very meticulous and very prompt.” Lambert’s advice to younger students is to “work hard and learn a skill, it will help you no matter what you do.” Ethan is the son of Cheryl and Patrick Lambert.
Eddie Roe Pleasant Valley Salutatorian Talking with Pleasant Valley’s salutatorian, Eddie Roe, you get a sense of a young man who knows where he is going and knows how he is going to get there. A focused and determined individual, Roe has been very involved while at Pleasant Valley. In athletics, Roe played football for four years, was named all-county for two years, was team captain and was named the Pleasant Valley High School Offensive Player of the Year and was this past year’s outstanding offensive back. Roe also played basketball for four years and was team captain this past year. In baseball, Roe was a four-year player, was named all-county two years and all-area three years. He was the recipient of the 2012 Pleasant Valley High School varsity baseball Silver Slugger Award. Roe, who is senior class president and president of the Student Council Association, has been a member of the SCA every year. He belonged to Junior BETA and Senior Beta, where he serves as vice-president. Roe has also been on Pleasant Valley’s Scholar Bowl team, Envirobowl Team and Math Team. For his accomplishments both in athletics and academics Roe was named the 2A Region 5 Bryant Jordan Scholar. Roe will take with him many memories of teachers who have helped him and influenced him along the way. “My ninth grade history teacher, Jeremy Wallace, was the most fun teacher I’ve ever had,” remembers Roe. “Also my 11th grade history teacher, Anthony Findley, and my mom, (Cerilla Roe) my English teacher, she’s the best English teacher I’ve ever had. “I’ve had Coach (Randy) Jackson as my 12th grade physics teacher, my 11th grade chemistry teacher and for 10th grade physical science. These were the hardest classes I’ve ever taken, ever, but they prepared me for college and for what I’m about to face.” Roe says he will remember his senior class for, “all the things we’ve achieved as a class together, showing our class by not having anyone get into trouble.” For the younger students Roe says, “Stay in school, don’t take anything for granted. Do everything you can to the utmost of your ability because you’re not going to get it back and you will miss it.” Roe plans on attending JSU on a faculty scholarship for two years, then he plans to go to the University of Alabama. Present plans are to major in chemistry and minor in business. Eddie is the son of Cerilla and Ed Roe.
Anita Kilgore
Ethan Lambert has excelled in both football and track.
Garrett Preston Pleasant Valley Historian The advice that Garrett Preston, this year’s historian at Pleasant Valley High School, has for the younger students is, “Set a goal and reach that goal, reach that goal and then set higher goals. Don’t ever sell yourself short because you can always do better.” It seems that Preston has taken his own advice as the talented senior has reached many goals during his high school years at Pleasant Valley. Preston has played on the football, basketball and baseball teams as a Raider. In basketball he was named to the Calhoun County Tournament Team and was the Calhoun County Player of the year for 1A-2A. Preston was named all-county in football and was captain of his football, basketball and baseball teams. While at Pleasant Valley, Preston belonged to SADD, FCA, Senior Beta Club, SCA and Key Club. Preston will be attending Gadsden State on the Elite with Honors Scholarship. His skills in basketball have not gone unnoticed as Preston will be playing basketball for Gadsden State. After Gadsden State Preston plans on attending either the University of Alabama or Jacksonville State University where he plans to major in chemistry with hopes of one day going to medical school and then becoming an orthopedic surgeon, a goal he set for himself in the ninth grade. It isn’t surprising that Preston wants to major in chemistry, a subject that he enjoyed at Pleasant Valley. He was inspired by its teacher. “Randy Jackson (chemistry teacher), is very inspirational and a great motivator,” said Preston. “He prepares you to meet your goals. He’s a good man to go talk to; a good teacher.” While the memories of sports are the ones that Preston will quickly recall when he leaves Pleasant Valley, he says that he will also remember, “just walking in the halls and seeing everyone.” For Preston, he feels that his senior class is unique because they were a small class. “The smaller class brings us closer together. Each of us can talk to one another. We know each other really well.” Garrett is the son of Ronnie and Sonya Preston.
Scholarship winners Wes Alexander, Blakeli Bolt, Ben Carter, Jacob Everhart, Hunter Green, Stephen Greenwood, Dylan Jones, Austin Lambert, Ethan Lambert, Saydie Marshall, Destiny Parker, Garrett Preston, Eddie Roe, Alexis Thornton, Dalton Turner, Meghan Welch and Drew Williams.
// Photos by Anita Kilgore
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
12A • MAY 2013
GRADUATION
ABOVE: Jacksonville High School Class of 2013. Commencement services will be Thursday, May 23 at Golden Eagle Stadium at 8:00 p.m. ••• LEFT: Jacksonville Christian Academy Class of 2013. Commencement services will be Thursday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the school. Marissa Davis
Jade Dalton
Paul Chong
Alli Brascho
Ante Bing
Kristen Athon
Cowan Angell
Hayden Howell
RaeAnna Hopkins
Meredith Helms
Marshall Ghee
Adele Fink
Sunny Donti
Donoho The
S C H O O L
Mallory Landen
Alex Lalonde
Daniel Kang
Mary Jones
Jared Jones
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Albright College
Auburn University
University at Montgomery Southern College
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Ethan McCarty
Riley Ann McBride
Tommy Lipscomb
Wilson Landers
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Eckerd College
Furman University
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Emily Rogers
Erin Phillis
Graham Nelson
Ali Morris
Austin Petrey
National Merit Finalist
George McMillan
The Ohio State University
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Palm Beach Atlantic University
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Birmingham-
Centre College
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Duke
Florida Southern College
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Louisiana State University
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Auburn
Cumberland University
Emory University
Mercer University
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Jacksonville State University
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Lynn University
Mississippi State University Pennsylvania State University
· Samford University · Sewanee, The University of the South Shorter University · Spring Hill College · Troy University · Tulane University · Tusculum College United States Military Academy – West Point · University of Alabama · University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Denver · University of Florida · University of Maine · University of Mississippi University of Montevallo · University of North Alabama · University of South Alabama University of West Alabama · Vanderbilt University · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Presbyterian College
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Berry College
Georgia Institute of Technology
Johnson & Wales University Maryville College
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Bryan College
College of Charleston University
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Rhodes College
Peyton van Ekris
Anna Turner
Members of the Class of 2013 have received merit-based scholarship offers in excess of 4 million dollars and have been offered acceptances by the above colleges and universites.
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Katherine Westbrook
Discover the Difference Schedule a tour with Admissions Director Sue Canter: scanter@donohoschool.com or 256-236-4459 ext. 119. Please visit www.donohoschool.com for more information and driving directions to our campus.
GRADUATION
Piedmont High School Commencement services will be Thurs., May 23 at 7 p.m. at the Field of Champions at Piedmont High School.
Spring Garden High School Commencement services will be 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, at Gadsden State-Cherokee, Centre
Pleasant Valley High School Commencement services will be 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Pleasant Valley Raider Stadium MAY 2013
The Jacksonville News • The Piedmont Journal
2B • MAY 2013
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
Piedmont High School Piedmont High School
Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013
Paige Atkins
Dustin Edward Baer
Austin Hunter Bishop
Halie Morgan Blackerby
John Collin Bradley
Steven Cade Bradley
Jasheera Zhane Hannah LaShay Braswell Brown
Brandon Tylor Bullock
Laphonzo Burroughs
Alyssandra Darrisaw
Raleigh Grant Davis
Class of 2013 Timothy Lewis Byers
James Michael DeVoe
Laura Dawn Frost
Jessie Lee Cain
Treavious Carpenter
Caleb Lamar Wesley Dewayne Caitlyn Nicole Chasteen Coogler Coheely
James Tanner Tracie Alexandra Haden Michael Sarandon Tobias Dixon Donaldson Downey Dunbar
Joshua Kyle Gaddy
Bronson Marquez Gamble
Sarah Nicole Garner
Tyler Paul Elliott
Kara Megan Dalrymple
Jose Raul Escamilla II
FranShay Kendal Caelan Andrew Ethan Daulton Goss Gouger Garrett
Taylor Andrew Lauren Elizabeth Kaitlyn Frost Floyd Fortenberry
Tivis Amiria Green
Savannah Ryan Kalyn Gentrey Haney Grimes
Class of 2013 Marley Shay Harper
Quineisha Janae Elizabeth Marie Higgins Hodge
Brittany Holloway
Samuel David Ingram
Alec Chase Johnson
Jarrius Jaylan Johnson
Tiffany Ann Jones
Nathan Mark King
Sara Beth Minton
Hunter Kyle Mobley
Class of 2013 James Antonio Major II
Joshua Brooks Martin
Sara Ashley Martin
James Cass McCord
Zachary Keith Sarah Katherine McWhorter McCord
Class of 2013
Class of 2013 Matthew Blake Nicholson
Jessica Lynn Parris
Skyler Cole Parris
Hunter Shane Pike
Tiffani Amber Pike
Calla Louise Pope
Joshua Cale Propes
Savannah Brooke Tant
Ivan Wendell Teague
Logan Tracy Moore
Jesse Aaron Seaman
Class of 2013 Daniel Cole Smith
Lacey Cheyenne Michael Tyler Smith Smith
Skianna Marie Smith
Dillon Trace Terry
Breanna Thompson
Tyler Mack Thompson
Not pictured: Andrew Phillip Kingery, Brittany Nicole Kingery, Patrick Theron Raney, Amber Ann Smith, Michael Tatum Studdard.
Brooke Ashtyn Wallace
,Randall Tyler Wasson
Skyler Cole Parris
Raina Jade Willis
Allison Blake Wood
MAY 2013 • 3B
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
Piedmont High will hold graduation on Thursday SUSAN FANN Journal Correspondent
Haden Downey will speak as valedictorian for Piedmont High School’s Class of 2013 in the graduation ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the Field of Champions. He is the son of Michael and Michele Downey. His grandparents are Larry and Connie Downey, Sarah Lynn Downey, and Donna Bass of Piedmont and the late Johnny Brumit of Cedartown, Ga. The Alabama Boy’s State Representative is also a member of the Senior Leadership Council, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and Student Government Association. Having worked diligently to achieve a 32 on his ACT score, the 18-year-old young man has chosen to start college at the University of Alabama in the fall. He plans to major in aerospace engineering and has goals to become employed by Boeing, NASA, or Northrop Grumman. During his years at Piedmont High School, Haden played football for four years, was on the golf team for four years, and held a spot on the basketball team for one year. His hobbies include running, fishing, hunting, golf, and hanging out with friends. Someday Haden would like to learn to fly an airplane. He is a member of the Piedmont Cumberland
Valedictorian Haden Downey
CLASS OF
2013
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Presbyterian Church. Over his summer break Haden plans to go on two senior trips. One is to Panama City Beach. The other is a cruise to the Bahamas. Relaxing around the pool and playing golf will fill his time for the rest of the summer. “If there is one thing I can take away from Piedmont High School,” he said, “it is the clear willingness to be the best I can be at everything I do. Piedmont High School has exemplified that to me over the past four years.” Come fall, Piedmont High School salutatorian Sarah McWhorter is Auburn University bound. The 18-year-old daughter of Hugh and Suzanne McWhorter and granddaughter of Hugh and Charlotte McWhorter of Gadsden plans to major in marine biology. Her dream career is to work at a large amusement park such as SeaWorld or some other form of aquarium. Sarah has served the class of 2013 as president of the National Honor Society, vice-president of the Student Government Association, and reporter of the Technology Student Association. She has been danceline captain for the Piedmont Blue Knights Marching Band. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Goodyear Heights Baptist Church Youth Group, Senior Leadership Team, and the yearbook staff. The graduating senior enjoys reading, writing short stories, and spending time with animals. She confesses to being in “love with kangaroos and would love to move to Australia.”
Salutatorian
Sarah McWhorter
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This summer Sarah plans to take a senior rrip from June 9-24, traveling by train to California and taking an on-off bus tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, to Yosemite Park, then to Los Angeles. After she gets home, her focus will be on moving into a dorm on the campus of Auburn. “It really did not feel like we would ever make it to graduation,” she said, “but I am thankful for the experience and the memories from Piedmont High School.” Brooke Wallace will serve as historian. Her parents are David and Darlene Wallace. Her grandparents are George and Voncile Steward, Sarah Wallace and the late John Wallace. Attending Jacksonville State University beginning in the fall, Brooke plans to major in general chemistry and has set her career goal to become a pharmacist. The 18-year-old senior enjoys origami, cooking, drawing, and yoga. She has a special interest in the culinary arts and nutrition and enjoys trying all flavors of hot tea. Brooke’s dreams for the future include living in a foreign country. Brooke plans on relaxing and reading as many books as possible during the summer. “My time at Piedmont High School has been a period of growth for me, not just educationally but also in my individuality,” she said. Brooke attends Shady Grove First Congregational Methodist Church.
Historian
Brooke Wallace
Congratulations to our graduates Class of 2013
Congratulations Class of 2013
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4B • MAY 2013
PIEDMONT EDUCATION TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS
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Front row, from left: Kendal Garrett, Sarah McWhorter, Jasheera Braswell, Sarah Garner, Morgan Blackerby, Sara Martin, Tracie Donaldson, Breanna Thompson, Caitlyn Coogler, Savannah Tant, Sara Beth Minton, Savannah Grimes. Back row, from left: Allison Wood, Dustin Baer, Haden Downey, LaPhonzo Burroughs, Cass McCord, Tanner Dixon, Alex Johnson, Michael DeVoe, Dillon Terry, Marley Harper.
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2013
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MAY 2013 • 5B
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Piedmont High School Class of 2013
Best Wishes Piedmont Class of 2013
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2013
The class of 2013 is on the path to success
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6B • MAY 2013
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
SPOTLIGHT STUDENT
Piedmont’s Garrett ‘epitome of well-rounded student’ SUSAN FANN Journal Correspondent
Fran Shay Kendal Tikara Garrett, known as Kendal at Piedmont High School “is the epitome of the traditional well-rounded student. She is the type of student we strive to produce here at PHS,” said Allan Mauldin, social studies teacher and senior sponsor. “She does everything with a high degree of integrity, is well liked and respected by her classmates and teachers. You are not going to find a better senior than Kendal Garrett,” he continued. Kendal, the 18-year-old daughter of Frances Garrett and granddaughter of Leon Garrett, spent four years on the varsity golf team, three years in the Blue Knights Marching Band, and four years in the Color Guard. She ranks number five in her senior class. She served as the vice-president of the National Honor Society, a member of the Student Government Association, was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, staff member of the yearbook and on the Senior Leadership Council. “When you have a senior class full of as many strong students as the class of 2013, it takes a special person to stand out. When you combine academics, extra-curricular activities and overall service to the community, school and her class, Kendal is that person,” said Mauldin. Kendal has chosen to attend Jacksonville State University and major in political science. Her career goal is to become a governmental affairs
director. “Over the summer,” she said, “I am going on a cruise with my family. The rest of my summer will be spent reading and spending my time with my friends and family.” Her special interests include cooking, politics, and collecting snow globes. “Kendal, as a member of a great Senior Leadership Team, has taken on and done great tasks for the senior class,” said Mauldin. “She is kind of an unsung hero of her class. She does not seek accolades because, for her, it has been about making senior year the best experience for her classmates. She clearly understands teamwork and regularly pu “ts others before herself. It is for these and many other reasons, that Kendal will be an extremely successful person. I enjoyed teaching her and am proud that she was one of our best seniors in a class full of great seniors.” Guidance counselor Sandra Akin agreed with Mauldin’s view of Kendal. “She is a very respected student and an excellent role model,” Akin said. “Whatever you ask her to do, she does it well. She puts others first.” In reflection of her years at PHS, Kendal said, “I have grown into the person I want to be in the past four years. I know that I will continue to grow.” To those who will be back in the classrooms of PHS she says, “Enjoy your years at Piedmont High School. You can never get them back.”
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MAY 2013 • 7B
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
Spring Garden High School
Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013•
Kelsy Hope Bailey
Sarah Ashley Barnes
Jacob Manco Grogan
Joshua Brent Hale
Jacqueline Elizabeth Haney
Whitney Elyse McCown
Justin Jeffery Musselman
Hunter Bryant Parker
Morgan Brooke Short
Lydia Paige Sloan
Hayden Leigh Miranda Lynnzey Bates Casey
Brady Van Hardin
Dylan Kyle Dempsey
Douglas Trent Dickeson
Torey Clay Edwards
Laura Kathryn Fann
Dustin Jeffery Formby
Robyn Audrey Gorham
Timothy Alan Herter Jr
Robert Chase Howell
Brian Craig Jones Jr.
April Daniele Kirk
Forrest Kane Livingston
Victoria Ivy Mann
Ashley Leigh Pittman
Stephanie Briann Pope
Samantha Jo Readid
Christopher Michael Shell
Ciera Danielle William Hunter Penton Penton
Heather Nicole Smart
Josey Cole Smith
Kayleigh Dakota Smith
Tori Dawn Pierce
Caleb Seth Steward
Callie Jayne Thompson
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CLASS OF
2013
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8B • May 2013
Spring Garden High School Class of 2013
Benjamin Jeffery Madeleine Rain Warren Turner
Toni Breann Traffanstedt
Jeffery Dylan Watson
Aston Elizabeth Chyenne Christopher Weaver Autumn Welchel Logan Whorton
Spring Garden will graduate 44 SUSAN FANN Journal Correspondent
The campus of Gadsden State-Cherokee will be a place of celebration and smiling faces come 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, as the graduating class of Spring Garden High School crosses the stage to receive their well-deserved diplomas. Forty-four young men and women will transition from high school students to young adults in the traditional ceremony to end their high school years. Miranda Casey, daughter of Michael and Lynn Lake and Allen Casey, will serve as valedictorian at the ceremony. She is the granddaughter of Beth Mitchell, Bobby Grantham, Donna and Jim Tate, Roxie and Freddie Leffew, and Ray Matthews. Miranda, 17, has served her school as cheerleader for three years and was co-captain for the 2012-13 school year. During her years at Spring Garden High School, she has been a member of Mu Alpha Theta, a homecoming representative, a yearbook staff member, and a Beta Club member. Miranda worked as co-editor of the yearbook her senior year, maintained the A honor roll in grades 9-
12, was class treasurer, and a graduate of the Youth Leadership Cherokee. She plays to attend the University of Alabama majoring in psychology to become a child psychologist. Salutatorian Chase Howell is the son of Robert and Beth Howell and plans to attend Auburn University at Montgomery. He will major in physical therapy. His grandparents are Vera Howell and David and Elaine Ingram. Chase is a graduate of the Youth Leadership Cherokee and has been a member of Beta Club for four years. He also was a member of Mu Alpha Theta for three years. The 18-year-old played varsity baseball for three years and enjoys fishing, riding bikes, and hanging out with friends. He has held a job at Simple Simon’s Pizza for three years. He attends the Piedmont Church of the Nazarene and plans to be a successful and professional physical therapist. Will Penton will serve his class as historian during the ceremony. He is the son of Ashley and Tammi Penton and grandson of Joe and Ramona Holland and Wayne and Barbara Penton.
Will was selected as a 2012 Alabama Boy’s State representative for Spring Garden High School and attended the Alabama Rural Electric Association Washington D.C. Youth Tour. He spent three years as a member of the Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta. Selected as all-county and all-area in baseball for four years, this young man enjoys playing sports. He played baseball four years, basketball three years, and football four years during his high school years. Will was also chosen to be a member of the all-county, all-region, and Anniston Star All-Coverage Team following the 2012 football season. Will plans to major in secondary education and plans to eventually coach football at the college level.
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Class of 2013 WOODYARD Call for wood specifications. We sell pine shavings.
Valedictorian Miranda Casey
Class officers are, kneeling, from left, Danielle Penton, president, and Lydia Sloan, vice president. Standing, from left, Miranda Casey, secretary-treasurer, and Jake Grogan, reporter.
Salutatorian Chase Howell
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256-447-8399
Historian Will Penton
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Best Wishes Spring Garden Class of 2013
We extend our congratulations on a job well done. Dr. Benjamin Ingram, Staff and Families
207 Rome Ave, Piedmont 256-447-6071
Spring Garden Class of ‘13 from your friends at The Piedmont Journal
MAY 2013 • 9B
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
Senior Class Honor Society
Front Left to right: Lydia Sloan, Miranda Casey, Kelsy Bailey, Danielle Penton, Jacqueline Haney, Heather Smart, and Maddie Warren. Back Left to right: Will Penton, Chase Howell, Dustin Formby, and Trent Dickeson.
Congratulations! Spring Garden Class of 2013
Congratulations to our graduates Class of 2013
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10B • MAY 2013
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
White Plains High School
Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 • Class of 2013 Class of 2013
Zachary Thomas Alwine
Ashley Nicole Beecham
Abby Nicole Bjornson
Logan Thomas Boyd
Jacob Lee Bowman
Rani Lanae Caruso
Olivia Grace Cockerham
Dustin Kyle Coleman
Tessa Kathlin Conger
Dalton Kyle Coogler
Nikki Shea Cromer
Emma Renee Foster
Laura Ashley Foster
Qualesha Naomi Hunter Chase Foster Gentry
Olivia Jewel Gentry
Eridian Aguilar
Jonathan Taylor Dominic Dajon Bradshaw Calloway
Zachary Allen Cunningham
Lyndsey Danielle Ashley Victoria Golden Griggs
Irving Uriel Cabajal
Jessica Taylor Carroll
Randall Tyler Davidson
Albert Lawerence Edison
Ariel Marie Edwards
Melisa May Hamer
Chandler Reid Morgan Taylor Harry Hardy
Class of 2013 Austin Michael Hartin
Joshua Phillip Hatcher
Jaylen DaJuan Hill
Nathen Harley House
Douglas Snyder Hughes
Kaitlyn Brooke Johnson
David Eugene Jones
Lauren Brooke Kandziorski
Kira Marie Kihlstadius
Ryan Michael Kirby
Bailey Keith Ingram
Ericka Gean Lashley
Cody Paige Ingram
Zachary Moses Padric Thomas Lasley Lee
Justin Kyle Jacks
Haley Nicole Jenkins
Patton Bradley Lenard
Chase Leon Maxwell
Class of 2013 Allison Marie McDaniel
Brianna Corinne Oden
Christopher Lee Randall Vaughn McDonald McDonald
Christopher Chace Oliver
Angel Gabriella Osowski
Alex Franklin McFry
Dylana Jayne Moore
Damian Lynn Munson
Mikayla Nicole Owen
Curtis David Parker
Jordan Lee Perry
William Garrett Nicholas Tyler Whittany Michelle Brittany Marie Rhoades Robinson Saxon Seney
Destinie Ira Turner
Dakota Justice Matthew Edward Warren Wells
Adam Taylor Smith
Laura Lee Murphy
Joanna Mary Poole
JeanAnn Niccole Allison Leigh Smith Stucker
Haylie Brooke Catherine Nicole Wesley Charles Whiteside Williams Williams
Megan Marie Wise
Abigail Irene Murray
Mary Alexis Murray
Jacob Houston Nisbett
Autumn Leighann Dalemetrius Pritchett Deshaun Reddick
Jerry Jacob Regner
Olivia Katherine Taylor
Modesty Alys Thornton
Alissa Denise Wood
Elizabeth Anne Thornburg
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
MAY 2013 • 11B
White Plains’ senior class to walk across Robertson Field EDDIE BURKHALTER Consolidated News Service
Carrying on a trend in recent years of larger and larger graduating classes, White Plains High School will see 88 seniors graduate this year, said history teacher Stephanie Mathews. Graduation will take place at 7 p.m. May 23 on Robertson Field on May 23 at 7 p.m. If weather requires, the ceremony will take place inside the gymnasium. Mathews, who is also the faculty member responsible for organizing this year’s graduation, described this group of seniors as “traditionalists” and “very school oriented.” More than half of the graduates plan to attend college after leaving White Plains behind, Mathews estimated. Senior class president Lyndsey Golden is one of the students who will be headed off to college in the coming days. Golden plans to attend the University of Alabama where she will study pre-medicine and business. “I’ve always been interested in the medical field,” Golden said. “I’ve interned and worked in the medical field throughout high school. I’m just been drawn to it.” A White Plains student from kindergarten through Submitted photo graduation, Golden said that she’s excited to be starting White Plains Valedictorian Alex McFry, Salutatorian Chace Oliver and Historian Elizabeth the next phase of her life, but will be sad to leave the Thornburg. last phase behind.
Top 10
Submitted photo
From left, Alex McFry - Valedictorian, Chace Oliver - Salutatorian, Elizabeth Thornburg - Historian, Dylana Moore, JeanAnn Smith, Haley Jenkins, Mikayla Owen, Haylie Whiteside, Megan Wise, and Catherine Williams.
Class officers
White Plains High School senior class officers are, from left, Lyndsey Danielle Golden, president; Elizabeth Anne Thornbury, vice president; Megan Marie Wise, secretary; and Hunter Chase Gentry, treasurer.
// Photo by Anita Kilgore
12B • MAY 2013
The Jacksonville News / The Piedmont Journal
SPOTLIGHT STUDENT
White Plains’ Wise looking to college EDDIE BURKHALTER Consolidated News Service
It’s no surprise why White Plains High School chose Megan Wise as this year’s spotlight student. There was little free time for the hardworking honor student during her years at White Plains, and when there was, she was busy working on the craft of filmmaking with fellow student Alex McFry. Together with McFry, Wise has codirected, written scripts, done costume and makeup work and acted in several films made by their own film production company. The work spawned her interest in film and helped solidify her plans for the future. “Through that I found out I was really interested, and kind of good at films,” Wise said. Wise will attend Jacksonville State University on a scholarship where she plans to major in Communications with
a double minor in Film and English. And she won’t be alone at JSU. Wise said a close personal friend from Georgia will be rooming with her. What made her stand out among her classmates is evident in the amount of work Wise put in after school and in her free time. Wise spent hours every day after school for weeks helping create handpainted backdrops for the school choir, something she did throughout her four years at White Plains. She did the same for the marching band this year. Reflecting on graduation, Wise expressed mixed emotions. “I’m kind of nostalgic about the fact that I’m not going to see most of these people again,” Wise said, speaking of graduation. “But I’m excited.” Wise was active in the Scholar’s Bowl, Beta Club, FBLA, Student Council, Spanish Club, Technology Team and Choir. She is the daughter of Teri and Muryle Wise.
Submitted photo
Megan Wise plans to attend Jacksonville State University.
McFry planning career in film production EDDIE BURKHALTER Consolidated News Service
White Plains valedictorian Alex McFry knows that in the future he’ll be looking at life through the eye of a camera lens. McFry will head to Jacksonville State University after graduation where he plans to double major in communications, with a concentration in broadcasting, and business management. After college, McFry said he’d like to start a largescale production company, but just what kind he isn’t sure of just yet. “I haven’t made up my mind as to television or mov-
ies, or what it will be yet,” McFry said. The driven White Plains student already has a history of making films that get noticed, and said he remembers being drawn into video production by a sixth grade project that required him to make a video. “We made this really terrible movie,” McFry said, but he kept making them and found he had a talent for the work. Soon after that first movie he began attending the regional technology fair at JSU where he has won first place in video competition for the past four years. In 2012, McFry’s video “Back to the Basics” was selected out of more than 1,000 entries as a finalist in CSpan’s 2012 StudentCam competition. He said he’s constantly working with video technol-
Oliver ‘races’ toward career in broadcasting EDDIE BURKHALTER Consolidated News Service
This year’s White Plains High School salutatorian, Chace Oliver, is a young man who has clearly made the most of his years at White Plains. Oliver wasn’t just the second in his class, he is also president of the Student Government Association, and the list of clubs and activities he was involved in at White Plains is long. Oliver played football his senior year and was a member of the student council, Senior Beta Club, FBLA, choir, Scholar’s Bowl, Math Team, History Club, SADD Club, Spanish Club, First Priority, and was active in the Fellowship of Christian
Athletes. Oliver received a scholarship to attend Jacksonville State University where he plans to study communications. That study path he hopes will lead him to a career in media with NASCAR, Oliver said. “I love NASCAR more than anything, and I love to talk,” Oliver said, so he’s hoping to break into broadcasting or public relations with the popular racing circuit. Oliver is the son of Chris and Bridget Oliver.
ogy, “just to see what we can do and how we can get better.” McFry is president of the Beta Club, editor of the yearbook for two years, active in the SGA, FBLA, was a member of the Spanish Club, choir and ran cross country. McFry is the son of Brooke and Perry McFry. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” McFry said of his pending graduation. “I think it’s going to hit me the night of graduation actually. I’m ready to move on to a new chapter in life and college and take on all the new things there. I’m ready for a change of scenery.”
Thornburg heading to Mobile for college EDDIE BURKHALTER Consolidated News Service
Elizabeth Thornburg, White Plains High School’s 2013 class historian, explained that it’s her compassion for people and respect for justice that is driving her to a future in courtrooms. After graduation Thornburg said she plans to attend the University of Mobile where she will major in political science. She then plans to attend law school and become an attorney, she said. “I want to use it to help people,” Thornburg said, speaking about a career in law. Thornburg was a member of Beta Club, the Student Council, captain of Scholar’s Bowl, a member of the yearbook staff, choir, Math Team, Spanish Club and History Club, and is the vice president of senior class. Mobile is a little further away than many of her classmates plan to stray to attend college, but Thornburg said upon
White Plains High School Commencement services will be Thurs., May 23 at 7 p.m. at Robertson Stadium.
visiting the university, “It just felt like home.” And although, to her knowledge, she’ll be the only White Plains graduate heading to the University of Mobile after graduation this year, Thornburg said she knows of a few students at the university that attended other local schools. “I’m so ready,” she said, speaking of graduation. “I just want a change. I’ve been here my whole life.” As she prepares herself for the next chapter of her life, Thornburg said she’ll think of White Plains fondly as a place where people still look out for one another. “Everybody knows everybody and, if something’s wrong, somebody in the community is there to help,” Thornburg said. Thornburg is the daughter of Tammy and David Thornburg.