Lauren Null, Brooke Gilland Receive Worth County Graduation Honors

Lauren Null was named valedictorian and Brooke Gilland salutatorian at Worth County's graduation ceremony Sunday. Senior class vice president Adam Summers made opening remarks. Teacher Clella Goodwin was the speaker.

Worth County graduated 20 seniors this year. Of these, more than half, 13, received either highest honors or honors. Graduating were Mitch Andrews, Felicia Cook, Patricia Evans, Faith Gaines, Brooke Gilland, Cody Green, Brian Hall, Whitney Harker, Alex Harmening, Teri Leigh Larison, Ashley Laughlin, Sarah Lynch, Wyatt McClain, Bailey McPike, Kelsey Meyer, Lauren Null, Akaysha Ragan, Adam Summers, Austin Thummel, and Maggie Ueligger.

Ms. Goodwin talked about the best advice that she had gotten. Among things she encouraged students to do were to go to class even if they didn't feel like it. From instructor Adam Beatty, she learned that most of the time, you would do what you had to, not what you want to. Among other things that she learned:

--Do things right the first time;

--Growth is a process of trial and error;

--Lessons will be presented until learned;

--If you're alive, you're still learning;

--Take a job -- any job;

--Success is a reflection of pride and passion;

--Michael Jordan failed over and over before he succeeded;

--When in doubt, don't -- wait;

--If you're truly sorry, say it -- no matter how long ago it happened;

--If you want something new, you have to do something you've never done before;

--You can't direct the wind, but you can adjust your sails;

--Save 10% of what you earn;

--Prince Charming isn't coming to get you;

--Don't forget to tell stories.

Goodwin said that this class would be remembered as a class that cared. She said that if there was even a small amount of faith that a seed would be planted, then plant it. She encouraged them to stay positive and see the good around them even if they had to squint.

The honors students were then recognized. Graduating with highest honors were Akaysha Ragan, Alex Harmening, Austin Thummel, Cody Green, Felicia Cook, Brooke Gilland, Lauren Null, and Teri Leigh Larison. Graduating with honors were Adam Summers, Kelsey Meyer, Sarah Lynch, Bailey McPike, and Brian Hall.

Valedictorian Lauren Null led the audience in a prayer before speaking. She said that the Class of 2011 ran the race right up to the finish line, but that it was only a preliminary race. She encouraged them to have passion, faith, and perseverance and never live life watching from the sidelines. Salutatorian Brooke Gilland said that they wouldn't have been walking across the aisle without the support of everyone who helped them grow. She said that they had their share of embarrassing moments, but that they all bonded together and she hoped they would continue to succeed.

Board President Jubal Summers presented the class with their diplomas. Junior class officers Eli Mullock and Bryson Scott were the escorts. Senior Class officers were Brooke Gilland (President), Adam Summers (Vice-President), Bailey McPike (Secretary), Akaysha Ragan (Treasurer), Brian Hall (Student Council Representative), and Alex Harmening (Student Council Representative). Sponsors were Jonell Cook, Amy Garrett, and Patti Spainhower. The class motto was "Life brings us tears, smiles, and memories; the tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever." Class colors were silver and orange. The class flower was the tiger lily. The class song was "Blink."