Although CHS does not select a valedictorian or salutatorian, the 2011-12 senior class had more than a normal number of academic honorees. There are 16 seniors with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average among honors graduates.
Two of these honors graduates, along with two other seniors, will have speaking roles in the graduation ceremony. The other 14 honors students are also deserving of congratulations for their high school accomplishments, according to school administrators like principal Autumn O’Brien and City School System Director Dr. Martin Ringstaff.
These 16 honors graduates were recognized recently with a first-ever Distinguished Graduates banquet at Cleveland’s Museum Center at Five Points. Dr. Paul Conn, longtime Lee University president, was the banquet’s guest speaker. The seniors received a special award at that time, and each designated an educator who has had a big influence on their lives. These educators were also honored.
Speakers at this year’s Cleveland High graduation include Aimee Murray, senior class president; Caleb Hiddleston, senior class representative; and Robert Parr and Fernando Ramirez, honors group speakers.
About the graduation speakers:
n Aimee Murray: Her parents are David and Cathy Murray. In addition to being student body president, she is varsity cheerleading captain, a member of Bradley/Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership, Fred Brown Rotary District 6780 scholarship recipient, and PEO Star Scholarship recipient.
This Cleveland High honors graduate will be attending the University of Missouri with a dual major in pre-physical therapy and business management. She has been accepted into the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program as a SHARPS Scholar.
n Caleb Hiddleston: His parents are Vic and Gayle Hiddleston. He is a Lee University Rymer Gold Scholarship winner, Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship award winner, Bradley/Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership member, varsity baseball and basketball team member, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club president.
Also an honors graduate, he will be attending Lee University, majoring in theological and Biblical studies with a minor in business management.
n Robert Parr: His parents are Lee and Bonita Parr. He was a Model United Nations team member, varsity baseball and swim team member, Bradley/Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Youth Leaderships member, National honor Society and Beta Club member.
He will be attending the University of Tennessee, majoring in engineering.
n Fernando Ramirez: His parents are David and Maria Ramirez. He was a varsity soccer performer, Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, Youth Leader, Beta Club member and Key Club member.
He will be attending Lee University with a dual major in business management and biblical theology.
Other Cleveland High seniors graduating in the honors program with a 4.0 GPA include: Cody Couture, son of Mr. and Mrs. Monty Couture; Elizabeth Coyle, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Brian Coyle; Becky Han, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sang-Ehil Han; Hannah Kalb, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Kalb; Ariana Kim, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kile Kim; Alex Klibisz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bogdan Klibisz; Megan Ownbey and Sara Ann Ownbey, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. James Ownbey; Erik Rutledge, son of Rick and Karen Rutledge; Whitney Stephenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Stephenson; Tiffany Summers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Summers; Andrea Tipton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Tipton; Chad Voytik, son of Dr. and Mrs. Gary Voytik; and Courtney Whitlock, daughter of Keith and Kim Whitlock.
