Du Quoin High School says goodbye to Class of 2017
Seventy-three Du Quoin High School graduates entered the big world beyond high school Saturday night with all the pomp and circumstance befit this group of bright-eyed and bright-minded young adults. <br />Between the processional and recessional programs, as the DHS Jazz Band played and Honor Marshals Delainey File, Emily Hamburger, Hope Stewart and Summer Tucker led officials, dignitaries and graduates onto and off of the floor of Anders Gym, the crowd was welcomed and introduced to the Class of 2017 and each member who had distinguished himself or herself academically.<br />"Every year at graduation I am always reminded of the perseverance and resilience that many of our students displayed in order to make it," Principal Matthew Hickam observed.<br />"A good number of students in this class had to deal with circumstances outside of school that could have caused them to fail or quit. We are proud of those who hung in and made the right choices in order to be successful and be part of our Class of 2017. <br />"It is a great group and we look forward to their accomplishments."<br />Quinn Kirkpatrick and Emily Born shared the designation of valedictorian, and Jennifer Lambert was named salutatorian. Hickam also recognized other graduates who earned academic honors. <br />Students who are members of the National Honor Society are Kaylin Nicole Wilson, KyLee Kristine Sizemore, Michael Thomas McInerney, Tarynn Ne'Cole Mays, Haley Rose Kuhnert, Jennifer Nicole Lambert, Quinn Erica Kirkpatrick, Keaton Ford Haege, Madison Olivia Dennis, Grace Elizabeth Bailey, Emily Marie Born, Sadie Jo Day and Rylie Erin Mansker.<br />Students who were named Illinois State Scholars - having been honored for their "superior academic potential" as demonstrated by their exemplary college entrance exam scores and high school achievement - are Haley Rose Kuhnert, Jennifer Nicole Lambert, Quinn Erica Kirkpatrick, Alexandria Nicole Gossman, Grace Elizabeth Bailey and Emily Marie Born.<br />These students attained a four-year scholastic average between 3.25 and 3.74 and were graduated "Cum Laude": McKinley Carver; Sydney Gilliam; Madison Kish; Luke Metten; Jennifer Porter; Kaylin Wilson; Alaric Davis; Mackenzie Jackson; Eric Lynch; John Monroe; Zachary Rodely; Andrew Derby; Rachel Johnston; Michael McInerney; K-Sha Morgan and Caleb Vogel.<br />These students achieved a four-year scholastic average of 3.75 or better and were graduated "Magna Cum Laude": Grace Bailey; Madison Dennis; Quinn Kirkpatrick; Jennifer Lambert; KyLee Sizemore; Emily Born; Alexandria Gossman; Haley Kuhnert; Tarynn Mays; Sadie Day; Keaton Haege; Charlotte Lewis and Rylie Mansker.<br />Isaiah Francis was honored for perfect attendance.<br />KyLee Sizemore received five scholarships; Kate Smith received three and the Blackburn College Grant and Work Program Tuition Credit; Chandler Stevenson received five scholarships and the Carroll Doerner Award; Savannah Tweedy received one scholarship; Kaylin Wilson received two scholarships, Samuel Zettler received the American Legion Award; and Caleb Vogel received two scholarships, the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete Award, the William Theobald Award and the Du Quoin Elks Senior Athlete of the Year award.<br />Recipients of the District 300 Educational Foundation Scholarships are Grace Bailey, Hannah Baxter, Emily Born, Alaric Davis, Mercedes Day, Sadie Day, Jordan Edwards, Sydney Gilliam, Alexandria Gossman, Keaton Haege, Joah James, Quinn Kirkpatrick, Haley Kuhnert, Charlotte Lewis, Rylie Mansker, Tarynn Mays, Rylea McDonald, Michael McInerney, Zachary Rodely and Kaylin Wilson.