My name is Alana rose I attend Dewitt high school and have attended Dewitt for my whole life. Dewitt has supported me to do the things I aspire to do. Whether that is academically, in sports or art Dewitt has always had a path for me to do what I wanted to do. I learned how to advocate for my self and grow in to the person I am today at Dewitt. At Dewitt I am the captain of the girls swim and dive team, on the track and field team, in NHS, and art club. Dewitt has allowed me to start an art mural in our school and grow as a learning in and out of the classroom. Alana Rose is making waves both in sports and academics. Earning eight varsity letters between Swimming and Track and Field, she showcased her abilities as a versatile athlete, leading her teams as captain and finishing 19th in the 100 Backstroke at the state meet. She holds the Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Pole-Vaulting records at Dewitt HS. Beyond athletics, Alana's artistic talents shine as she paints a mural in her school's hallway and represents DHS in local art competitions. Her achievements extend beyond the pool and track; Alana's academic dedication is evident as a member of the National Honor Society, by receiving her Academic letter all four years, and earning the prestigious title of Salutatorian. She will attend the University of Michigan in the fall and pursue an Engineering degree.

Rebekah Phillips has been attending Webberville Community Schools for most of her life. Bekah is also attending a medical class in a career center called the Wilson Talent Center for two years now. Here she studies Medical Assisting as well as Phlebotomy and will receive certifications in both. Rebekah is taking Lansing Community College Dual Enrollment classes along with her high school and medical classes. She has been involved in volleyball and competitive cheer where she received a varsity award during her high school years. Bekah is a part of the National Technical Honors Society at the Wilson Talent Center and participates in community service regularly. Rebekah will graduate from Webberville High School as Salutatorian for her class of 2024 with a GPA of 4.068. Rebekah Phillips has big plans for her future as she plans to go to Michigan State University in the Fall of 2024 for Nursing. While she attends college she will be working as a medical assistant and/or a waitress at a family restaurant in Webberville, MI where she has worked for almost a year now. Bekah is excited about her future and continuing her education in something that she loves, helping and caring for others.

Andrew Shepard will graduate as Valedictorian of his class at Maple Valley High School. Throughout high school Andrew has been active in sports and National Honor Society. He participated in football for 4 years, baseball for 4 years, and basketball for 3 years. Andrew earned a total of 8 varsity letters in these 3 sports and was also a captain of the football team his senior year. Andrew has earned multiple awards including the Maple Valley Four Year Academic Award, the Lions High Honor Student, the United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, Academic All-State in football, Academic All-Region in baseball, the Big 8 Conference Senior Scholar Athlete award, and Most Valuable Player for football. In the fall, Andrew will attend Michigan Tech University where he was awarded the Gold Level Presidential Scholars Award and a Michigan Tech Excellence Award from the College of Engineering. Andrew plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.

AJ Martel will graduate from Mason High School as the Valedictorian of his 2024 senior class with a 4.439 GPA. He is a 3-year National Honor Society member, an AP Scholar with Distinction award winner, and a senior class officer. In addition to his outstanding academic record, AJ has excelled in athletics as well. He is a five sport athlete, earning varsity letters in Football, Wrestling, Track, Baseball, and Diving. AJ has earned all-state accolades in Football, Wrestling, and is a state champion in Track and Field. During his senior year, AJ has earned the MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award, the CAAC Scholar Athlete Award, was named to the final four of the Michigan Football Player of the Year Award, and is currently a finalist for the Detroit Athletic Club Athlete of the Year Award. After high school, AJ will be attending Hope College to pursue a pre-med degree and play football for the Flying Dutchmen. AJ would like to give a huge shoutout to his family, friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates who have all been integral to his success at Mason HS.

Madison Dietzel will graduate from Northwest High School at the top of her class with a 4.00 GPA. Madison has taken five AP courses, including AP U.S. History, AP English Language and Composition, AP Chemistry, AP English Literature and Composition, and AP Calculus AB. Madison is also involved in many extracurricular activities. She has been a varsity volleyball team member for two years, a member of the Marching Mounties color guard for four years, and was Captain her senior year. Madison has also been in the National Honor Society for three years and was a historian officer in her senior year, plus a member of the Link Crew. She has also been a dedicated member of the Northwest Wind Ensemble for three years. She has been first chair clarinet for two of those years, earning multiple superior ratings at State Solo and Ensembles. Madison’s future plans involve attending the University of Michigan, where she will study biology in the pre-medicine track. She is still unsure what field of medicine she wants to pursue, but she knows she will find something that sparks her interest.

Jerry Lipsey will graduate from Charlotte High School, He spent 2 years as drum major of the Charlotte High School Marching Band, 4 years on the CHS Bowling Team, 4 years with the CHS Jazz Band, and 3 years with the CHS Symphony band. This summer, Jerry will march with the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps as a member of the hornline. The Spartans will travel on a 50 day tour across 10 states, and perform in 18 different shows. After tour, Jerry plans to continue his education at Central Michigan University, where he will study Music Education.

Lily Sackrider will graduate from St. Johns as a part of the Top Ten with an unweighted GPA of 4.0 that was maintained through multiple AP classes, captaining three varsity sports a year, and staying active in her community. She is an officer for both the local and Tri-County Youth Action Committee, voting high school representative for the St. Johns Area Community Fund, Peer Assisted Leader, and a Co-President of National Honor Society. This year, Lily received the MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award for her dedication to academics, athletics and community service. Lily plans to attend Hope College to study Pre-Health on the Pre-Med Track while running on the Hope cross country and track teams.

Hi! My name is Kelli Higgins. I am 17 years old from Jackson, Michigan and a senior at Jackson High School. I’m extremely interested in all things government and dance related. Additionally, I enjoy reading, writing, and learning about anything and anyone. This fall I will be attending Harvard University as part of the class of 2028. Kelli Higgins is a current high school student at Jackson High School and an exquisite scholar. During Kelli’s time at Jackson High she has enrolled in over ten College/AP college level courses - including AP Government, AP Calculus, a multitude of AP English and History courses, and many more. Additionally, Kelli is involved in many impressive extracurriculars. This includes being Editor-In-Chief of the Reflector Newspaper, a journalist for the Jackson Blazer, a delegation leader for the JHS Youth in Government, a member of Student Government, the National Honor Society, New Voices Campaign, and a dancer for a professional company in Michigan. Additionally, Kelli is involved in a great variety of political work due to her interest in pursuing a career in constitutional law and even running for office one day. Kelli has held many jobs at the Michigan State Capitol, including being an intern for Senator Sue Shink, as well as a shadow under Senator Ericka Geiss and former State Representative Julie Alexander. Furthermore, Kelli’s intelligence, leadership, and success has also allowed her to partake in many impressive programs at top universities. She has attended and been accepted to pre-college programs at Yale, Harvard, Columbia, and Georgetown - where she took courses from top professors. During Kelli’s senior year, she was accepted into four Ivy League university undergraduate programs; including Harvard, Yale, UPenn, and Columbia. She has officially committed to Harvard where she plans to pursue a pre-law track through majoring in government.

I am a graduating senior with a passion for physics and archaeology. My school, Napoleon High School, is a small, rural school with only a handful of teachers, but my mentors and peers have been incredibly supportive in my pursuit of my education. Thomas Hays will graduate from Napoleon High School as valedictorian and a National Merit Finalist. Throughout his academic career, he has worked hard to excel in his studies and tried to seek extracurricular enrichment whenever possible. He has served on the Napoleon Robotics Team for three years as a coder and one year as a tournament manager, helping to ensure the robotics events run smoothly. He has been co-captain of Napoleon High School’s Quiz Bowl team for two years, and he recently made Second Team All-State for his division. He serves as the secretary for both the local chapter of the National Honor Society and the Jackson Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, a local volunteer and grantmaking program. As part of National Honor Society, he brought Operation Paperback, a national book drive, to the school, collecting over 1300 used paperback books to send to over 90 overseas troops. As his time in high school comes to an end, Thomas is excited to embark on a career in nuclear fusion. His interest in this field of study was sparked by his time in the Physicists Inspiring the Next Generation and the Physics of Atomic Nuclei programs at Michigan State University’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, where he had the opportunity to do research and present his findings at three national physics conferences. He has enrolled in Michigan State University, where he will pursue an undergraduate degree in physics. After graduating, he plans to go on to a doctoral program in plasma physics, with the end goal of working in the field of nuclear fusion, the next great breakthrough in the field of clean energy.

William Ribby will graduate from Eaton Rapids High School. Academically, William worked hard in all his classes, keeping up exceptional grades, and taking nearly every advanced or AP course his high school had to offer. He is also the valedictorian of his class, with a GPA of 4.160. Athletics were an important part of William’s high school career. He spent a year as the varsity football captain, and two years as the captain of track and field. During the course of his high school career, William received thirteen varsity letters in six different sports, breaking the men’s school record for varsity letters in a four year period. He also was a two-time state placer in pole vault. Along with sports and academics, William participated in many other extracurriculars, including National Honor Society, Student Council, LINKs, and Friendship Group. Young Life was another activity that was very important to William. After high school, William plans to attend Oakland University and study health sciences. In college, he also plans to pursue his dream of track and field and continue involvement in the Young Life community. He is excited to see what God has in store for the next chapter of his life.

Katherine Foreman will graduate from Leslie High School this spring. She spent 3 years as a part of the soccer program, 4 years in theater, and 2 years a member of the National Honor Society. She received a 5 on the AP Language and Composition exam during her sophomore year, and has taken all of the Advanced Placement courses offered at her high school as an upperclassman.

Hannah Cena will graduation in June from Holt High School. She is a co-valedictorian of her class, and has been a member of many extracurriculars. She has participated in Science Olympiad for 4 years and has won over 31 awards. She is also a member of her school’s quiz bowl team, NHS, HOSA chapter, and student council. Hannah also works at a local pet store as a cashier and stocker. She also spends her free time volunteering in classrooms in the district or reading books. Recently, Hannah has been named a Gates Scholar, Burger King Scholar, and a Questbridge College Prep Scholar. Hannah will attend The University of Michigan in the fall as a Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology major on the pre-med track. She plans to graduate from U of M and attend medical school to become a physician.

Maria Mandrelle will graduate with honors from Jonesville High School. Over the course of her 4 year career she has taken four advanced placement classes and two Clep classes. She is valedictorian and set a Jonesville High School school record GPA of 4.12. Maria has been a leader on the Jonesville varsity cross country and track teams all four years. She has been an active member of the Hillsdale County Community Foundation YOUTH board for seven years and is currently serving as the vice president. She serves as the Jonesville National Honor Society chapter president and has organized many community events. Maria is also Jonesville’s Youth Citizen of the Year this year. Next year she is attending Michigan Technological University to dual major in chemical engineering and biology. Maria was awarded the Leading Scholar Award through Michigan Tech, earning a full ride scholarship. Her goal for the future is to use her degree in the prosthetic field and continue volunteering in her community helping those around her.

Phoenix Wright will graduate as Valedictorian of her class at Reading High School. She spent one year as a Color Guard Captain for Reading High School's Marching Band. Phoenix is also an involved member of the National Honor Society, as well as Key Club and Winter Guard. Phoenix was on Fall Homecoming Court and was voted both Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen by her peers. In the Fall, Phoenix will be attending Grand Valley State University where she will major in Nursing. Upon graduation from GVSU, Phoenix hopes to become a Nurse Practitioner, preferably in Pediatrics.

I am a senior at Dansville High School. I have attended Dansville Schools since kindergarten, and I have collected so many fond memories of the school and my peers. Karlissa Troia will be graduating this spring as a valedictorian at Dansville High School. She has been on the varsity soccer team for four years, earning All District Honorable Mention 2021 and All District 2022. This year, she is one of the team’s captains. She is also a member of the Dansville High School Band, playing tuba for four years and filling a drum major role two years. She also plays euphonium in the jazz band. Karlissa has invested her time into several additional clubs, such as National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, esports, and drama. This fall, Karlissa will attend the University of Michigan to study computer science. She will have the honor of joining the university’s Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars as a part of her education.

Sam Williams has a 3.94GPA in Waldron high school. Sam is graduating as Valedictorian with honors. During high school, he has been dual enrolled at Jackson College and has been on the Dean’s list there. He has been the football captain for two years, and the basketball captain for one year. He was recognized as an All-State, and All-Region football linebacker by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association. He has also served as Vice President of NHS, President and Vice President of Waldron FFA. Sam is looking forward to attending the University of Findlay in the fall where he will major in Business and will also seek a minor in Strength and Conditioning. He will also be entering into the Bowling Green State University Army ROTC program which will provide him a minor in Military Science and a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. After graduating and completing his ROTC commitment he plans on either pursuing a career in the Army or entering the business world.

My name is Carlos Salais, and I go to Waverly High School. I love to read, write, paint, play video games, and lift weights. My favorite hobby is Dungeons and Dragons. Carlos Salais is an Eagle Scout who served as Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout troop, Troop 111, for 4 years. He also served as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in the Mackinac Island Honor Guard in 2023. Carlos Salais is graduating as valedictorian of his class at Waverly High School. He has been very actively involved in a multitude of clubs at his school. For all 4 years, he was involved in Varsity Soccer, Quizbowl, Student Government, and Robotics. Carlos was part of a group that founded the Waverly High School math club during his sophomore year. He became involved with the Spanish Honor Society as vice president, Feminist Club as vice president, and Esports as captain in his junior year. He has recently served as the president of his school's chapter of the National Honor Society. He also founded the Waverly High School Dungeons and Dragons club. Carlos will attend Harvard University with the goals of concentrating in Environmental Engineering and getting a secondary in English. He hopes to work in clean energy as his career.

Simon Collins will graduate number three in his class from Litchfield High School. Simon has been on the All A Honor Roll all four years of High School and is a National Honor Society member. He has participated for 2 years in the Hillsdale Area Career Center's Cybersecurity Program. He will be attending Jackson College in the fall to further his education in Cybersecurity. Simon has participated in basketball for four years, baseball for three years, and was the football team manager this past fall. Simon's basketball team was awarded Academic All-State honors for the 2024 season.

Savannah Cushman graduated from Columbia Central High School with Highest Honors. She will be attending the University of Michigan to study Biology, Health, and Society with a minor in Spanish. She plans to become a Nurse Practitioner in women’s health. She spend her high school career being involved in numerous extracurricular and community service activities. She was class president, chairman of the leadership committee, and was voted Most Spirited. Savannah is excited for her future and to face new challenges.

Gwendolyn Bulko is a current senior at Concord High School and will graduate in May. Throughout her high school career, she has been extremely involved in student organizations and activities, sports and extracurriculars, and anything involving the betterment of the school. Gwendolyn has dedicated her time and effort each day to achieving outstanding academic accomplishments, allowing her to graduate as the Valedictorian of her class. She also ran three years on varsity cross country, notably helping her team win their Big 8 Conference meet and their Regional meet. Not to mention, Gwendolyn has been heavily involved in the Student Council, was the co-captian of the Quiz Bowl team and the co-manager of the Girls Varsity Basketball team, and took on many other responsibilities such as voicing the morning announcements and starting a Recycling Program in her high school. She has been dedicated to the pursuit of helping others and bringing kindness to those around her, pursuits that she hopes to continue while she attends undergraduate school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she will study Psychology and Neuroscience. Gwendolyn hopes to further her education, allowing her to become a Child and Development Psychologist who can professionally improve and look out for the well-being of humanity. She also hopes to make a difference in her community while at college and generally dreams of learning more, growing as a person, and helping others.

I am a senior at Ovid-Elsie High School. I play volleyball, basketball, and track. I am a part of multiple student groups, including being my class treasurer and president of the national honor society. Braeden Tokar will graduate in the Top Ten of her class with a GPA of 4.29. Braeden participated on the volleyball, basketball, and track teams. She earned multiple individual awards and championships in all three sports. Braeden was also a part of the national honor society, the national technical honor society, student council, class officers, and quiz bowl team during her high school career. Her future plans are to attend Michigan State University to study biology. Braeden plans to pursue a career in the healthcare field and practice medicine in the anesthesia department. While attending Michigan State University, she will be competing on the women’s rowing team. Her passion to continue her athletic career and excel in school, will be her motivation to succeed in college.

Abby Smith will graduate as valedictorian from Bath High School. Abby served as president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the senior class. Abby participated in volleyball for two years, basketball for four years, and softball for four years. Abby helped to organize the school blood drive for the American Red Cross along with volunteering at several youth sports camps. Abby served at Camp Barakel for two summers. Abby is the recipient of the Jon Nugent Memorial Scholarship, the Jim Watkins Memorial Scholarship, and the Richard and Lorayne Otto Scholarship. Abby will continue her education at Taylor University where she will pursue her degree in Data Science.

I attend Michigan Center High School. I enjoy playing video games, swimming, wrestling, and playing chess. Chase Short will graduate from Michigan Center High School. He played various sports throughout his high school career. These include football, cross country, track and field, and his favorite, wrestling. He spent 3 years as wrestling team captain, as well as earning 2 coach's awards, 1 sportsmanship award, 1 most valuable wrestler award, as well as 4 varsity awards. He also excelled academically, maintaining a 4.192 weighted GPA, as well as scoring a 1470 on the SAT. He earned 3 academic varsity awards at his school, and is a member of National Honor Society. After high school, he plans to attend Central Michigan University to study cybersecurity. He feels the dangers of using the internet are growing, and he wants to able to help protect others from them.

Gannon Shore will be graduating from Jackson Lumen Christi Catholic High School. Gannon is a member of the National Honor Society board as the Treasurer. He finished in the top 10 of his class, while being a three sport varsity athlete in Cross Country, Basketball, and Baseball. Gannon captained the Cross Country team his junior and senior year. He has earned multiple awards, including Academic All State in Cross Country, Academic All District and Academic All Region in Baseball, as well as Catholic High School League All Academic in Varsity Basketball. Gannon is recognized by his school, peers and community for his leadership skills and service to others. In the fall, Gannon will be attending Michigan State University where he plans to study business.