Faculty, Community Honors Seniors for School Achievements

most accomplished students were honored Monday at Senior Honors Night as the school, parents and staff recognized four years of hard work for students who will soon end their high school years.

Senior Allison Hazel was recognized for seven scholarships; valedictorian, Nichole Pedro, and co-salutatorians, Kevin Cunningham and Michael Francis were announced; and several others were awarded various honors.

Representatives from several community and school organizations announced the winners of scholarships. Principal Ryan Sines said scholarships for the Class of 2011 totaled more than $1 million. School faculty also presented department awards, senior awards, National Honor Society hoods, National Technical Honor Society recognition, Phi Beta Kappa Awards and honor cords to students with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average.

Guidance counselor Peggy Ewick  announced Pedro as valedictorian, and co-salutatorians Cunningham and Francis.

The program concluded with a medallion presentation for all seniors, who circled the high school auditorium and invited their parents to place the medallions around their neck.

"This tradition continues to exist each year because of its significance," Sines said of the medallion presentation. "Your pledge should be to do everything in your power to proceed as an extraordinary citizen."

Hazel plans to attend Oakland Community College in the fall, then continue at Oakland University. Hazel said she is studying to become a dental hygienist.

"It's bittersweet," Hazel said after the event. "I don't want to leave everyone, but I want to move and further my education."

Senior Alan Turner said he enjoyed Senior Honors Night because he had a chance to see all the awards his classmates won.

"I really liked the way it was put together," Turner said. He received two scholarships and plans to study mechanical engineering this fall at Kettering University.

"I feel like I've been pretty well-prepared for college," said Turner, who will graduate with a 3.6 grade-point average.

The last day of school for seniors is Thursday, and graduation is at 2 p.m. June 5 in the school gymnasium.

Click here for the full list of scholarship winners.