The 29th Annual Academic Excellence Recognition Dinner held on April 20 honored 14 members of the Plymouth High School Class of 2015. The students all rank in the top 5% of this year’s graduating class.
The event gave students an opportunity to recognize educators who they identified as the most influential in their school lives.
Representing US Granules, underwriter of the event, were Nick Chaney and James Faulstich. The event marked the fifth year that US Granules has been the sponsor. Chaney said, “When we were asked to be the title sponsor of the Academic Excellence Banquet, we jumped at the opportunity. These students, like US Granules, strive to be the best day in and day out.” Faulstich said, “I’m so inspired by the stories of these amazing students.”
Superintendent Daniel Tyree, serving as Master of Ceremonies, said, “This is the first time that every student in the top 5 percent has over a 4.0 GPA.”
Katelyn O’Neal chose Dave Hatcher, Plymouth High School, to honor. She said, “The real reason everyone loves this class is Mr. Hatcher. He is able to connect to his students in a way that I had never known before.” O’Neal added, “He has patience and the ability to work with anyone.” She is the daughter of Dave O’Neal and Kasi O’Neal. She will be attending Grace College & Theological Seminary, but has not decided on a major area of study.
Emma Libersky, daughter of Jeffrey Libersky and Tamara Libersky, plans to study Psychology at Grinnele College or Bryan Mawr College.
She honored Plymouth High School teacher, Kristin Dorland. Libersky said, “I want to thank you for helping me with Poetry Out Loud for three years. You are really good at expressing ideas.” She said, “I have twenty copies of every poem we have worked on covered with notes.”
Tyree said that Libersky has been the state champion in the event for three years.
Kylee Rippy chose Jane Faulstich, Plymouth High School, to honor. She is the daughter of Thad Rippy and Jackie Rippy. She plans to pursue a degree in Communications and Political Science at DePauw University. Speaking of Faulstich, Rippy said, “She handles everything with poise and class. She has made a huge impact on my life.” Referring to her experiences with her most influential educator, Rippy said, “When I met her in theater, I found a person who would change my life forever.”
Haley Harrell, daughter of Steve Harrell and Julie Harrell, plans to pursue a degree in Business Marketing from Taylor University. She chose Laura Kruyer, Plymouth High School, to honor. Referring to Kruyer’s history class, Harrell said, “I was warned about how tough a course it was.” “Her teaching style is storytelling. She helped me learn information that I will remember for life.” Harrell said Kruyer is a respected, yet caring adult.
Jessica Stillson, daughter of Dr. Tod Stillson and Ellen Stillson, plans to attend Purdue University to study Nursing. She chose Jona Cartwright, Plymouth High School, to honor. Stillson shared her experiences in the Health Careers class taught by Cartwright saying, “She teaches with stories. She has taught me to be compassionate.” She shared that her experiences in job shadowing at the hospital has prepared her for a career. She said, “Now I won’t be intimidated.”
Abby Patrick is headed to Indiana University to study Exercise Science. She is the daughter of Paul Patrick and Laura Patrick. She could not attend the event since she was with her father at the Boston Marathon; however, she did prepare words of thanks for John Barron, Plymouth High School, that were read by PHS Assistant Principal Kyle Coffman. In her remarks she said, “Mr. Barron is the most authentic man I’ve ever know. He taught me what it means to set a goal.” She added, “He has taught me how to lead a healthy life-physically and emotionally.”
Megan Rust, daughter of Ryan Rust and Christine Rust, plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University to pursue Elementary Education. She chose Bob Read, Lincoln Junior High (retired), as her most influential teacher. She said, “He encouraged me on my faith journey.” Repeating words that she said she learned from Read, Rust said, “When you have a chance to be humble or proud-always choose humility.”
Elizabeth Portteus will be studying Pharmacy at Purdue University. She is the daughter of Dave Portteus and Aimee Portteus. She chose Paula Steiner, Plymouth High School, as her most inflectional educator. When Portteus needed a second year of calculus for her future educational courses, Steiner offered to teach her as an independent study period. Portteus said, “I am more grateful each day. She wants all of her students to be confident in our abilities.”
Kennedy Schnieders is headed to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in Mechanical/Software Engineering. He is the son of Barry Schnieders and Meg Schneiders. He chose Susan Kreighbaum , Webster Elementary, to recognize. Kreighbaum was his first grade teacher. Schnieders said, “She taught from her heart. She has a passion for knowledge that she instilled in our hearts and lives.”
Annalise Piazza, plans to attend Calvin College but has not as yet decided on a field of study. She is the daughter of Dr. Brian Piazza and Annika Piazza. Suzette Read, Plymouth High School, was honored by Piazza. She presented her words about Read in the form of a letter saying, “You made me a better student and a better person. You have unrelenting perseverance.” Piazza said their conversations were of honesty and optimism.
Garrick Nate, son of Troy Nate and Kristi Nate, plans to pursue a degree in International Studies at either Butler or Indiana University. He honored Mary Gifford, Plymouth High School, as his most influential teacher. Speaking of a time when Gifford encouraged him, Nate said, “I was told to find my passion. It was a turning point for me.” He said Gifford has relentless optimism.
Kylie Redman, daughter of Burl Redman and Stephanie Redman, chose Caren Dove, Riverside Intermediate, to honor. Redman said, “Her patience and self control are astonishing. Her weekly after school study periods were above and beyond.“ She plans to attend Purdue University to major in Engineering.
Andrew Gerard chose Janet Newberg, Riverside Intermediate (retired), as his most influential teacher. He said, “She is joy filled and has a confident smile. She taught students to dream big and then reach for the stars.” he said.” He added, “She said to look for the joyful things in life.” He is the son of Greg Gerard and Amy Gerard. He plans to attend Indiana State University to study Pre-Med Biology.
Brandon Knepper, son of Rich Knepper and Amy Knepper, plans to study Psychology, but has not decided on a location as yet. He honored Bryan Ames, Plymouth High School, to honor. Speaking of Ames, Knepper said, “He is the unofficial counselor of the band department.” He said Ames shows inspiration, guidance and compassion.
Student violinist Korie Rice provided entertainment.
Carol Anders Correspondent
