School News Valedictorians, Salutatorians Celebrated at Banquet The class of 2021 valedictorians and salutatorians were recognized at the 21st annual scholar recognition banquet. The special event was attended by the scholars and their parents, the teacher each scholar chose as the most influential in his or her education, high school principals, and school board and district representatives. “This has been a school year like no other, but you did not let the challenges stop you from reaching your goals,” Superintendent of Schools Brian V. Hightower said. “Congratulations! We’re so proud of you.” The students and teachers each gave a brief speech, and Hightower presented each student with an iPad, $50 gift card and plaque, and each teacher received a plaque and $100 gift card. The dinner and gifts were made possible by sponsor donations from LGE Community Credit Union, Cherokee County Educational Foundation, Poole’s Insulation Company and EyeMed. The speeches from students shared common threads, as they praised their teachers for taking a personal interest in them, encouraging them and mentoring them. The remarks by teachers often echoed, as they recounted the dedication the students showed to their studies, their willingness to help classmates learn and to make their school and community a better place.
Valedictorians: • • • • • •
Analise Black, Etowah Elizabeth Lawrence, Woodstock Nicholas Audinet, River Ridge Jeremy Jeong, Sequoyah Baker Brown, Cherokee Nathan William Davis, Creekview
Salutatorians: • • • • • •
Sophia Stewart, Etowah Arnav Sharma, Woodstock Aarya Kothari, River Ridge Bradley Gordon, Sequoyah Harrison Russ, Cherokee Koryn Thanh Todd, Creekview
From left, front row: Baker Brown, Koryn Thanh Todd, Sophia Stewart, Aarya Kothari, Jeremy Jeong, Arnav Sharma; back row: Harrison Russ, Nathan William Davis, Analise Black, Nicholas Audinet, Bradley Gordon and Elizabeth Lawrence.
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TOWNELAKER | July 2021
Maggie Bradley
Graduate Earns $5,000 Scholarship Etowah High graduate, Margaret “Maggie” Bradley, has earned the 14th annual Waste Management/Pine Bluff Landfill Scholarship. The $5,000 scholarship is presented to a graduating senior in the county each year. The designated school rotates annually, with Etowah selected as the 2021 school, and all graduating seniors from the designated school have the opportunity to apply. A committee of community members, Waste Management and school district representatives scores applications to select a winner who has excelled in academic, extra curricular activities and community service. Bradley, who ranked third in her class, plans to study biology or neuroscience at Georgia Tech and pursue a medical career. She served as Student Government Association president for four years at Etowah and led charitable fundraising efforts for causes including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Etowah Cares, a school initiative to raise awareness and funds for mental health and wellness. Captain of the varsity soccer team and varsity flag football team, Bradley also served as president of the school’s HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter, vice president of the National English Honors Society and volunteered as a tutor for classmates.
