The Garrett Clipper An edition of
The
133rd Graduating Class
GHS 2017 SENIOR EDITION
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2017
Garrett graduation is Friday Kallie Knott is valedictorian, Tristan Bigelow is salutatorian 2016 Northeast Indiana YWCA Hope Award, 2016-17 Supervised Agriculture Experience Beef Entrepreneurship Proficiency State Finalist, Tri-Kappa Academic Excellence, Supreme Beef Showman at the Hoosier Beef Congress, Indiana State Fair and National Junior Charolais Show, earning the Allen County Beef Leadership Award, exhibiting the Indiana State Fair 4th Overall Female and Western Regional Grand Champion Bred and Owned Female. “Academically, the greatest honor is being on the Garrett High School Dream Team for the last three years and ending my time at Garrett High School with the highest academic honor of valedictorian,” she said. One of her favorite quotes is from the late Rich Ward, my grandfather. “You may not have everything you want, but you have everything you need.”
GARRETT — Kallie Knott and Tristan Bigelow were named Garrett High School’s tops two seniors during the school’s Academic Pride Day program on May 12 in the Performing Arts Center.
Valedictorian
Valedictorian Kallie Knott is the daughter of Robert and Rebecca Knott. She plans to further her education at Purdue University West Lafayette “with an utmost passion for veterinary science. “I will study inventively and take advantage of learning opportunities to major in animal science with a concentration in biosciences. After developing strong skills in my undergrad studies, I will apply to a school of veterinary medicine with a back road to attending graduate school,” she said. “By equipping myself with the techniques, surgical procedures, and understandings, I will launch my career in the field of veterinary medicine within the livestock industry, tending to animals in need of medical attention, advocating for prosperous farms, and taking part in breed associations,” Knott said. For the past four years, it was important for her to get involved with school activities. She has been involved in National Honor Society, student council, GHS Leadership Team, Class of 2017 officer team, academic team, Future Farmers of America and basketball. “As time went by, I knew I wanted more involvement in the livestock industry and my community that grew into local, state and national organizations as well as
Salutatorian
Sue Carpenter
Kallie Knott left is valedictorian of the Garrett High School Class of 2017. Tristan Bigelow is salutatorian. Both will speak at commencement exercises Friday in the Paul Bateman Gymnasium.
community service,” she said. Outside of high school organizations, she is currently involved with 4-H, Indiana Junior Beef Cattle Association serving as a board member, American International Junior Charolais Association in which she currently serves as an At-Large Director, Indiana Junior Charolais Association serving as secretary, and Indiana Junior Angus Association serving as First
Vice-President. “My involvement within school and outside organizations allowed me to grow in leadership, communication and humility but something was missing. Not only did I feel a need to be involved but also a need to give back,” she said. She began her involvement in community and outreach programs such as DeKalb’s Philanthropic VOICE team, church outreach opportunities like Operation Christmas Child,
From the Superintendent Dear Seniors, Congratulations 2017 Garrett High School graduates — You Made It! The Class of 2017 has truly been a remarkable class to follow over the last 13 years of your journey. It has been a privilege watching you in the classroom, on the field, in the gym, on the stage, during competitions, and in our community. The talent and commitment this group has is incredible and your future is so bright! As you cross the stage on May 26 and embark on new adventures, please remember the halls of Garrett High School will always be filled with many memories and friendships. Keep these close to your heart but look ahead to the future endeavors that are waiting for you to uncover. Revel in
St. Martin’s Community Kitchen, volunteer veterinary work with Yarde Veterinary Services and “Kiss the Cow” fundraiser raising awareness for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Her current outreach was a visit to the Global Gateway Heifer Ranch in Arkansas in a simulation of third world countries learning why “if there is enough for all, why don’t all have enough.” Some of her greatest accomplishments include
Salutatorian Tristan Bigelow, 17, is the son of Troy Bigelow and Bonnie Bigelow. He plans to attend Purdue University and major in aeronautical engineering with a career goal work in jet propulsion or space flight engineering with NASA or JPL. He has been active in GHS soccer and track, National Honor Society, class treasurer, Environmental Club, student council, Athletic Leadership Council, math and interdisciplinary academic teams, travel soccer with Rangers F.C. and marching band. He has received many honors and recognitions including ISCA All-District First Team Soccer,
KPC All-Area First Team Soccer, NECC All-Conference First Team Soccer, NECC All-Academic Team, ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble Gold Medal, Indiana Regional Academic All-Star, Tri Kappa Junior Science Award and National Merit Commended Student. His favorite quote is by Albert Einstein. “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” He ranks his education highly at Garrett. “The faculty is outstanding and the teachers care about the education of the students,” Bigelow said. He sees the Railroader football team as strong. “We had the best kicker around (Kiann McDonald). I think the Spanish program needs more attention and promoting. More people are speaking different languages and it is important to adapt as our society changes,” he added. Teachers David Stevens and Mark Claxton have been huge influences in his high school career. “Mr. Claxton engaged me in class every day and taught me so many things in English and American History. Mr. Stevens has taught me many things in math and helped me understand calculus, along with playing cribbage.” Playing high school soccer with his teammates for four years is his best high school memory.
Commencement
Both Knott and Bigelow will address classmates and parents during commencement exercises in the Paul Bateman Gym on Friday, May 26 at 8 p.m. A student-led baccalaureate service will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.
Garrett Class of 2017 Officers
this moment and take the time to thank all who have been instrumental in helping you achieve this milestone. I encourage you to pass along words of appreciation to all who have been influential in your accomplishments. I would like to impart some food for thought by Eleanor Roosevelt. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” I challenge you to be a dreamer! I challenge you to be bold! I challenge you to change the world! It is with a tremendous amount of pride and pleasure that I wish each member of the Class of 2017 congratulations. Tonya Weaver, Superintendent Garrett-Keyser-Butler CSD
From the Principal To the Class of 2017 Thank you for an outstanding year! Congratulations for completing the requirements to earn a high school diploma. Our school community is honored to recognize all of your for this accomplishment. Stand firm in what you believe, even though difficult at times, and remember that Character Counts all the time. There have been many academic accomplishments. Several extra-curricular activities received the highest honor possible in their area and championships
were earned in athletics for teams and individuals. Your class made history at Garrett High School by setting new records. Exemplary leadership from the Class of 2017 is at the heart of that success. Thank you for “Being the One!” I wish you happiness and success in the future. God’s blessing of grace, mercy and wisdom. We Are Garrett! Matthew a. Smith, Principal Garrett High School
From the Mayor To the Class of 2017 Congratulations on your high school graduation. Set your goals high and work hard to achieve them!
Sue Carpenter
Make your mark in the world. Mayor Todd Fiandt City of Garrett
Senior class officers for 2017, from left, are treasurer Tristan Bigelow, vice president Dawson Furnish, secretary Sally Carroll and president Jacob Kellen.