West Liberty-Salem High School recently hosted its 20th annual Academic Excellence Banquet, celebrating the achievements of students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
This year, a total of 85 students were recognized for maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher throughout their academic careers, with some students beginning this achievement as early as eighth-grade.
The banquet serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of these students, many of whom balance rigorous coursework with extracurricular activities such as athletics, the arts and community involvement.
A cherished tradition of the event is the opportunity for seniors, who have been honored for at least two years, to recognize an educator who has significantly impacted their academic journey. This moment allows students to express gratitude to teachers who have inspired and guided them throughout their education.
Honored seniors and their educators are: Owen Barger and Mrs. Trista Havens; Jessa Beard and Mr. Aaron Gall; Ava Chamberlain and Mr. Matt Sertell; Audrey Collins and Mr. Andy Cotrell; Isabella Hardwick and Ms. Louise Dunham; Caleb Hershberger and Mr. Tim Wolfe; Ava Johnson and Mrs. Crystal Johnson; Illa Kerns and Mr. Paul Waibel; Madeline McGill and Mr. Andy McGill; Daniel Neer and Mrs. Brandie Roberts; Nathan Neuerman and Mrs. Renee Arnold; Taran Logwood, Luke McGill, Craig Stanford, Isaiah Reames and Kennedy Wallace each selected Mr. Brian Yoder; Aaron Campbell, Londyn Loveless and Akira Whitman each selected Mrs. Stephanie Spencer; Max Rudolph and Quentin Rudolph each selected Mr. Aaron Lauck.
Fellow honored seniors are Teagan Boyd, Delaney Jones and Bexley Wilcoxon.
Junior class honorees are: Ava Astorino, Brock Burgel, Victoria Douthwaite, Geneva Estep, Lyndee Harrison, Addison Hutton, Brady Kauffman, Dylan King, Caleb Ling, Emery Longaberger, Brevin Louden, Ivy Matthews, Levi Miller, Sadie Paul, Ava Poppe, Kaylee Powell and Abbie Thoman.
Sophomores who were recognized include: Lyla Breon, Patrick Brooks, Alivia Campbell, Zoe Carter, Audrianna Evilsizor, Savannah Gluckle, Braden Hershberger, Conner Leichty, Kash LeVan, Emma Liggett, Claire Ling, Xzavior Nicholl, Ashlyn Pope, Maverick Reames, Isabelle Sarver, Noah Sarver, Benjamin Wall and Sarah Windle.
Freshmen who were honored at the banquet are: Delaney Anane-Sefah, James Brehm, Jerome Cordrey, Bridgette Fisher, Eli Gilley, Isla Leichty, Robert Park, David Roberts, Bentley Sadlier, Emma Schmelzer, Rachel Stanford, Caydon Stir, Ashlyn Taylor and Arianna Weaver.