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BCHS honors top students
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Bryan County High School class of 2013 salutatorian C.J. Austin, left, Principal Dr. Dawn Hadley and valedictorian Laurn Sparks-Hoskins stand together after the BCHS honors day ceremony Friday in the gym. - photo by Crissie Elric

More than 100 students, parents, faculty and staff filled the gym at Bryan County High School on Friday morning for the 2013 honors day ceremony.

The top students in grades 9-12 were recognized during the ceremony for academic and athletic achievements along with other awards. The class of 2013 was also recognized for their achievements and scholarship awards.

Principal Dr. Dawn Hadley congratulated all students who were recognized.

“To all of you who received an award today, we appreciate your hard work and efforts,” she said. “And to those of you who didn’t, I challenge you to strive to be here next year.”

During the ceremony, Lauren Sparks-Hoskins was named valedictorian and C.J. Austin was named salutatorian. The valedictorian and salutatorian at Bryan County High School aren’t solely based on the highest grade point average, Hadley said, but also include the students’ effort to take advanced classes, among other things.

Hoskins also was recognized as the STAR Student and recipient of the Pembroke Lions Club Scholarship. She was the recipient of a new scholarship at the school, the Vickie Dwinell STAR Student Scholarship in memory of a former BCHS teacher. Hoskins also received the U.S. Marines Scholastic Excellence Award.

Senior Jeffrey Covington received the Baron Ace Scholarship, a $30,000 scholarship to Brewton-Parker College. The scholarship, presented by the Rev. Tim Hegerich, will be used over four years.

Senior athletes Tyler Poythress and J.J. Rowe received the BCHS Booster’ Club scholarship, while Macie Newman and Poythress received the Hendrix Park Scholarship.

Janki Patel received the Olivia Harvey Heart and Soul Award, an award that is presented to someone who emplifies the spirit of a Bryan County Redskin and the heart of a scholar.

Senior and student council president Chris Morgan was presented the Legacy Award, an award given to a student who leaves a lasting impression on the faculty and staff at BCHS.

And the Redskin of the Year award, an award presented to a very spirited Bryan County High School senior, was presented to Randy Bolton, who made a victory lap in the gymnasium and high fived administrators and fellow classmates as he yelled “I won, I won!” Bolton also received a Redskin’s jersey with the number 13 on it.

Dozens of other seniors were recognized for their scholarship awards including the Coca-Cola scholarship, Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship and Nesmith Chevrolet Scholarship and others. Two students also received the G.I. Bill.

Other students at BCHS received various awards including the National Sojourners Award and the Scottish Rite Medal presented to students in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, literary team awards and other academic honors in pathway classes.

BCHS graduation is at 9:30 a.m. May 25 in the gym at the school.

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