Introducing the Top Ten From PCHS Class of 2014

Image courtesy of the News Tribune
Putnam County High School’s top ten students from the Class of 2014 were honored at a graduation ceremony Friday in the high school gym in Granville. The top ten students were Carly Gonet, Alicia Mallery, Megan Hewitt, Shelby Yepsen, Venessa Voss, Justin Galetti, Jon Mattern, salutatorian Nathan Ward and valedictorians Amelia Lindstrom and Loralee Wilson.

Amelia Renee Lindstrom is the daughter of Bradley and Lisa Lindstrom of Lostant. She participated in theater, Scholastic Bowl for four years, cross country for three years, journalism for two years and WYSE (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering) team for four years.

Lindstrom is an Illinois State Scholar, a National Merit Scholar and placed on the high honor roll for eight consecutive semesters.

She also participated in the Interact Club for four years, serving as president this year. She plans to go to the University of Notre Dame, study mathematics and become an actuary.

Loralee Wilson is the daughter of Reed and Sydney Wilson of McNabb. She was a member of Scholastic Bowl, Interact Club, National Honor Society, Science Club, theater, student council, band and chorus. She is an Illinois State Scholar.

Wilson received the John Phillip Sousa award. She is a University of Illinois James Scholar and a University of Illinois Chancellor’s Scholar. She received the Top Accelerated Reader Award and the 100+ Service Learning Award.

She plans to attend the University of Illinois and major in animal science.

Nathan Isaac Ward is the son of David and Debbie Ward of Hennepin. He played golf for four years, making Tri-County All Conference. He was in band for four years, earning the Patrick S. Gilmore band award.

Ward is an Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society member and CEO student of the year. He participated for three years in WYSE and three years in theater. He earned the Adam and Ida Deck College scholarship and the Eloise Howland Memorial scholarship, as well as the Rezin scholarship.

Ward will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he will major in business.

Justin James Galetti is the son of Jim and Christy Galetti of Standard. He played baseball for four years, basketball for four years and participated in a musical during his senior year.

He is an Illinois State Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society.

Galetti plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College for two years before transferring to a four-year university to study medicine.

Carly Jean Gonet is the daughter of Michael and Linda Gonet of Mark. She participated in golf, basketball, softball, student council, journalism, spring musical, Natural Helpers and Interact Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society.

Gonet will attend Monmouth College where she will play golf.

Megan Hewitt is the daughter of Susan and Jim Hewitt of Granville. She participated in theater, science club, band and Interact Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society.

In July, Hewitt will go to basic training for the Navy.

Alicia Mallery is the daughter of David and Denise Mallery of Hennepin. She is a member of National Honor Society and is an Illinois State Scholar. She earned the 100+ Service Learning Hours award.

Mallery plans to attend Illinois Valley Community College before transferring to the University of Illinois to get a degree in social work.

Jon Mattern is the son of George and Margy Mattern of Magnolia. He participated in golf, band, FFA, Interact Club and Natural Helpers. He is a member of the National Honor Society and received the DAR Good Citizen Award. He spent four years on the high honor roll.

Mattern plans to attend Iowa State University to study mechanical engineering.

Venessa Voss is the daughter of Jolene and Steve Voss of Hennepin. She was the vice president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the student council. She was president of the senior class and received the Brenda Bishop award. She played softball and basketball.

Voss plans to continue her education and study advanced medicine.

Shelby Yepsen is the daughter of Alan and Michelle Yepsen of Granville. She was a member of National Honor Society for three years. She played softball, earning recognition in multiple years. She received an Ashford University President’s Scholarship, American Legion Scholarship and CBAI Scholarship.

She plans to play softball and study at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.

Source: News Tribune