By Maggie Blackwell
mblackwell@salisburypost.com
These 24 students have been named the Salisbury Post’s All-County Scholars. Members are chosen by their guidance departments based on grade-point average, SAT score and class rank.
Jesse Carson
– Andrew Alexander Basinger of China Grove, son of Andy and Angie Basinger.
Clubs and sports: National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Carson Marching Band.
Volunteer work: Junior Civitans, volunteered at Knollwood Elementary School. Eagle Scout Project: repaired Knollwood Elementary Nature Trail.
Extracurriculars: Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts.
Awards and honors: AkzoNobel Scholarship, Julian C. Johnston Scholarship, Everett and Trudy Suddreth Scholarship, Rowan-Salisbury PTA Scholarship, Semper Fidelis Award, John Philip Sousa Band Award, National Marching Award, Carson High Chemistry Award.
Favorite high school memory: “Running onto the football field for Carson’s first victory.”Proudest high school moment: Getting my acceptance letter for UNC-Chapel Hill.
Song on MySpace page: “Never Going Back to OK,” by The Afters.
– Andrew Michael Hebert of China Grove, son of Johnny and Margie Love, and Marcel and Cindy Hebert.
Clubs and sports: National Honor Society, wrestling, chorus.
Volunteer work: Church youth group.
Extracurriculars: Golf, homework, running, reading, piano.
Awards and honors: Junior marshal, Scholastic Excellence Award, Mars Hill Honors College, Bonner Scholar, Mars Hill Choral Scholarships, N.C. Baptist Scholarship.Favorite high school memory: “AP Calculus with Mr. Fink.”
Proudest high school moment: My duet in my final senior chorus concert.
Song on MySpace page: None, but my favorite song is “Let Freedom Ring,” by The Gaither Vocal Band.
– Matthew Adam Heffelfinger of Salisbury, son of Carl and Carolyn Heffelfinger.
Clubs and sports: Football, cross-country track, Junior Civitans, National Honor Society Prom Committee, JROTC, Drill Team, Students Against Drunk Driving.
Volunteer work: Red Cross, Adopt-a-Highway Program, Nazareth Children’s Home.
Extracurriculars: Boy Scouts of America, basketball, rock climbing, working out, cliff jumping, automotive work.
Awards and honors: Junior marshal, Eagle Scout, LEAD Scholars Program (honors program at UCF), Pegasus Gold Scholarship.
Favorite high school memory: “Cross-country season with my friends, also going to the Regionals meet.”
Proudest high school moment: Getting accepted to the University of Central Florida.
Song on MySpace page: “Hey John, What’s Your Name Again,” from The Devil Wears Prada.
– Shaina Kay Mortenson of Salisbury, daughter of Dale and Jennifer Mortenson.
Clubs and sports: Varsity soccer, indoor track, outdoor track, cross-country track, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Key Club, French Club.Volunteer work: Operation Shoe Box, Rowan Helping Ministries, Relay for Life, Mission trip to Tennessee, activities with Junior Civitan and National Honor Society
Extracurriculars: Church youth group.
Awards and honors: National Honor Society, Girls’ State, Presidential Classroom.
Favorite high school memory: “Last year’s calculus class with Fink drinking RC and eating Moon Pies.”
Proudest high school moment: Getting into N.C. State.
Song on MySpace page: “Love Story,” by Taylor Swift.
East Rowan
– Haley Ellen Barrier of Salisbury, daughter of Lonnie and Lisa Barrier.
Clubs and sports: Junior Civitan vice president, Sigma Phi Gamma president, SADD, National Honor Society, varsity softball, volleyball and basketball, indoor track.
Volunteer work: Special Olympics, Abundant Living Christmas parties, assembled bikes for Southern Power, Granite Quarry Civitan Fiddler’s Convention, St. Matthews children’s church assistant.Extracurriculars: Interned at Rowan Family Physicians, fieldhand, Farmers’ Market Girl at Country Garden Nursery, Summer Ventures in Science and Math, St. Matthew’s Senior Lync member.
Awards and honors: Valedictorian, Robertson Finalist, National Merit Finalist, DAR Good Citizen, Colonial Dames Florence Kidder Memorial Scholarship, Linda Rankin Memorial Scholarship, junior marshal, all-county and all-conference softball, winner of coach’s award, co-MVP; all-county volleyball, coach’s award; winter track state qualifier, Junior Civitan District West deputy governor, Channel 9 Outstanding Graduate, Elks Club Most Valuable Student Scholarship winner, AP Scholar with distinction.
Favorite high-school memory: “The premature explosion of the sparklers Emily Graczyk and I created in Mr. Ritchie’s AP chemistry class.”
Proudest high school moment: “Winning two NPC regular season championships with the most compassionate, dedicated and talented Mustang softball team I ever had the pleasure to play on.”
– Coleton Taylor Boone of Salisbury, son of William “Scott” and Robin Boone.
Clubs and sports:National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Junior Civitan, Sigma Phi, captain of wrestling team, captain of cross-country track, track.Volunteer work: Painting at children’s home, Relay for Life, physical therapy for seniors at Trinity Oaks.Extracurriculars: Golf, wake-boarding.
Awards and honors: Civitan Scholar four years, junior marshal, Rookie of the Year cross-country track, varsity letter cross-country track, Team Above Self Award cross-country track, Coach’s Award cross-country track and wrestling, county conference/regional winner wrestling, state qualifier wrestling, All-County Scholar, Parks and Morehead scholar nominee, AP Scholar, All-Conference wrestling, voted Most Athletic.Favorite high school memory: “High school for me was great. I can’t pick just one memory.”Proudest high school moment:Finishing my first race after having been paralyzed.Song on MySpace page: “Prom Queen,” by Lil Wayne.
– Emily Lauren Grazcyk of Salisbury, daughter of Jim and Linda Graczyk.
Clubs and sports: Varsity indoor and outdoor track captain, varsity cross-country, Sigma Phi Gamma secretary, Junior Civitan secretary, student government, marching band, National Honor Society.Volunteer work: Junior volunteer program, Forsyth Medical Center, Special Olympics, Performing Company dance troupe, jazz band, plays piano for church.
Extracurriculars: Dance for 14 years, piano for 10, member of Union Lutheran Church choir, youth group and camp counselor.
Awards and honors: Civitan Scholar, McNair Scholarship from University of South Carolina at Columbia, Eunice Riggins Memorial Scholarship, All-County Track, Governor’s School West, National Merit Scholarship Commendation, Team Above Self Award, Padereski Award, Sonatina Award and Early Bach Award, Most Improved in track, Most Improved Dancer, junior marshal, tied for valedictorian.
Favorite high school memory: “Participating in the Miss Junior Civitan Pageant last year, in which I was named Miss Congeniality.”
Proudest high school moment: “Getting a call from the president of USC congratulating me and informing me that I had been awarded the McNair Scholarship.”
– Jacob Michael Shuping of Salisbury, son of Jody and Kim Shuping.
Clubs and sports: varsity soccer, cross country, indoor and outdoor track, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Sigma Phi Gamma, Student Council.
Volunteer work: Special Olympics, play piano and organ for church, planted flower bed at Granite Quarry Elementary for Eagle Scout project, Wittenberg Lutheran Church Oyster Road.
Extracurriculars: Piano, organ, work for Country Garden Nursery.
Awards and honors: Eagle Scout, Park Scholarship at N.C. State, Civitan Scholar, Most Improved Runner, outdoor track, appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy by Rep. Howard Coble.
Favorite high school memory: Watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July with friends at High Rock Lake.
Proudest high school moment: “When I received a call during school from Representative Coble informing me of my appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.”
North Rowan
– Laura Deseré Holland of Salisbury, daughter of Derwin and Jana McNeil.
Clubs and sports: Varsity cheerleader, varsity soccer, activist club, student government association.
Volunteer work: NRHS blood drive, Rowan Helping MInistries.
Extracurriculars: Sunday school apprentice teacher, Arby’s employee.
Awards and honors: Valedictorian, National Honors Graduate, Salisbury Post All-County Scholar, Scholar Athlete.
Proudest high school moment: “When I was accepted to Duke University.”
– Julie Blue Kriska of Salisbury, daughter of Andrew and Lisa Randolph.
Clubs and sports: Volleyball, National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Club), Key Club, Spanish Club, Art Club, Interact Club.
Volunteer work: Waterworks Visual Arts Center (camp counselor), painted a mural at Koontz Elementary School.
Awards and honors: Salutatorian, NCHSAA Scholar Athlete, N.C. Scholar, U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete, U.S. Navy Science Achievement Award, SECU Scholar, president of National Honor Society, All-Conference Volleyball, MVP-Volleyball, vice-president of Spanish Club.
– Katherine Ruth Thompson of Salisbury, daughter of Mark and Debbie Thompson.
Clubs and sports: National Honor Society, Activist Club, Cavaliers for Christ, varsity swimming, JV volleyball, varsity softball, cross-country track, Junior Civitan Club, Student Government Association, marching and concert band.
Volunteer work: Rowan ARC volunteer, nursing home ministry, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, church nursery, summer missions to New York City, summer work volunteer camp in Clinton, S.C., and Mount Airy, reading tutor, mentored middle school band members.
Extracurriculars: Catawba College Community Band, church youth group, employed by Four Seasons Lawn Care.
Awards and honors: Honor roll all four years, Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principals’ Scholarship, vice president of Junior Civitan Club, N.C. Scholar Athlete, Coaches’ Award for Cross-Country, trumpet captain, UNCG Honors Band, All-American Marching Band nominee, Rowan County All-County Honors Band (tied for 1st chair), Semper Fi award, band student of the year, honor graduate, N.C. Scholar, Best Buy @ 15 Scholarship, outstanding senior award, band director award, RCCC Student Art Exhibition, Waterworks Student Exhibition, Academic Award of Excellence, women’s swimming Cavalier award.
Favorite high school memory: “Latin class, the teachers and my friends.”
Proudest high school moment: “When our marching band won Grand Champion at my first competition. ”
Song on MySpace page: “You Found Me,” by the Fray.
– Alexandréa Noel Worthy of Salisbury, daughter of Eric Todd and Dolores Brown..
Clubs and sports: Student Government, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Anchor Club, Junior Civitan, Youth-In-Action, Photography Club, cross-country track, swim team.
Volunteer work: Monthly visit to nursing home, Special Olympics, Red Cross Blood Drives, Child Safety Awareness Workshops, theater volunteer work at Catawba College, volunteer tutor in Spanish and math.
Extracurriculars: Shabach in the Spirit praise dance ministry at church, theater internship at Catawba College.
Awards and honors: N.C. Scholar, honor graduate, Academic Award of Excellence, Student of the Year, U.S. Navy Scholastic Leadership Award, valedictorian, U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen, NCHS Athletic Association Scholar Athlete, lettered in swimming and cross-country.
Favorite high school memory: “Freshman year, because it’s amazing how far I have come.”
Proudest high school moment: Being named valedictorian at my Senior Awards Ceremony.
Song on MySpace page: “All of the Above,” by Maino.
Salisbury High
– Shea Marie Comadoll of Salisbury, daughter of James and Kari Comadoll.
Clubs and sports: Tennis, National Honor Society, Junior Rotarian.
Extracurriculars: Remodeling a house.
Awards and honors:Honors Chemistry Award, Most Improved in Tennis.
Favorite high school memory: “Eating Tokyo Express with Doug before our internships.”Proudest high school moment: Winning the State Championship in tennis. Song on MySpace page: “Deleted,” by Artist.- Suncica Dragas of Salisbury, daughter of Rajko and Radenka Dragas.
Clubs and sports: Vice president, Junior Civitan; secretary, student government; Key Club, Hornet Hype Club; president, National Honor Society; Spanish Club, Junior Rotary, varsity tennis team.
Volunteer work: Rowan Helping Ministries, Genesis Eldercare, Partners in Learning Daycare, UNICEF, Project Safe Neighborhood, Operation Christmas Child.
Extracurriculars: Salisbury Youth Orchestra, prom committee.
Awards and honors: Junior marshal, perfect attendance, achievement award in Spanish 2, academic merit in physics, American history award, honors chemistry award, 2008 National Merit Qualifier, academic achievement in AP European History, academic achievement in Spanish 3, homecoming court, AP Scholar with Honors, co-valedictorian.
Favorite high school memory: Tennis practices and tennis bus rides with my teammates.Proudest high school moment: Being announced valedictorian at the community awards assembly.- Laurel Anne Loeblein of Salisbury, daughter of Tom and Leigh Ann Loeblein.
Clubs and sports: Soccer, cross-country track, swimming, student government, Key Club, Spanish Club, Youth Commission International.
Volunteer work: Rowan Helping Ministries, Down Syndrome Association, Elevation Church, Salisbury Academy.Extracurriculars: Math tutor, Leadership in the Business World (at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania), Summer Ventures, Tar Heel Girls’ State.Awards and honors: Co-valedictorian, Junior Rotarian, co-chief junior marshal, YCI Legacy Award, YCI Outstanding Christian Athlete, Salisbury Rotary Outstanding Student, Jack Turney Award, Jack Campbell Scholar Athlete.Favorite high school memory: Helping in the introduction to algebra class.Proudest high school moment: Beating West Rowan in soccer for the last county championship.Song on MySpace page: “Legacy,” by Nichole Nordeman.- Michelle Nguyen of Salisbury, daughter of Michael Nguyen and Kim Le.
Clubs and sports:Salisbury High Academic Competition Team, varsity cheerleading, Jr. Civitan Club.Volunteer work: Teach Vietnamese and music to youth at Loray Baptist Church in Gastonia.Extracurriculars: N.C. Youth Legislative Assembly, N.C. Governor’s School, dance at Salisbury School of Ballet.
Awards and honors: Salutatorian, 2009 Mayor’s Award, 2009 honor graduate, N.C. Youth Legislative Assembly, Richard White Leadership Award.Favorite high school memory: “Tailgating with The Suits before home football games!”Proudest high school moment: “Passing the bill I wrote in the N.C. Youth Legislature Assembly.”South Rowan
– Chase Michael Stamey of Landis, son of Rick and Debbie Stamey.
Clubs and sports: Swimming, marching band, National Honor Society, VICA Club, Interact Club, Spanish Club.
Volunteer work: VA Medical Center, Service South Rowan.
Extracurriculars: Farm hand.
Awards and honors: Student of the Month, calculus award, team dedication award (swimming), outstanding senior (band), drum captain, Park Scholarship nominee.
Favorite high school memory: “Halloween party with my band family and the drum-off at the band exhibition show.”
Proudest high school moment: Senior Assembly.
Song on MySpace page: “Breathe,” by Breaking Benjamin.
– Addison Karl Corriher of China Grove, son of Darryl and Barbara Corriher.
Clubs and sports: Basketball, golf, SCA, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Interact Club.
Volunteer work: Service South Rowan, Salvation Army Christmas party, Rowan Helping Ministries, Main Street Mission, yard work at Nazareth Children’s Home, Mission Trip to St. Croix. Eagle Scout project: built a nature trail at Buck Steam Plant.
Extracurriculars: St. John’s Lutheran Church Youth Group, Venture Crew 443, YMCA basketball, boach YMCA basketball, USSSA basketball.
Awards and honors: AP history award, All-County golf, N.C. scholar, AP Scholar, DAR Good Citizen Award, Eagle Scout, 4-star award.
Favorite high school memory: “Hangin’ out with Tyler, Seth, and the rest of the gang in the Senior Courtyard.”
Proudest high school moment: Getting into Duke.
Song on MySpace page: “Grey Street,” by Dave Matthews Band.
– Whitney Linn Haywood of China Grove, daughter of Barry and Marianne Haywood.
Clubs and sports: Senior class president, National Honor Society vice president, Spanish Club vice president, varsity basketball, varsity golf, Honors Chorus, Show Choir, Interact Club.
Volunteer work: Special Olympics, Rowan Helping Ministries, Honduras Mission Trip, Service South Rowan, SRHS basketball camps.
Extracurriculars: Work at Varsity BBQ and The Party House, member of Dayspring Community Church youth group and choir.
Awards and honors: Junior marshal, scholar athlete, N.C. Scholar, honor graduate with distinction, Morehead Cain Scholarship Nominee, Salisbury Rotary Club Scholarship, Exemplary Leadership Award Scholarship.
Favorite high school memory: “All of the time spent and laughs shared with my closest friends.”
Proudest high school moment: Getting accepted to UNC-CH.
Song on MySpace page: “Wild at Heart,” by Gloriana ó but I use Facebook more.
– Seth Tyre Walker of Salisbury, son of C.T. and Norma Walker.
Clubs and sports: National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Junior Civitan, golf.
Extracurriculars: YMCA basketball league, church league basketball, instructor at Warrior Golf Course Golf Camps for Youth, Raider Rowdies.
Awards and honors: Co-valedictorian, junior marshal co-captain, Scholar Athlete, academic letter, honor roll every semester, all four years; Morehead-Cain nominee, N.C. Scholar, N.C. Council for Social Studies award; MVP, All-County, and regional qualifier for golf; varsity letter and team captain for golf; Time Warner Cable Star Student, 2009; Best All-Around Male, Who’s Who Among America’s High School Students, County First Place Winner in multiculturalism essay contest; Rowan Rotary Club scholarship; Bradley Barnhardt Memorial.Favorite high school memory: “Going crazy with the Raider Rowdies when Stephen Johnson banked in a game-tying three-pointer at the end of the fourth quarter on Senior Night vs. Statesville.”
Proudest high school moment: “Making the all-county golf team for the first time in my junior season.”
Song on MySpace page: “Blinded,” by Third Eye Blind.
West Rowan
– Morgan Paige Grissom of Salisbury, daughter of Todd and Sherra Grissom.
Clubs and sports: Health Occupation Students of America, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan, Junior Classical League, Math Team, Jazz Band and the Crazies, track and field, marching band.
Volunteer work: Mission trips, WOW Jam, blood drive donor and organizer, Rowan Helping Ministries, Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree, school clean-up, painted school stadium stairs, volunteer for school activities and fundraisers.Awards and honors: Honor graduate (high honors cord) N.C. Scholar, All-County Scholar, third in class of 278, honor roll all four years, school SAT wall of fame, first place in county-wide essay contest, second place in school-wide essay contest, certificate of excellence in calculus, junior marshal, voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by peers.Four marching band varsity letters, two marching band leadership pins, numerous other band awards. First place in novice level certamen, second place in upperlevel certamen, other Latin awards.
Red cord for organizing or participating in at least three blood drives during senior year, outstanding service in Junior Civitan.
Favorite high school memory: “Going to Italy with a school group the summer before senior year.”
Proudest high school moment: Being first chair in All-County band and qualifying for track and field regionals.
– Rachel Helen Hopler of Salisbury, daughter of Peter and Carolyn Hopler.
Clubs and sports: Swim team, Bible club, YCI leader, National Honor Society.
Volunteer work: Summer camps at Lake Waccamaw.
Extracurriculars: Piano for 13 years.
Favorite high school memory: “Hanging with friends at Five Guys.”
– Claire Elizabeth Kistler of Salisbury, daughter of Kip and Tina Kistler.
Clubs and sports: Varsity soccer, cross-country track, varsity cheerleading, environmental club, Junior Classical League, Crazies, art and diversity club.
Volunteer work: Operation Christmas Child, Hands of Christ, Rowan Helping Ministries, Soles for Souls, Raising money for Cystic Fibrosis.
Extracurriculars: Church praise band.
Awards and honors: Mathematics award, honors graduate, Navy Athletic Achievement Award.
Favorite high school memory: “Calculus.”
Proudest high school moment: “Being accepted to UTK’s architecture program.”
Song on MySpace page: “Charmer,” by Kings of Leon ó but I use Facebook more.
– Christine Rose Lazina of Cleveland, daughter of Robert and Jill Lazina.
Clubs and sports: Junior Classical League, Certamen (Latin Quizbowl) team, National Honor Society, Crazies.
Volunteer work: Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte (DSAC), Mount Ulla Elementary mentor, YMCA, as well as school-related fundraisers, etc.
Extracurriculars: Art, horseback riding, hiking.
Awards and honors: Many Junior Classical League awards, first in class, “commended” score on PSAT, AkzoNobel Science Scholarship winner, Rowan Business Alliance (Julian C. Johnson) Scholarship, Rotary Club Scholarship.
Favorite high school memory: “Summer trip to Italy with Latin class last year ó though that’s just one of many favorite memories.”
Proudest high school moment: Senior awards day or the Time-Warner Cable Star Teacher awards.