The top 25 seniors at Huntington North High School were honored Thursday afternoon by the Huntington Optimist Club. The Top 25 Luncheon took place at the Forks of the Wabash. In addition to the students being honored, their parents, school officials and Mayor Richard Strick were present. Optimist President Joy Koch welcomed those present. Following lunch, Strick offered words of encouragement and advice to the students. “Speaking on behalf of a lot of people in this room today, we love you and we are proud of you,” he told the students. He also thanked the students’ family members for their work with and support of the youth over the years. “Huntington’s legacy is long, and you students have the opportunity to shape its future by continuing the hard work that you have put in,” Strick said. The mayor said that many may have experienced a life lesson while in high school, that being they may have to do more than their fair share at times in their lives. He also told the students “you’re the measure of your parents and grandparents’ success.” “You’re our next generation of world shakers and game changers,” he told them. No matter where the students go in the future, “you’re root systems will always be here. May they always run deep here. The city is proud of you and we should support you moving forward. “Whether you stay in Huntington or wherever you may go next, we’re in your corner. Wherever the road rises up to meet you, remember this place and the people who paved the way for your success. “Strive to do the same for those who follow you.” John Trout, superintendent of the Huntington County Community School Corporation, also had a few words for the seniors. Cont. on Page 9. “Achievement matters. It is important,” he said. “As a proud 1980 graduate of Huntington North High School, I was nowhere near the top 25.” He encouraged the students “to be a good steward and a good servant and reach back out and tell people in your life thank you.” “You do not know what a kind word can mean to people who made a difference in your life. Life is going to throw you some curve balls that you are not going to ever anticipate, and you’re going to need to lean on these same people,” Trout said. “So take a moment over these next few months when you’re looking forward to look back and say thank you, because you, in this community, are enormously blessed to have people who care about you a lot. “Know that people would love to have you come back home. This is a great place to raise your family one day and a great place for you to call home because the support you get from this community is incredible.” Students honored were Spencer Adkins, Drew Baker, Addilyn Bordeaux, Audrie Bowman, Tiler Carr, Jarred Cartwright and Corbin Dowden. Also, Caleb Eckert, Lawrence Grove, Mara Hendryx, Hope Hewson, Joshua Justice, Rebeccah Kerlin, Mallory Kline, Matthew Lewis and Mya MacAleese. Also, Dylan Palmer, Gwendolyn Ranc, Kayla Reich, Hunter Shepherd, Allie Smith, Andrew Szelis, Janna Teusch, Abagayle Wright and Charlie Zehner. The students received a certificate and a medal from the Optimist Club.
