DIOCESAN NEWS
06/11/10
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Some scholars have chosen majors, others have not
We are an outstanding class full of outstanding people.
But I challenge you to go one step further. Be the person who discovers the cure for cancer. Be the first woman president. Be the Supreme Court justice who casts the deciding vote. It doesn’t have to be a big leap — it can be a small leap if needed. Be the first person in your family to graduate from college. Be the first person you know to finish reading “War and Peace.” It doesn’t matter what you do, just leave your imprint.
We live in an age where just about anything is possible. If you want to do something, there’s nothing that can stop you from doing it. Your only obstacle is yourself.
Katie Gill, Murrah High School Class of 2010 and member of Jackson St. Richard Parish, closed her salutatorian address with those challenges to her classmates. They echo sentiments from the valedictorians and salutatorians from across the Diocese of Jackson who are featured here in Mississippi Catholic’s annual tribute to the graduates of 2010.
Greenville St. Joseph
Valedictorian Chelsea Elizabeth Stokes maintained a 3.97 grade point average and scored a 22 on the ACT test. She received the following scholarships: University of Mississippi (UM) Student Body President Scholarship, UM Valedictorian Scholarship, Washington County UM Alumni Scholarship, Leland Young Scholarship through Mississippi High School Activities Association, and Greenville Teen Club Valedictorian Scholarship.
Stokes was selected Miss SJS, voted Most Likely to Succeed, received the Herff Jones Principal’s Leadership Award, was a member of the National Honor Society, class president – 8th, 9th, and 10th grades, named All American Cheerleader, named a Mississippi Scholar, won Scholastic Award for fall sports, selected as Delta Council / Delta State University Honor Student.
Sports activities included cheerleader, fast pitch softball team, soccer team, and dance team.
She was a member and officer of St. Joseph Student Government Association, Mu Alpha Theta, SJS Ambassadors, yearbook staff and editor, retreat team member, National Honor Society president, St. Joseph Parish CYO, and the Sub-Deb Cotillion.
Volunteer activities involved vacation Bible school, St. Vincent de Paul Society, lector, Red Cross Dinner Theater, Salvation Army Angel Tree program, St. Vincent de Paul Giving Tree, March of Dimes Telethon, Relay for Life through American Cancer Society, and performed weekly mentoring at a local public elementary school.
Stokes is a member of St. Joseph Parish, Greenville, and plans to attend the University of Mississippi and major in forensic chemistry with a minor in pre-med. She plans to attend medical school to study anesthesiology.
Salutatorian Michael Clési (Clay) Curry, whose grade point average was 3.966, scored 25 on the ACT and received scholarships from the Hodding Carter Family Scholarship, the Lindy Callahan Scholarship through Mississippi High School Activities Association, and Louisiana State University Bengal Legacy Scholarship.
He received the St. Michael’s College Book Award for Scholarship, was a Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist 2009, attended Boys’ State, selected Mr. SJS, voted Most Likely to Succeed. He was a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, a Mississippi Scholar, and Coca-Cola Scholastic Award for spring sports at St. Joseph, first place award in 2009 St. Joseph Social Studies Fair, Senior Winterfest Prince, 100 percent award in tennis 2010, and selected as Delta Council / Delta State University Honor Student.
Curry’s sports activities included cross country team, soccer team, tennis team, won 1A Boys’ Doubles State Title in 2008, and named 1A Boys’ Doubles Runners-up in 2010.
He was a member of the student government association, St. Joseph Parish CYO, the Delta Children’s Choir, Delta Center Stage, Knights of Columbus, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, the school’s Mass Choir serving as director during his senior year, and the parish youth choir.
Curry’s volunteer activities included parish Art Camp in 2006, St. Vincent de Paul throughout high school, Greenville Challenge clean-up of the Cypress Preserve in 2010, starting a Recycling Program at school in 2007 which continues today, missionary in Saltillo, Mexico, Relay for Life through American Cancer Society, elementary science fair judge, and a mentor at local elementary school weekly. He donated blood with Mississippi Blood Services, volunteered for church choir including serving as director in 2009-2010, collected items for the poor and entertained at local nursing homes as part of CYO activities.
Curry is a member of St. Joseph Parish, Greenville, and plans to attend Louisiana State University where he will major in international studies.
Salutatorian Ashley Marie Greco, who scored a 24 on the ACT and had a grade point average of 3.966, received scholarships from Mississippi State University (MSU), MSU Salutatorian Scholarship, Washington County MSU Alumni Association Scholarship, and the Lake Tindall LLP Scholarship.
 Her awards and honors included earning 21 hours of dual credit courses through Mississippi Delta Community College, SJS Hall of Fame, most talented in Who’s Who, Irish Family Award for principles of Catholic education, National Honor Society, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership student; St. Joseph’s female nominee for Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, a Mississippi Scholar, Homecoming Princess in 12th grade, received 100 percent Award in Soccer, Woodman of the World Award in 2009 for outstanding work in American History.
Greco was a varsity cheerleader for four years; the squad was State 1A runners-up in 2008 and selected State 1A champions in 2009. She was on the soccer team for six years and won the 100 percent Award.
She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes serving as president in the 12th grade, the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Student Government Association for four years, a member of St. Joseph Parish CYO, and a Sub-Deb Cotillion member,
Greco’s volunteer activities included the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Hope Ministry, vacation Bible school, a mentor at Carrie Stern Elementary School, March of Dimes, and organizing a blood drive at the school.
She is a member of St. Joseph Parish, Greenville, and plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in biological sciences.
Salutatorian Molly Elizabeth Tonos also earned a grade point average of 3.966 and an ACT score of 25. She received scholarships from the Mississippi State University (MSU) Academic Excellence Scholarship, the MSU Salutatorian Scholarship, the Washington County MSU Alumni Association Scholarship honoring Bill Allen, and the Rotary Club of Greenville Scholarship.
Her awards and honors include earning 21 hours of dual credit courses through Mississippi Delta Community College, being named to SJS Hall of Fame, voted Most School Spirit in Who’s Who, received American Legion Award, selected to membership in National Honor Society, named a Mississippi Scholar, chosen as Homecoming Princess in 12th grade, and named STAR student.
Tonos’ sports activities involved being a varsity cheerleader for four years for a squad that was State 1A runners-up in 2008 and that was selected State 1A champions in 2009.
She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athlete, the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Student Government Association for five years, served as a class officer, a member of the St. Joseph Parish CYO and the Sub-Deb Cotillion member.
Tonos was a volunteer with the retreat team, the St. Vincent de Paul society, Hope Ministry, v vacation Bible school, mentor at Carrie Stern Elementary School, the March of Dimes Telethon, the Salvation Army Bell Ringers, and participated in parades to stop domestic violence.
Tonos is a member of St. Joseph Parish, Greenville, and plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in biological sciences with a pre-vet concentration.
Scholarship total for all Seniors: $705,460.
Madison st. joseph
Valedictorian Eric Paul Bramlett scored a 35 on the ACT and a combined score of 2140 on the SAT. He is an Eagle Scout, National Merit Finalist, member of 2010 All-State Lion’s Band, a nominee for Presidential Scholar, an All-Star STAR Student, a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, English Honor Society, French Honor Society, Clarion-Ledger STAR student, Mississippi Wildlife F ederation 2008 Youth Conservationist of the Year, 2009, 2010 MS Science and Mathematics Competition — top 1 percent in Chemistry, MSU 2008 Chemistry Competition — 1st place, 2008 State Champion in Declamation, 2007, 2008 Octofinalist in Declamation at Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament.
Bramlett was voted Most Likely to Succeed and Most Intelligent. He claimed academic excellence in World History Honors, U.S. History, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, A.P. Language and Composition, Band 9th — 11th grade, French I, II, III, Chemistry Honors, A.P. Chemistry, Principal’s (all A’s) Honor Roll 9th — 11th grade.
He was a member of the French Club, swim team, St. Richard’s Catholic Choir/Band, Alta Woods Baptist Church Christmas Programs, Boy Scouts of America, lifeguard and aquatics instructor at Boy Scout Summer Camp.
He and his family are members of St. Richard Parish, Jackson. Bramlett will attend Vanderbilt University.
Co-Salutatorian Zachary John Hembree made a 31 on the ACT and a 2100 on the SAT. He was named, achieved or received the Tulane Founder’s Scholar, Summa Cum Laude on National Latin Exams, National Honor Society vice president, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, “Emperor” of the Latin Club, top 3 percent in Chemistry, MS Science and Mathematics 2009 competition, Degree of Special Distinction in Speech and Debate.
He achieved academic excellence in English, Latin, AP Chemistry and U.S. History. He was Academic Team Captain, Junior Ambassador for Madison the City, Band Section Leader, Debate Team, Taekwondo, and a member of the bowling team.
Hembree is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Madison, and plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Co-Valedictorian Andre de Gruy scored a 31 on the ACT. He is a National Merit Finalist and parliamentarian for the National Honor Society. He is a member of  Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, and placed third in the Jackson State Math and Engineering Fair 2009. He was also the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership representative.
He gained academic excellence in Spanish, Personal Finance, Biology, Algebra , English, Mississippi Studies and Geography.
His extracurricular activities included varsity football for two years, varsity basketball for three years, Amigos for Christ Mission Trip three times and senior class vice president.
De Gruy is a member of St. Richard Parish, Jackson, and is undecided about where he will attend college.
Natchez cathedral
Valedictorian Davis Elizabeth Bearde received the “Highest Average Award” in her class for the past four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society  and the Student Council and was president this year. She has been on the Peer Ministry team for the past three years and a member of the Pep Club. She is a member of the CYO and has attended Catholic Heart Work Camp for the past three summers.
She received the Betsy James Memorial Scholarship during her 10th grade year. She was named STAR student and has been on the Math and Science Tournament team and represented Cathedral at the Co-Lin Science Quest where she was a winner for the past three years. She has played tennis and lettered for the past 6 years and been the State Champion for 5 of those years.
She and her family attend St. Mary Basilica and she plans to attend Louisiana State University.
Salutatorian Adam Maurice Blackwell is a member of the National Honor  Society and served as vice president. He is a member of the Peer Ministry team, the Student Council, was a class officer for three years, and was a member of the Key Club for three years. He attended Science Quest this year and was also a member of the Math and Science Tournament team his junior year.
He received the DAR Award for having the highest average in American History his junior year. He has played tennis for four years where he was selected as the MVP his freshman and sophomore years and ran cross-country his sophomore year. He is a member of the Jefferson Street Youth Group and served as the newsletter editor, alumni director, and secretary. He participated in the Natchez Junior Cotillion and was the Relay for Life Team captain for Cathedral.
He and his family are members of Jefferson Street United Methodist Church. He will attend the University of Mississippi.
Vicksburg st. aloysius
Valedictorian Clyde Luca Burnett graduated with a grade point average of 4.54 and an ACT score of 32. He is a member of the math and science team, retreat team, liturgical committee, the Quiz Bowl and has been active in school drama productions.
He received the Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete award, was a Wendy’s Heisman nominee, STAR student, “A” Award in gold and the mathematics award. He is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society and received the Virgdamo Award.
He participated in football, basketball and baseball.
Burnett’s community activities include volunteering at the Good Shepherd Community Center, training of acolytes at St. James Episcopal Church of which he is a member, Claiborne Educational Foundation Elementary School, the Blue Barn theater, and the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.
He received the Academic Excellence Scholarship to the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Turner Scholarship.
He will attend the University of Mississippi and study pre-med.
Salutatorian Marie Madeline Booth earned a 4.50 grade point average with an ACT score of 27.
She was awarded the Springhill Presidential Scholarship, the Brunini Scholarship, the University of Mississippi Luckyday Scholarship, University Of Mississippi Academic Excellence Scholarship, University of Mississippi Waddell Scholarship, and the Christian Brothers University Presidential Scholarship.
 Her honors included the Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete award, the Math and Science Team award, outstanding actress in drama, Lombard Burns Memorial Award, “A” Award gold, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and the Science Award.
She managed the football team, and played soccer and track.
She is a member of the math and science team, retreat team, participated in school plays, a member of the liturgical committee, a St. Aloysius mentor, and a member of the environmental club and St. Aloysius Choir.
Volunteer community activities included Vicksburg total youth CYO, Vicksburg Public Library, altar server, Saltillo Mission trip, Good Shepherd Community Center and Habitat for Humanity.
She will attend Spring Hill College in the fall.
Heritage Academy
Valedictorian Rachel Marie Burttram is valedictorian of Heritage Academy in Columbus.
She was a member of the Columbus Girlchoir, participated in YMCA drama  productions, in Thespian Society mini dramas and the Heritage Annual Musicals, sang in the Christmas Belles choir, Annunciation Parish choir, and a pilgrimage helper.
She performed with the Treble Song Honor Choir and the All State Women’s Choir. She was selected as the 2010 Lowndes County Junior Miss.
Burttram is a member of her parish Catholic Youth Organization (CY0), a Humane Society volunteer, was vice president of the BETA Club, secretary of the Student Government Association, a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society.
Burttram was a member of the varsity soccer team, swim team and softball team.
She and her family are members of Annunciation Parish in Columbus. She plans to pursue a degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in directing from PACE University in New York City.
Terry High School
Valedictorian Patrick Fields, achieved a 4.192 average his senior year. He scored 34 on his ACT test.
His honors and awards include WAPT Blitz 16 Athlete/Scholar of the Week, BankPlus/WAPT 16 Athlete/Scholar, Wendy Heisman Winner, Spanish Cultural Award, Beta Club Service Award, Academic Player of the Year.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Beta Club and Chamber Choir. He lettered on the varsity football team and was selected prom king in 2010. He was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.”
Fields’ community service included serving on the board of the Fellowship of Christian Students, volunteering with the Salvation Army and Willow Creek Nursing Home.
He is a member of St. Mary Parish in Jackson, where he is an altar server and a choir member.
Fields received a full scholarship to the University of Mississippi and will major in international studies in the Croft Institute.
Murrah High School
Salutatorian Katherine “Katie” Gill was selected to the Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex magnet program in the Jackson Public Schools in fourth grade. She was enrolled in the vocal program there for seven years and then auditioned for and was selected to enroll in the theater arts program for her remaining two.
 Gill has taken six Advanced Placement (AP) tests for academic courses at Murrah.
She is a founding member of the St. Richard Parish Youth Choir and will travel with the choir to Rome the day after Christmas. She has participated in many fund-raisers to help with this upcoming trip including two dinner theaters, jewelry and bake sales, and will work at the June 26 “Cow Chip BINGO” event at St. Richard.
Gill has been an annual volunteer at vacation Bible school and has been a Girl Scout since first grade participating in camping and service projects. She was a contestant on Teen Jeopardy! when she was a sophomore and advanced to the semi-finals. She has been the Quiz Bowl Captain at Murrah for the last three years.
Gill and her family are members of St. Richard Parish in Jackson. She will attend Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt.
Starkville High School
Valedictorian Danielle Grimes is interested in equestrian competitions and shows, as well as riding for fun. She also does some horse training.
She and her family are member of St. Joseph Parish in Starkville where she has been active in CYO.
Grimes plans to attend Mississippi State University and will major in biomedical engineering.
Rebul Academy
Valedictorian Melissa Katherine Harkins received awards for the highest average in English, Language Arts and Science. She was a  representative to the ABC competition for three years.
Recently she was named one of the Clarion-Ledger’s All-Star Seniors. She also received the President’s Award for Education Excellence and received a Lucky Day Foundation Scholarship.
Among her honors were Who’s Who selection as Most Likely to Succeed and Most Courteous. She was also selected as sophomore homecoming maid.
She is a member of St. John and St. Martin’s CYO, and was able to attend fall retreats in Macon as well as the state youth conventions in Jackson.
Harkins and her family are members of St. John Parish, Crystal Springs, and St. Martin Mission, Hazlehurst. She plans to attend Hinds Community College.
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