Valedictorians and salutatorians-Congratualtions

Valedictorians and salutatorians By SUZANNE NORMAND BLACKWOOD • Staff Writer • May 14, 2008 Each year, high school graduation is a stressful time, both for students and for school officials. But it's also a sentimental time and a rewarding time. Below, a high school guidance counselor and two graduating seniors talk about the experience of graduation. ANTIOCH HIGH SCHOOL "It's all pretty amazing," said Antioch High School valedictorian Mary Anne Hagan, about graduation. The best part, though, is "seeing all my friends accomplish their goals," she said. Shandie Potts, the school's salutatorian, said she would miss the individualized attention she received in high school. She said she was fortunate to have "small classes" and "teachers that were nice and helped you get through things." Antioch High School will have its graduation at 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m. at Belmont University's Curb Center. Valedictorian: Mary Anne Hagan GPA: 4.0 College: Vanderbilt University Area of study: Secondary education and English Salutatorian: Shandie Potts GPA: 3.9 College: Plans to attend Motlow State Community College and transfer from there Area of study: Business and art NASHVILLE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS "It's a very hectic time, but usually very rewarding when it's over," said Steve Brown, guidance counselor at Nashville School of the Arts. At the last minute, Brown ended up filling in for senior guidance counselor Amy Flajnik, who is on maternity leave. "Everybody's worried about final grades," Brown said. "Some are applying for scholarships . . . nervous about getting accepted into college. "It comes down to the wire." Nashville School of the Arts will have its graduation at 7 p.m. today, May 14, at the Grand Ole Opry House. Rebekah Horton GPA: 100.07 College: Middle Tennessee State University Major: Music Salutatorian: Caitlin Kelly GPA: 98.67 College: Hampshire College in Massachusetts Major: Undeclared