Whitcomb H.S. Graduates Advised

'You, Too, Can Change the World'

Whitcomb High School's Class of 2007 graduated Saturday, June 16 on the recreation field across from the school.

Among the many speakers was Diane Brunner, whose life had been saved by one of the graduates, Cody Griffin, when he pulled her from the White River after she fell through the ice. Her tearful tribute noted that because of Griffin, she was able to get married.

Salutatorian Maya Robinson spoke about getting to know the members of her small class so well, adding, "I'm not saying if it's a good or bad thing."

In her valedictory address, Megan Morse noted, "The personality of our class is overwhelming, which has caused some problems through the years. However, our road to graduation would not have been as spectacular if not for the speed bumps, detours and occasional fender benders."

Keynote speaker Angela Damm, a history teacher at Whitcomb, recalled many humorous moments with her students, including the time Brian Ward hid under her desk and grabbed her ankle, causing her to "jump 10 feet!"

Taking a serious turn to talk about being environmentally responsible, Damm advised the graduates, "What we do leaves a mark on the world. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to believe that it's just big, powerful people who can change the world."

Awards

Bethel Rotary Club Scholarship, Scott Karlen; Edward Allen Russ Memorial Fireman's Scholarships, Cody Griffin, Tracy Zisselsberger, Chelsie Brown and Scott Killian; Gifford Medical Staff Scholarship, Scott Karlen; Matthew Robert Reeves Memorial Award, Maya Robinson; Donna Whitmore Memorial Award, Kyle Pratt; Ashley Marie Elmore Townsend Memorial Awards, Brian Ward, Ted Trimble, and Amber Mount; Carnegie Hero Medal, Cody Griffin; Prudential Vt. Community Scholarship, Maya Robinson; U.S. Marin Corps Awards, Megan Morse, Scott Karlen, Tracy Zisselsberger, and Michael Ennis; and Charles Phillips Memorial Scholarship, Josh Turk; and the William A. Turner, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, Cody Griffin.

Also, Whitcomb Booster Club Scholarships, Mike Ennis, Tracy Zisselsberger, Maya Robinson, and Josh Turk; Daughters of the American Revolution Award, Maya Robinson; Bethel Women's Club Scholarship, Scott Killian; John Hart Scholarship, Rebecca Major; White River Lodge #90 Fred St. Lawrence Memorial Masonic Scholarship, Rebecca Major; James Richards Scholarship, Cody Griffin and Scott Killian; Court St. Anthony #1231 Catholic Daughters of America Scholarship, Josh Turk; Susan B. Isham Scholarship, Maya Robinson; Commander Bruce Guy Scholarship, Tracy Zisselsberger; Richardson Family Scholarship, Cody Griffin and Chelsie Brown; and the Rev. Will C. Harvey Memorial Scholarship, Chelsie Brown.

Also, John Huntley Vermont Trappers' Assoc. Award, Joe Kill, Brian Ward, and Kelly Maxham; Mr. & Mrs. Harold Dorman Award, Nathan Tipton; Anita M. Shepard Memorial Award, Megan Morse; Great Potential Awards, Ryann Best, Maggie Eddy, and Justin Rogler; GW Plastics Scholarship, Michael Ennis; White River Credit Union, Megan Morse; Principal's Award, Kerstin Kräutlein; Frank and Arianna Thayer Scholarship, Tracy Zisselsberger; Vt. Honor Scholarship, Maya Robinson; Michael Johnson Memorial Scholarship, Chelsie Brown; Tom Spater Scholarship, Maya Robinson; Matthew Robert Reeves Memorial Scholarship, Rebecca Major; Clifford Scholarships, Megan Morse and Chelsie Brown; and Stephen Bloch Memorial Award, Josh Turk.

Also, Gilman Awards: Chelsie Brown, Rebecca Major, Tracy Zisselsberger, Michael Ennis, Megan Morse, Cody Griffin, Emmy Poland, Scott Karlen, Maya Robinson, Scott Killian, and Josh Turk.

Graduates

The Whitcomb High School graduates and their plans for next year are Ryann True Best (work), Chelsie Amanda Brown (UVM), Margaret Elizabeth Eddy (work, college part-time), Michael Halden Ennis (U. of Maine, Orono), Cody James Griffin (VTC), Scott Thomas Karlen (Elmira College), Joseph l. Kill (work, college part-time), Scott Noble Killian (VTC), Kerstin Kräutlein (return to Germany), Jessica Mariah LaPlante, Rebecca Jeanne Major (U. of Main, Orono), Kelly Jean Maxham (nursing), and Megan Mae Morse (Norwich University).

Also, Amber Lynn Mount (work with horses), Emmaline G. Poland, Jr. (business, rural development), Kyle Adam Pratt (work), Maya Rose Robinson (Duke University), Justin James Rogler (computer engineering), Nathan Ross Tipton (study abroad), Theodore Trimble (work), Joshua Oliver Turk (UVM), Brian Vernley Ward (graphic arts), and Tracy Else Zisselsberger (Utica College).

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