34th Annual Academic Excellence Awards to honor students Tuesday

Each year, The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Weyerhaeuser Co. honor the top 5% of the graduating classes from all seven public school districts in Garland County, including the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

This annual event was started in 1986 by Ray Owen Jr. while he was on the Education Committee for the Chamber of Commerce and the tradition has continued. Weyerhaeuser has been a sponsor of this event since 2006 and The Sentinel-Record is an in-kind sponsor.

With schools being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and based on the latest information from public health officials, the chamber and Weyerhaeuser Company decided to modify the Academic Excellence Banquet this year.

The students will still be honored for their accomplishments on Tuesday with a drive-through recognition event.

"Please come anytime between 5-7:30 p.m. with your family to Weyerhaeuser Co. headquarters at 810 Whittington Ave. There will be signs to guide you to the tent outside where you will be able to come have your picture taken, receive your certificate of excellence and pick up your special recognition gift compliments of Weyerhaeuser Co.," a letter from the chamber sent to all the students states.

The following is a list of the students being honored this year. The biographies and photographs were provided by the Chamber of Commerce. (Information for Christopher Desfassiaux and Destini Nichols was not available).

Yoo-Jin Ahn

Ahn is the daughter of Jeongho Ahn and Jeonghee Choi. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where she is an admissions delegate, plays violin in the orchestra and is a junior volunteer at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital.

She plans to major in chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis.

Ryan Avila

Avila is the son of Veronica and Emilio Avila. He attends Fountain Lake Charter High School, where he is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and band.

He plans to major in biological sciences at Arkansas Tech University.

Madison Bellomy

Bellomy is the daughter of Jessie Lepitre and Steven Bellomy. She attends Cutter Morning Star High School, where she is a member of FBLA, FCA and the Lady Eagles Volleyball team.

She plans to major in language arts/social studies for 4-8 education at National Park College.

Joseph Benson

Benson is the son of Gary and Christine Benson. He attends Jessieville High School, where he is president of FBLA, vice president of Student Council and a captain on the senior high football team.

He plans to major in business administration with a minor in marketing at Ouachita Baptist University.

Devin Wyatt Blythe

Blythe is the son of Chris and Jodie Blythe. He attends Lake Hamilton High School, serves as squadron commander with the rank of captain in the Civil Air Patrol, is captain of the LHHS bowling team and captain of the CS: GO E-Sports Team.

He has enlisted in the U.S. Navy with plans to study nuclear engineering.

Alyssa Brown

Brown is the daughter of Kristin McGraw. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School and is a member of Hot Springs Dance Troupe, National Honors Society and Leadership Hot Springs.

She plans to major in finance at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Katherine Elizabeth Calandro

Calandro is the daughter of Tony and Ann Calandro. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is senior class president, vice president of National Honor Society and head drum major of the Show Band of Lakeside.

She plans to major in prelaw at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Rachel Caldwell

Caldwell is the daughter of John and Robyn Caldwell. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where she is a member of Key Club, Art Club and National Honor Society.

She plans to major in biology at the University of Arkansas.

Isabella Calhoun

Calhoun is the daughter of Blake Calhoun and Laurie Bishop. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is a member of the Lakeside Tennis Team, National Honor Society and Beta Club.

She plans to major in nursing at the University of Arkansas.

Amy Nicoleta Cofar

Cofar is the daughter of Nicoleta Malan Socaci. She attends Lake Hamilton High School, where she is a member of Spanish Honors Society, National English Honors Society and Future Business Leaders of America.

She plans to major in respiratory therapy.

Mary Catherine Cowen

Cowen is the daughter of Russ and Meg Cowen. She attends Lakeside High School, where she served as an executive member of Student Council for two years, treasurer one year and club president her senior year, was a participant in the Leadership Hot Springs Youth Program and is on the Lakeside volleyball and tennis teams.

She was chosen as the Garland County Tennis Player of the Year in 2018 and on the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All Arkansas Preps Girls Tennis Team in 2019.

She plans to major in biology at the University of Arkansas Honors College.

Hattie Anne Douglas

Douglas is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Brien Douglas. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is a member of the Leadership of Hot Springs Partnership with Youth Program, National Honor Society and National Beta Club.

She represented Lakeside at Arkansas Girls State and at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.

She plans to attend the University of Arkansas Honors College and major in interior design at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

Madison Easley

Easley is the daughter of Jason Easley and Kendra Easley. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club and Spanish Honor Society.

She plans to major in biology at Ouachita Baptist University.

Esther Filipek

Filipek is the daughter of Charles Filipek and Gina Filipek. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where she is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Team, band and Chess Club.

She plans to major in Earth Systems at Stanford University.

Mei-Ling Godfrey

Godfrey is the daughter of Mark Godfrey. She attends Mountain Pine High School, where she is a member of the basketball team and co-captain of the softball team.

She plans to major in mechanical engineering at National Park College.

Georgia Gooch

Gooch is the daughter of Don and Dana Gooch. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is a member of the Sister City Exchange Program, Lakeside Choir and the Lakeside Tennis Team.

She plans to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Mississippi.

Aaliyah Gray

Gray is the daughter of Melinda Gray. She attends Lake Hamilton High School, where she is a member of FCCLA, Lake Hamilton's choral program and president of the German Club.

She plans to major in biochemistry and minor in neuroscience at Hendrix College.

Jack Griffin

Griffin is the son of Sally Esarey and the late Gillie Griffin. He attends Lake Hamilton High School, where he is a member of Mu Alpha Theta Club, National Honor Society and the cross-country team.

He plans to major in supply chain management at the University of Central Arkansas.

Pearson Hafer

Hafer is the son of David and Amy Hafer. He attends Lake Hamilton High School, where he is a member of the football team, the Quiz Bowl team and National Computer Science Honor Society.

He plans to major in biology at the University of Arkansas.

Chase Hartsell

Hartsell is the son of Shane and Deana Hartsell. He attends Lakeside High School, does broadcasting on Lakeside TV, is on the First Baptist Church Student Impact Team and helps with the Special Olympics.

He plans to major in sports media and sports management with Ouachita Baptist University.

Colby Heaton

Heaton is the son of Kelly and Angie Heaton. He attends Cutter Morning Star High School, where he is a member of the basketball team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Beta Club.

He plans to major in political science and history at Ouachita Baptist University with plans to attend law school.

Miles Hermann

Hermann is the son of Marcia Hermann and Jason Hermann. He attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where he is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Club and the TB Diploma Program.

He plans to major in mechanical engineering at Arkansas Tech University.

Victoria Hwang

Hwang is the daughter of Charlie and Madison Hwang. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, and was involved with the Korean War Project, writing thank you letters to Arkansas Korean War veterans with photos of modern Korea taken by her, a UAMS research project, researching the survival mechanisms of brain tumor cells, and plays violin in competitions and with orchestras.

Matthew Kalahiki

Kalahiki is the son of Ken and Doris Kalahiki. He attends Lakeside High School, where he is a member of the Lakeside Football Team, Boy Scouts of America and National Honor Society.

He plans to major in finance.

Zoie Keys

Keys is the daughter of Candyce Keys. She attends Lake Hamilton High School, where she is co-chair of the Computer Science Honor Society, president of FBLA and a member of FCCLA and National English Honor Society.

She volunteers at CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs, was a National Hispanic Scholar and attended the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference and Arkansas Girls State.

She plans to major in computer science at Hendrix College.

Olivia Lawrence

Lawrence is the daughter of Shannon Shannon and Jason Lawrence. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is a member of the student council, the Lakeside Chamber Singers, where she was All Region Choir three years, and All State her sophomore and senior year; and team captain of the Lakeside Volleyball Team.

She was 5A All Conference and 5A All State in volleyball her junior and senior years and an Under Armor Watchlist nominee and finalist her senior year.

She plans to major in accounting at the University of Arkansas Honors College.

Minola Lee

Lee is the daughter of Charles Lee and Catherine Lee. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where she is vice president of the Human Rights Club, a member of Interact Club and a Hot Springs National Park volunteer.

She plans to major in environmental studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Carter Manatt

Manatt is the son of Taylor and Natalie Manatt. He attends Lake Hamilton High School, is on the Youth Advisory Council for Hot Springs, the cross-country, track and swim teams, a member of the Lake Valley Community Church youth group worship band and is a seventh- and eighth-grade boys small group leader.

He plans to major in mechanical engineering at Arkansas Tech University.

Hadley Medlock

Medlock is the daughter of Carole and Todd Medlock. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where she is student government treasurer, a student ambassador and a member of the ASMSA Ocean Bowl team.

She plans to major in English with a minor in environmental studies at Rice University.

Andrea Mogovan

Mogovan is the daughter of Daniel and Daniela Mogovan. She attends Lake Hamilton High School, where she is president of Mu Alpha Theta and a member of National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa.

She plans to major in nursing at National Park College.

A.J. Navarro

Navarro is the son of Alex Navarro and Jenny Navarro. He attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where he is involved in Advanced Research into Entrepreneurship Capstone, the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra and ASMSA Jazz and Chamber Ensemble.

He plans to major in international finance and business at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Marcus Needles

Needles is the son of Kenneth Kirby and Rodonna Ranola Needles. He attends Fountain Lake Charter High School, where he is a member of the student council, the varsity basketball team and the band.

He plans to major in health sciences at University of Central Arkansas.

Matthew Novak

Novak attends Lake Hamilton High School, where he is a member of the Power Band of Arkansas, the track and field teams and student council.

He plans to major in premed/ROTC at the University of Central Arkansas.

Benjamin Oliver

Oliver is the son of Timothy and Rebecca Oliver. He attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where he is a student ambassador, a member of Future Business Leaders of America and on the Ultimate Frisbee team.

He plans to major in international studies at the University of Mississippi or University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Jeremy Peret

Peret is the son of Florin and Estera Peret. He attends Lake Hamilton High School, where he is drum major for the Powerband of Arkansas, president of National Honors Society and vice president of Mu Alpha Theta.

He plans to major in biomedical engineering at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Luis Perez

Perez is the son of Jose Perez and Haydee Perez. He attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where he is a member of National Honor Society and Key Club.

He plans to major in marketing.

Baylee Petty

Petty is the daughter of Blair and Terri Petty. She attends Lake Hamilton High School, where she is a member of the Computer Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Math Club).

She plans to major in political science and prelaw at the University of Central Arkansas.

Victoria Pike

Pike is the daughter of Charles and Tonya Pike. She attends Fountain Lake Charter High School, where she hosts Fountain Lake's weekly news show, "The Cobra Update," and is a member of National Honor Society and president of Interact Club.

She plans to major in broadcast journalism at the University of Missouri.

Anacaren Ramos

Ramos is the daughter of Fidel Ramos and Petra Ramos. She attends Lake Hamilton High School, where she is president of the student council and the Environmental Club and ran cross-country and track for six years.

She plans to major in interior design at the University of Central Arkansas Honors College.

Isabel Ritter

Ritter is the daughter of Bill and Melony Ritter. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where she is a member of band, student council and the tennis team.

She plans to major in chemistry at Hendrix College.

Jacob Semmier

Semmier is the son of Drs. Mike and Susan Semmier. He attends Jessieville High School, where he is the Youth Advisory Council multimedia chair and a Search Team member for Catholic Diocese of Little Rock, a guitarist for Team Jesus Youth worship band at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock and a youth music leader for St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

He plans to major in aerospace (professional pilot) and audio production at Middle Tennessee State University.

Madalyn Rose Simmons

Simmons is the daughter of Amy Simmons and Travis Simmons. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where she is a member of the I.B. Program, Hot Springs Trojan Band and National Honor Society.

She plans to major in middle level education at Henderson State University.

Virginia "Grace" Slick

Slick is the daughter of Eddy and Lisa Slick. She attends Cutter Morning Star High School, where she is a member of Beta Club, the Gifted and Talented program and the Lady Eagles basketball team.

She plans to major in agriculture business with an emphasis on horticulture at Arkansas Tech University.

Emily Smith

Smith is the daughter of Trevor Smith and Jennifer Smith and stepdaughter of Natasha Smith. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where she is involved with research with Hot Springs National Park, and a member of the ASMSA Ocean Bowl Team and National Honor Society.

She plans to major in chemistry, possibly at Georgetown University.

Noah Smith

Smith is the son of Tim and Susan Smith. He attends Lake Hamilton High School and is a member of the Hot Springs YMCA Seals Swim Team, Lake Hamilton Quiz Bowl Team and the Lake Hamilton cross-country, track and swimming teams.

He plans to major in kinesiology and leisure studies at Ouachita Baptist University.

Kaitlyn Stoker

Stoker is the daughter of Kirk and Cassie Stoker. She attends Lake Hamilton High School and is a member of the Youth Advisory Council of Hot Springs, the Youth Leadership Hot Springs Class 25 organization and vice president of the National Honor Society.

She plans to major in biochemistry at the University of Central Arkansas.

Haley Strozyk

Strozyk is the daughter of Paul and Danna Strozyk. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is student council vice president and a member of National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society.

She plans to major in biology at the University of Arkansas.

Anna Styers

Styers is the daughter of Jeff Styers and Cassie Vano. She attends Lake Hamilton High School, where she is a member of the LHHS Powerband of Arkansas, the student council and National Beta Club.

She plans to major in premed/biochemistry at the University of Central Arkansas.

Swan Swindle

Swindle is the daughter of Tina and Blake Lester. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is a member of the District Press Broadcasting Team, Beta Club and National Honor Society.

She plans to major in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Jacob Theriot

Theriot is the son of Clifford and Janessa Theriot. He attends Jessieville High School, where he is a member of the Beta Club, the marching band and student council.

He plans to major in computer science at the University of Central Arkansas.

Rachel Tyler

Tyler is the daughter of Christy Tyler and Matthew Tyler. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where she is Art Club president, Key Club secretary and a member of National Honor Society.

She plans to major in art and biology at Lyon College.

Makenna Underwood

Underwood is the daughter of Adria Kilgore. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where she is on the Old Gold Book staff, a member of National Honor Society and a writer at Girlish Magazine.

She plans to major in journalism.

Annemarie Van Oversteeg

Oversteeg is the daughter of Mark Van Oversteeg and Bridgett Van Oversteeg. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where she is a cheerleader, on the volleyball team and a member of National Honor Society.

She plans to major biology at Henderson State University.

Alexx Weaver

Weaver is the daughter of Tonya Weaver and Skip Weaver. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where she is an ASMSA community leader, co-founder and president of the Young Medical Professionals Club and does volunteer church work at Lonoke Baptist Church, including Honduran Missions and camp sponsor.

She plans to major in biology with a preprofessional emphasis at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Kendall Webb

Webb is the daughter of Dr. John and Michele Webb. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is president of Lakeside Thespian Troupe 2123, vice president of Lakeside Choir Program (Chamber singers) and a student council representative.

She plans to major in history and journalism at Mercer University as a Stamps Scholar.

Annie Grace Westerman

Westerman is the daughter of John and Leann Westerman. She attends Fountain Lake Charter School, where she is 2020 senior class president, president of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and Art Club, student council treasurer and active in FCA.

She received the Terra Rushing Change the World with a Smile Award and the Carrington Tillery Community Service Award, competed in numerous art competitions, winning first place at Have a Heart for Art, and participates in the yearly musicals, including playing Nala in this year's "Lion King."

Jacoby Weston

Weston is the son of Tamika and Robert Jackson. He attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where he was an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate, on the Gold Book Yearbook staff and a member of FBLA.

He plans to major in Spanish Language and Linguistics at DePaul University in Chicago.

Ja'leana Woodfork

Woodfork is the daughter of Bobbie Washington and James Woodfork. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School, where she is a member of National Honor Society for Dance Arts, Hot Springs Dance Troupe and National Honor Society.

She plans to major in biomedical engineering at Texas A&M in Texarkana.

Local on 05/03/2020

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