Nearly 80 students from West Liberty-Salem High School were recognized last night at the 21st Annual Academic Excellence Awards Night, a yearly event celebrating students who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.
The evening honored not only academic achievement but also the dedication and balance these students demonstrate in their daily lives. Many recognized students began high school coursework as early as 8th grade, and several are currently pursuing college-level classes through online programs or the College Credit Plus initiative. Despite their rigorous academic schedules, these students remain actively involved in clubs, athletics, music programs, and the arts.
Principal Dr. Greg Johnson addressed the students, praising their perseverance, commitment to excellence, and the effort required to maintain such high academic standards year after year.
A meaningful highlight of the evening is a tradition for seniors who have attended the banquet for at least three years. These students were invited to recognize a staff member who made a lasting impact on their educational journey, offering a heartfelt moment of appreciation for the educators who inspire and guide them.
This year’s theme, “Growth,” was inspired by a quote from Hillary DePiano: “We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what you do with them.”
Academic Excellence Award Recipients
9th Grade: Hannah Bailey, Mackenzie Damron, Tyler Hershberger, Eric Hoover, Bryson Johnson, Emily King, Jules Loveless, Braylon Lucas, Karlee Lucas, Loretta Moxley, Charlie Oelker, Drew Piacentino, Carter Pratt, Madilynn Sprinkle, Carver Wallace, Reese Winters, Ashlyn Yeater, Landon Zanfirov, Peyton Ziegler
10th Grade: Delaney Anane-Sefah, James Brehm, Jerome Cordrey, Eli Gilley, Carter Henderson, Isla Leichty, Robert Park, Rachel Stanford, Ashlyn Taylor, Derek Wall, Arianna Weaver, Ellery Wygal
11th Grade: Patrick Brooks, Alivia Cambell, Zoe Carter, Audrianna Evilsizor, Savannah Gluckle, Braden Hershberger, Conner Leichty, Kash LeVan, Emma Liggett, Claire Ling, Ashlyn Pope, Maverick Reames, Isabelle Sarver, Noah Sarver, Mariska Smith, Ben Wall
12th Grade: Ava Astorino, Dustin Bolton, Brock Burgel (honored Mr. Paul Waibel), Elijah Christison, Naomi Cole, Tori Douthwaite, Geneva Estep (Mrs. Jun Seymour), Gavyn Greenhill (Mr. Paul Waibel), Breece Gullett, Lyndee Harrison (Mrs. Surena Neer), Addison Hutton (Mr. Brian Yoder), Brady Kauffman (Mr. Darrin Leichty), Dylan King (Mr. Mike Louden), Caleb Ling (Mr. Tim Wolfe), Emery Longaberger (Mrs. Crista Lewis), Brevin Louden (Miss Marie Lenk), Ivy Matthews (Mr. Aaron Lauck), Levi Miller (Mr. Taran Clapp), Sadie Paul (Mr. Larry Searles), Ava Poppe (Mrs. Surena Neer), Kaylee Powell, Emma Smith, Abbie Thoman (Mrs. Allissa Creager)
Congratulations to these outstanding students for their hard work, dedication, and success. West Liberty-Salem continues to celebrate excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
