This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Students Recognized For Academic Achievements

Salutatorian and valedictorian announced at Lacey Township High School's annual academic awards

More than 250 students were honored at Lacey High School’s Academic Awards Ceremony Tuesday night in the school’s auditorium in front of an audience of friends, family and faculty.

“Seated before you here are the finest students in Ocean County and beyond,” said Superintendent Richard Starodub in his opening remarks. Revealing why this is so, he added, “Seated behind them, are the finest families in Ocean County.”

Starodub took the stage to present the highest academic honors of both salutatorian and valedictorian.

Kelsey Devery was announced as the school’s valedictorian, with a GPA of 4.816.

Although she anticipated the award due to her GPA, Devery still expressed her mild nervousness before the award was announced. “There’s always that little inkling of doubt.”

Find out what's happening in Laceywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the fall, Devery will attend American University, where she plans to focus her studies on child psychology.

Salutatorian Lindsay Ruhlin, who has amassed a GPA of 4.785, also snagged High Honor Roll for four consecutive years, along with the Presidential Education Award and Lacey Scholars Award.

Although Ruhlin was informed of her high honors status before the event, she was still pleased to hear her name called to officially accept the award.

Find out what's happening in Laceywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The President’s Education Award recognized students who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher over four marking periods.

Before the award was handed out, Principal William Zylinski – the event’s host – read a letter from President Barack Obama. In the letter, Obama says, “Education will not only determine your success, but America’s success in the 21st century.”

The categories that followed were High Honor Roll Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Academic Awards, Most Improved Student Award and the Principal’s Award.

With academic categories spanning from accounting to fashion design to music to computer aided design, no subject matter was left unacknowledged.

Concerning the criteria for each award, Vice Principal Mary Esch explained that while some awards such as High Honor Roll or Attendance are more objective, department chairs and supervisors gather information from teachers to select students for outstanding achievements in their academic categories such as world languages, social studies, and technology.

Before calling the names of seniors who were being recognized for High Honor Roll status for four consecutive years, Zylinski indicated that this was the highest number of students to ever earn this award. Twenty-five names were called.

In the category of perfect attendance, nine seniors received awards for not missing a single day of school over their four years at Lacey.  

For those who were not present to receive their perfect attendance awards, Zylinski quipped, “Tonight does not count.”

One male and one female each received the Most Improved Student Award, demonstrating greatest all around improvement since freshman year, according to Zylinski. The winners were Casey Belemarich and Erin Keefe.

The Principal’s Award was then given, which according to Zylinski, “Really shows off what it means to be a Lacey Township High School student.”  Thomas Murray and Courtney Parker earned the award.

While the night reflected student recognition, the administration tipped their hats to the parents who have supported their children through their years at Lacey.

“You are on the right path, and you are destined to do great things,” said Jack Martenak, president of the Board of Education.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?