Academic successes cited at banquet
By Donnie A. Lucas
A crowd of over 360 students, parents, and staff attended the annual Academic Banquet on Monday to honor academic excellence of students in a variety of activities including academic UIL events, journalism, band, FFA, one-act play, and FCCLA.
Sponsored by The Feed Store, Albany Academic Booster Club, and Albany ISD, the event recapped the academic and co-curricular successes of the school year.
The group was welcomed by superintendent Jonathan Scott, proceeding to the buffet line for the meal prepared by Joe Allen’s Barbecue of Abilene.
High school UIL coordinator Rick Davis recognized participants in academic events and handed out medals for the UIL district and regional competition. Two students were also recognized for advancing to the UIL state meet that was held Wednesday in Austin.
Davis awarded certificates to four students who lettered in UIL academics this year, earning points by placing at various events. Students added to the list this year were Michael Sadler, Robyn Trail, John Birkla, and Holden Sanchez.
Staff members of the Lions Roar, the school newspaper, were introduced, and awards received at the ILPC convention in Austin in March were handed out. In addition, the newspaper won three Tops in Texas Awards this year. Earning the special awards were Adam Hill, Ashley Richards, Mayson Garcia, Julia Vega, and Leddie Leech.
A number of FCCLA awards were given out by sponsor Jennifer Marshall, including recognition of students who advanced to the regional, state, and national conferences. Two FCCLA teams will be attending the national convention in Denver in July.
Ag teacher Chris Beard recognized members of both Career Development teams and Leadership Development teams, handing out certificates to those who placed in the events. He also announced that the Star Greenhand Award was given to Ryan Turner and the Star Chapter Farmer is Koy Cauble. Beard announced that the chapter received the Golden Horizon Award for community participation, and the National Chapter Award. Also, three members earned the Lone Star FFA Degree, including Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, and Robyn Trail.
Chanel Hayner recognized students involved in one-act play, noting all-star cast and crew awards.
The high school band, recognized by director William Vaughan, included the marching band, concert, and sight reading students, and he reported that they earned a second consecutive Sweepstakes Award with Division I ratings across the board.
He also handed out medals from UIL solo and ensemble competition, along with All-Region band.
Seniors with top ACT and SAT scores were recognized, receiving cash awards of $2,000 each for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for third. The awards are provided by the Academic Booster Club.
Scoring the top ACT score was Ella Webb, followed by Mayson Garcia and Leddie Leech.
Webb also scored the top SAT score, again followed by Mayson Garcia. Ashley Richards was third.
The top 25 percent honor students, along with the salutatorian and valedictorian, were recognized.
Students who have maintained a 90 or above average in core classes were also recognized, including:
Top Students
Valedictorian – Ella Webb
Salutatorian – Presley Green
Highest SAT Scores
1. Ella Webb, 2. Mayson Garcia, 3. Ashley Richards
Highest ACT Scores
1. Ella Webb, 2. Mayson Garcia, 3. Leddie Leech
Senior Honor Graduates
Cole Chapman, Haily Cox, Mayson Garcia, Presley Green, Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, Ashley Richards, Ella Webb
Senior Honors
Chloé Anderson, Cole Chapman, Haily Cox, London Fuentes, Presley Green, Brooke Kayga, Leddie Leech, Andrew Leverton, Damien Little, Jayden Lucas, Caden Price, Gracie Price, Samuel Rosas, Keatin Russell, Shaelyn Shaffer, Gineveve Soders, Briley Tabor, Ella Webb
Junior Honors
Braylyn Abbate, Brooklyn Abbate, Jaden Bean, Jaci Chapman, Tyler Chapman, Cambree Clegg, Maci Hatchett, Houston Heatly, Adam Hill, Kolton Koemel, Robin Lucas, Luke Marshall, Cort Peterson, Cole Read, Kiana Roberson, Sidney Russell, Ashley Sanchez, Austin Sanchez, Robyn Trail, Chey’Anne Weaver
Sophomore Honors
Landon Balliew, Ben Barwon, Madailein Beard, John Birkla, Macie Breeden, Jonathan Coody, Ann Davis, Emily Esparza, Avery Everitt, Ethan Green, Caroline Holson, Will LeMay, Maria Lopez, Kenzie Neve, Holden Sanchez, Jayce Tinkle
Freshman Honors
Kaisley Bartee, Caroline Chapman, Cache Clark, Cade Fairchild, Caysn Hargett, Tristan Howe, Mimi Ivy, Alli McDaniel, Madi Parrott, Woods Peterson, Landon Picquet, Jaxson Street, Ryan Turner
Eighth Grade Honors
Logan Balliew, Hattie Braly, Tatum Grady, Rowdy New, Braeten Street, Adrian Wren
Seventh Grade Honors
Tara Cauble, Graham Ceder, Clay Chapman, Carsyn Clegg, Cash Edgar, Kamryn Graham, Rush Kidd, Jordan Knight, Bennett Neece, Karlea Sanchez, Ryder Smith, Madeline Stapp, Hunter Sutton, Charlotte Trail, Aiden Vickers, Audrey White.
