Record crowd attends Academic Banquet
By Donnie A. Lucas
A record crowd of 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.
A total of 370 attended the event to recap the successes of the school year, which is sponsored by The Feed Store, Albany Academic Booster Club, and Albany ISD.
The group was welcomed by superintendent Jonathan Scott, proceeding to the buffet line for the meal prepared by the Icehouse Restaurant.
High school UIL coordinator Rick Davis recognized participants in academic events and handed out medals for events such as the Stamford Invitational meet, as well as district, regional, and state level competition.
Davis also awarded certificates to eight students who lettered in UIL Academics this year, earning points by placing at various events. Students added to the list this year were Taren Farmer, Ashley Richards, Mayson Garcia, Jade Bean, Sidney Russell, Avery Everitt, Jonathan Coody, and Landon Kreitler.
Staff members of the Lions Roar were introduced, and awards received at the ILPC convention in Austin were handed out. In addition, Luke Ivy won a Tops in Texas for newspaper front page design.
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.
Students who participated in the TACS Academic Challenge this year were presented by sponsor Jenny Scott. This was the first time that Albany students participated in the event, with several earning scholarship money at the area and state contests.
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 the Star Greenhand and Star Chapter Award winners. Receiving Greenhand honors were Kenzie Neve, Laithe Leech, and Will LeMay.
Star Chapter Awards were given to Leddie Leech, Gracie Price, and Koy Cauble.
Beard announced that the chapter just received the Golden Horizon Award for community participation.
Chanel Hayner recognized students involved in one-act play, also noting awards such as all-star cast and crew.
The high school band is the latest group to join the Academic banquet to be recognized. Director William Vaughan included the marching band and concert and sight reading students, reporting that they earned the sweepstakes 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 also 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.
The top 25 percent honor students, along with the salutatorian and valedictorian were recognized as well.
Students who have maintained a 90 or above average in core classes were recognized, including:
Top Students
Valedictorian – Luke Ivy
Salutatorian – Sarah Cotter
Highest SAT Scores
1. Luke Ivy, 2. Brooks Neece, 3. Ryan Mark
Highest ACT Scores
1. Sarah Cotter and Brooks Neece, 3. Ty Everitt, 4. Tristen Brown
Senior Honor Graduates
Susie Cormack, Sarah Cotter, Ty Everitt, Clara Holson, Luke Ivy, Allison Lemond, Ryan Mark, Brooks Neece
Senior Honors
Isabel Alvarez, Ana Balliew, Kam Browning, Susie Cormack, Sarah Cotter, Ty Everitt, Clara Holson, Luke Ivy, Avery Kleiner, Caitlan Lee, Allison Lemond, Ryan Mark, Brooks Neece, Samantha Peeples, Jaylynn Roberts
Junior Honors
Chloe’ Anderson, Cole Chapman, Haily Cox, Chloe Daugherty, London Fuentes, Mayson Garcia, Presley Green, Brooke Kayga, Leddie Leech, Coy Lefevre, Andrew Leverton, Gracie Price, Ashley Richards, Samuel Rosas, Keatin Russell, Gineveve Soders, Ella Webb
Sophomore Honors
Braylyn Abbate, Brooklyn Abbate, Jaden Bean, Jaci Chapman, Tyler Chapman, Cambree Clegg, Maci Hatchett, Adam Hill, Robin Lucas, Luke Marshall, Cort Peterson, Kiana Roberson, Sidney Russell, Ashley Sanchez, Robyn Trail
Freshman Honors
Benjamin Barwon, John Birkla, Jonathan Coody, Ann Davis, Avery Everitt, Will LeMay, Gabby Lopez
Eighth Grade Honors
Kaisley Bartee, Caroline Chapman, Braylee Clark, Cache Clark, Paisley Clark, Caysn Hargett, Cheyenne Hebel, Lane Helle, Tristan Howe, Mimi Ivy, Allison McDaniel, Madison Parrott, Woods Peterson, Landon Picquet, Ryan Turner
Seventh Grade Honors
Logan Balliew, Kylee Bennett, Hattie Jo Braly, Tatum Grady, Zayne Lefevre, Amber Miramontes, Rowdy New, Connor Smith, Adrian Wren
