Last Friday, the Gladiator seniors gathered in the dome with family and friends anticipating the scholarship news. Several seniors were recognized and awarded college scholarships.

After principal, Tanya Parker, welcomed guests and students to the assembly, Brianna Burkhalter brilliantly opened with our National Anthem.

In honor of the man that started the public school system, Freddie Ivy presented the Mirabeau B. Lamar award to Danyelle Baugher.

Tina Richards and Tanya Parker then distributed the honor chords to honor and distinguished graduates. A special red chord was given to Molly Haight as she received an Associates Degree from Navarro College using dual credits. 2011 Valedictorian is Amber Mitchell and Salutatorian is Melissa Smithey.

Senior Ryan Ashcraft presented an award to Freddie Ivy from the Class of 2011. "Freddy Ivy has dedicated 13 years to us in the ‘Take Time to Read’ program at Stafford Elementary School. He has been a constant advocate for teaching kids how to read well. Mr. Ivy, you didn’t know what an impact you had on me and many others, but you helped me to excel. Today, the Class of 2011 would like to present you with this plaque that says it all:

Mr. Freddy Ivy, a Freemason who has shown us honor, integrity, tolerance, respect, kindness, charity and care for his community while achieving high moral standards in his own life. Thank you for ‘Taking Time to Read’ to the kids for the past 13 years.

Local Scholarships
Lone Star Cyclists-Lisa Olschewsky, Maria Hernandez, Shelbi Gilley
Italy High School Band Booster Scholarship-Michael Martinez, Marisela Perez, Kaitlan Davidson, Jessica Hernandez, Melissa Smithey
Stafford Alumni Scholarship-Amber Mitchell
Italy Ex-Student Association Scholarships-Jacqualyn Cawley, Eddie Garcia

College, Corporation and Memorial Scholarships
Navarro College-Haley Pittmon, Britany Perry, Ryan Ashcraft
M.E. Singleton Scholarship-Melissa Smithey
Italy Youth Buyers Fund-Matt Brummet, Jacqualyn Cawley, Molly Haight, Michael Martinez, Haley Pittmon , Kyle Wilkins
Walter Upchurch Memorial Scholarship-Kevin Suaste
W.R. Gorman Memorial Masonic Education Scholarship-Ethan Simon
Jewell Major Scholarship-Shelbi Gilley, Jessica Hernandez, Amber Mitchell
Joanne Knott Aldridge Scholarship-Jessica Hernandez
Lions Club Scholarship-Shelbi Gilley, Eddie Garcia, Nikki Brashear
Kayrene Uehlinger Scholarship-Melissa Smithey
Shelley Nance Memorial Scholarship-Chelsea Beets
George E. Scott Memorial Scholarship-Ryan Ashcraft, Molley Haight, Amber Mitchell, Melissa Smithey
DCI Sanitation Scholarship-Amber Mitchell
Hobbs Feed Scholarship-Matt Brummett
SAGU-Michael Martinez
Tarlton University:Dick Smith, Hal & Winnie Wright, Drs. H. Bedford & Oneta R. Furrows-Melissa Smithey
Rodeo Champion Beefmaster-Jacqualyn Cawley
Dean’s Gold Baylor-Molly Haight

With over $83,000.00 awarded to the seniors of Italy High School, new superintendent, Barry Bassett addressed the crowd, “One thing in life to count on is change. Life will change. There are major changes in store. Remember that hard work pays off. Don’t forget the value of education. You received your core values from your parents, grandparents and teachers-don’t let those change.”

The seniors were dismissed for refreshments as the junior class was invited to take their spot in the senior area-officially the class of 2012 is ready to go.