Megan Richards and Kaytlyn Bales were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, at Italy High School’s 29th Annual Academic Banquet Thursday evening.

Lee Joffre, high school principal, made the announcement at the banquet that honors 20 students academically.

Richards is the daughter of Alan and Tina Richards. Bales is the daughter of Craig and Jenny Bales.
Wanda Scott, widow of the late George Scott, was guest speaker at the program. Mr. Scott was a longtime superintendent for the district.

Mrs. Scott said her husband started this tradition 29 years ago when he realized there were banquets honoring everything but academics.

She said the top two students from each class are invited. The remaining 12 are chosen by their overall ranking. She said two teachers were also honored at the early academic banquets. These two teachers were chosen by the 20 honorees.

Mrs. Scott said her late husband loved the school district and loved the students. She told those in attendance that she looks forward in the years to come to see how these students fare. She said hard work and studiousness does pay off.

Honorees were introduced by Joffre with Barry Bassett, superintendent, awarding medals to the students.

Fourth year honorees at the banquet included Kaytlyn Bales, Kaitlyn Rossa and Megan Richards.
Third year honorees were Jase Holden, Reid Jacinto and Brett Kirton.

Second year honorees were Cole Hopkins, Brandon Souder, Ross Stiles and Taylor Turner.

First year honorees were Destani Anderson, Kelton Bales, Drenda Burk, Trevor Davis, Heather Hilliard, Jaclynn Lewis, Laura Luna, Kelsey Nelson, Alma Suaste and Jesica Wilkins.

Bassett praised the parents and grandparents of these students noting the values and principles they instilled in them.