Italy High School honored their graduates last Friday night with a graduation ceremony for 36. The top 10% were seated on the front row, as well as National Honor Society members. Cords and collars, gowns and caps were donned as they passed in front of the school board, received their diploma and moved their tassel to the other side.

In honor of IHS tradition, faculty voted for the recipient of the Willis Cup, an award given to a student who is not only academically inclined but an all around good student. Italy School Board member, Cheryl Owen, presented valedictorian, Megan Richards, with the 2012 honor. Kaytlyn Bales, salutatorian, as well as Richards, were given an opportunity to address this year’s graduating class. Heather Hilliard led the group in singing of the school song for the last time. At the end of the ceremony, each student filed to the back and in unison, tossed their caps.

Distinguished Achievement Program and Top 10%
Kaytlyn Bales
Megan Richards
Kaitlyn Rossa

Distinguished
Omar Estrada
Heather Hilliard
Ross Stiles
Alma Suaste

Distinguished and National HS Scholar
Brandon Souder

2012 IHS Graduates
Destani Anderson
Beverly Barnhart
Justin Buchanan
Meagan Buchanan
Bailey Bumpus
Drenda Burk
Clayton Campbell
Alex DeMoss
David Garner
Nolan Griffith
Jase Holden
Kyle Jackson
Andrea Lanning
Holli Love
Laura Luna
Taylor Mathers
Larry Mayberry, Jr
Heather Maynard
Isaac Medrano
Sa’Kendra Norwood
Juan Perez
Jimesha Reed
Jose Rodriguez
Susana Rodriguez
Yesenia Rodriguez
Ethan Saxon
Devonta Simmons
Jonathan Walton

Each student has a plan when high school is finished. IHS Counselor, Sharon Davis, introduced each one, named the scholarship or award that was won and their immediate future plan. Davis announced this class won more scholarship monies than any other class.

Ross Stiles announced the Class of 2012 donated a 4’ wooden shield, inspired by senior English teacher, Margie Davis’ senior project, and audio/visual equipment for the school.

Class Motto
I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go where there is no path, and leave a trail.

Good luck to the 2012 graduates of Italy High School!