High schools in Plymouth County honor academic excellence

Plymouth County schools acknowledged academic excellence by naming valedictorians and salutatorians during graduation ceremonies in May.

In a class of 139, Le Mars Community High School named one valedictorian and one salutatorian.

Cara Clement, the daughter of Dan and Judy Clement, was named valedictorian for the class of 2009. The salutatorian named was Anna Powell, daughter of Barbara and James Powell.

Both Clement and Powell spoke to class, family, and friends at the May 24 commencement ceremony.

In a class of 34, Gehlen Catholic Schools named Melissa Kellen, daughter of Randy and Peggy Kellen, as valedictorian, and Lindsay Berkenpas, daughter of Dave and Kris Berkenpas, as salutatorian. Both gave speeches at graduation.

At Akron-Westfield High School, three valedictorians and two salutatorians were named.

In the class of 49, valedictorians were Rebecca Meerdink, daughter of Kim and Dee Meerdink, Talia Baker, daughter of Mike Baker and Noelle Knapp, and Tessa Baker, also a daughter of Mike Baker and Noelle Knapp.

Akron-Westfields's salutatorians were Tasha DeRocher, daughter of Kevin and Sandi DeRocher, and Holly Lanning, daughter of Mitchal and Jenell Lanning.

At Hinton Community High School, James Vondrak, son of Bob and Lucille Vondrak, was named valedictorian, with Reem Khodor, daughter of Hind Khodor, as salutatorian. James Vondrak and student body president Alex Vondrak addressed 53 graduating students at commencement.

Kingsley-Pierson High School graduated 38 students. Danielle Sudbeck, daughter of Tim and Cindy Sudbeck, and Megan Tharp, daughter of Craig and Janelle Tharp, were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

St. Mary's High School in Remsen had 22 students in the class of 2009. Brandon Loutsch, son of Lyle and Jackie Loutsch, was valedictorian. Salutatorian honors went to Bridget Russell, daughter of Tim and Ibby Russell.

Remsen-Union High School graduated 23 students in 2009.

Commencement speeches were given by valedictorian Jonathan Schreiner, son of Bill and Shannan Schreiner, and salutatorian Ryan Schroeder, son of Tony and Shirley Schroeder.