By Laura Wax Boonville Daily News
Boonville High School’s Class of 2023, gathered on Monday evening May 1, for Senior Awards Night.
The evening opened with BHS Principal Kenya Thompson addressing the class. “Tonight we celebrate students who demonstrated excellence in the classroom, as citizens, in their extracurricular activities, and in our community. This evening we will award $62,000 in external scholarships with more than $47,000 of that coming directly from our local scholarships here in the Boonville community. Thus far these students have earned roughly $325,000 in institutional scholarships from their respective colleges and universities, which does not yet account for A+ dollars at this time. Each presenter today represents the countless number of people in the Boonville community who support students in their endeavors to learn about our district mission to be responsible individuals, competent workers, and contributing citizens.”
The Class of 2023 contains 107 seniors. Among those, there are two Bright Flight Scholars (those who score 30 or higher on the ACT), 14 Presidents Award for Academic Excellence winners (3.5 GPA or higher and at least a 26 ACT score), 12 George Washing Carver Awards winners (top 10% of the class), and 50 A+ Program participants.
For the first time, a Boonville High School student was awarded the Delta Sigma Theta Murial Battle Scholarship. Tawny Brown, BHS Class of 1993 and Vice President of the Columbia Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta presented the award to Tyson Ellison.
Along with scholarships, other recognitions were presented. The Key Club Exceptional Service Award was presented to Abby Fuemmeler. The Boonville Daily News Scholar- Athlete was awarded to Colby Caton and Madison Smith. The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Good Citizen for 2023 was Molly Schuster. The Pirate Leadership Award went to Colby Caton. The Missouri State High School Activities Association Award for Excellence was presented to Tyson Ellison and Emma Neidig. The Central Missouri Blue Star Mothers presented those joining the armed forces with red, white, and blue cords to wear during graduation. Brayden Gamel and Eathan Northern will be joining the Marines. Matthew Fry will join the Missouri National Guard. Abby Fuemmeler and Jackson Johns received the United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award. Trent Maxwell, Brandon Mackey, and Tyson Ellison represented Boonville at Boys State this past summer. Emily Gibson attended Girls State.
Institutional scholarships were awarded from Central Methodist University, Coe College, Columbia College, Drury University, Lincoln University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Missouri Valley College, Murray State University, Northwest Missouri State, South Dakota Mines, Southeast Missouri State University, State Fair Community College, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri – Columbia, University of Nebraska, and William Woods University.
Members of local service organizations, memorial scholarship boards, and churches were among those present to award scholarships to graduating students. “Tonight we want to thank our presenters from the various organizations they represent. Students, please recognize these individuals and their dedication to our future. Consider how you might pay it forward for their generosity,” stated Thompson. “I want to thank our parents and caregivers tonight. Students excel when they are supported at home. Many of you began at an early age instilling guidance, hard work and perseverance to your students. Thank you for giving us the privilege of seeing them grow into such capable young men and women.”