High school seniors were recognized for finishing in the top 10 percent of their graduating class at the Sixth Annual Golden Governors Awards Banquet held April 24 in the Nelson County High School auditorium.
This year, 17 students received the Golden Governors Academic Achievement award, and each student recognized an influential educator who helped them during the past four years.
Nelson County High School Principal Janell Stinnett said Friday in addition to their academic achievements, students also participated in a range of extracurricular activities.
“It has been a pleasure to watch them mature and grow into young adults over the last four years,” Stinnett said. “I have no doubt that they will be effective leaders in the world.”
After introducing each one of the students and their achievements, it was their turn to give a short speech about the educators they selected.
Scott McGarry, who teaches physical education at the high school and is head golf coach and assistant softball coach, said Monday he attended the ceremony to see his daughter, Raelyn McGarry, receive the award. When Raelyn McGarry said the influential educator she had selected was her dad, Scott McGarry said he was emotional. He wasn’t surprised his daughter performed well academically, but he was surprised when she named him.
“She didn’t let on that I was the recipient,” Scott McGarry said. “... It was nice for my wife and I to see all that hard work pay off for her.”
Matt Hicks, who teaches government and U.S. history and is the high school’s head football coach, said Friday he was humbled that senior Colin Morris recognized Hicks as a positive influence on him. Morris is in Hicks’ government class.
“He’s a super bright young man,” Hicks said. “He loves to discuss current event topics and how things are constructed in the government. He asks good questions and he shares a lot; he brings a lot of energy and fun to the classroom.”