Front row, from left: Kathryn Day, Douglas Gehrke, Andrew Hacha, Morgan Hassett, Kristen Holloway and Evan Keller.

By Carol Anders Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — The 22nd annual Academic Excellence recognition dinner for the top 5 percent of  the 2008 graduating students of Plymouth High School was held this week.
Twelve students were honored for their achievements. Additionally, each student was allowed to honor a teacher that has been influential in their lives.
The event is co-sponsored by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Marshall County Industrial Association. Representing the Chamber of Commerce was Linda Rippy. Joe Morris attended on behalf of the Marshall County Industrial Association.

Front row, from left: Sarah Klink, Holly Morris, Zackary Naas, Christopher Tobolski, Nancy Tyree and Stacy Vervynckt.

Plymouth High School Principal Jim Condon set the tone for the program in his opening remarks. Condon said, “This is a celebration that we are about to embark on.”

In her invocation, Dr. Elizabeth Ratliff, PHS assistant principal, said, “Allow these students to take a moment to reflect on the future and wonder what marvels it may hold. Allow the rest of us to think about them and marvel at the wonder they have been.”
Those honored included the following:
Kathryn Day, daughter of Ron Day and Lori Day plans to attend Butler University to study journalism and political science. She chose PHS social studies teacher Allison Hargrove as her guest for the event.
Day said Hargrove is always willing to listen and will tell you the truth as she referred to her as a mentor and a role model.
Day said, “I’m so scared of disappointing her that I cannot study for a test.”
Douglas Gehrke, son of Dave Gehrke and Karen Gehrke, will be pursuing business at Indiana State University in the fall. He invited PHS speech and broadcasting teacher and speech team coach David McKenzie to honor during the program.
Gehrke called McKenzie “amazing.”
He said, “He taught me what can be learned by making mistakes and experiencing losses.” He added, “He also taught me what can be achieved through hard work.”
Andrew Hacha plans to attend Purdue University where he will study engineering. He is the son of Terence Hacha and Kelli Hacha. LJH science teacher and wrestling coach Robert Read was the teacher he chose to honor.
Hacha said Read is completely dedicated and always has an upbeat attitude.
He said, “Mr. Read made us act like gentlemen all the time or we could watch from the sidelines.”
Morgan Hassett, daughter of Kim Hassett and Lisa Hassett, honored her father and PHS visual arts teacher. She will be attending Purdue University in veterinary studies. Morgan called herself a “reflection” of her father. She said he taught her lessons in life for the real world.
Kristen Holloway plans to pursue a career in marine and environmental science at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Her guest and former elementary teacher, Roxana Ruud, was honored. She is the daughter of Larry Holloway and Michelle Holloway.
Holloway shared the saying “wowie zowie” that Ruud always puts at the top of her papers when she was in first grade.
She said, “Mrs. Ruud taught me how to love reading.”
Evan Keller will be attending Butler University to study pharmacy. Retired PHS language arts teacher, Anna Liechty, was selected by Keller as his honoree. He is the son of Ken Keller and Terri Keller.
He said, “I’ve been blessed with a chance to be taught by Mrs. Liechty. She nurtured my love for poetry.”
Sarah Klink, daughter of Tom Klink and Andréa Klink, plans to pursue a career in pharmacy at Purdue University. PHS chemistry teacher, Donna Chaney was chosen as her most influential teacher. Chaney was unable to attend.
Klink said Chaney has a great sense of humor and the heart of a saint.
She said, “Chemistry class was the highlight of my day.”
Holly Morris is planning to attend the University of Southern California in the fall. She is the daughter of Joe Morris and Lynn Morris. She will be studying neuroscience. Morris invited Susan Clevenger, director of the PHS alternative school, to honor at the program.
Morris said she worked in the alternative school to receive a social studies credit that is needed for the college she plans to attend.
She said, “Mrs. Clevenger treats all students with respect.”
Zackary Naas, son of Dirk Dodson, Sandra Dodson, Dave Naas, and Bonnie Naas, plans to enroll in Purdue University in the computer science/mathematics program.  He chose PHS mathematics teacher and wrestling coach Ryan Rust as his guest.
Naas said of Rust, “He loves teaching boys to be young men.”
He added, “He helped me boost my confidence level.”
Christopher Tobolski, son of Brian Tobolski and Amanda Tobolski, plans to attend Purdue University where he will enroll in the pre-pharmacy program. His honored guest for the program was PHS language arts teacher and soccer coach Joshua Martin.
He said, “He isn’t afraid to hold people accountable for their actions — or take responsibility for his own actions.”
Nancy Tyree, daughter of Daniel Tyree and Charlotte Tyree, plans to study English at Indiana University. She chose her mother and PHS speech teacher Charlotte Tyree as her honoree. Nancy Tyree referred to Charlotte Tyree as a mother, role model, friend and teacher… and an amazing woman.
Stacy Vervynckt plans to attend either St. Francis University or the University of Southern Indiana to study secondary education in the mathematics field. She is the daughter of James Vervynckt and Laura Vervynckt. She chose PHS yearbook sponsor and language arts teacher Beth Schleisman to honor.
Vervynckt said Schleisman is an educator and friend to all students.
Plymouth Schools Superintendent Dan Tyree addressed the students present saying, “You leave a legacy at PHS of choosing the most difficult classes.”