McHugh, Alvey graduating top of class

By Ellie White

On Sunday May 21, McNicholas High School will celebrate the Class of 2017 as they graduate. The valedictorian and salutatorian will address the class and those in attendance. The two students who have earned these honors by having the highest two grade point averages in the class are Katherine McHugh, valedictorian, and Lauren Alvey, salutatorian.

McHugh is on the McNicholas tennis team and lacrosse team. She also participated in the Appalachia service retreat and was a part of the Academic Team. She will be attending the University of Notre Dame and will be majoring in Computer Science.

“I’m happy that it’s [being chosen as valedictorian] the result of all my hard work over the past years,” McHugh said.

Alvey is the president of the Thespian Society, the president of Cooking Club, a co-secretary of Student Council, a member of Service Club, an Ambassador, and a member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society. She will also be attending the University of Notre Dame and will be majoring in biology.

“It [being chosen as salutatorian] is really exciting. I never would have expected, coming in freshman year, that I would get this honor, because there are so many smart people in our class,” Alvey said. “I’m definitely going to miss the friends I’ve made and community. Just walking down the hallway and seeing so many familiar faces,” Alvey said.

Both students admit that they have not yet started their speeches for graduation.

McHugh and Alvey do have advice for their younger classmates, regarding academic work. “You hear this all the time, but don’t procrastinate. I have been an awful procrastinator and it has caused me to lose many hours of sleep over the past years. Do your best to actually start on large assignments prior to the night before they are due. Also, I advise you to challenge yourself with your classes while not overburdening yourself,” McHugh said.

“Just do your best, for everything, no matter whether or not you understand it. Just take the time, to try to learn,” Alvey said.

The graduation speaker, chosen by the Class of 2017, is English teacher Mr. Jeff Mulvey. The graduation ceremony will occur on Sunday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Taft Theatre. The theme for this year is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”