2016 Ballard Academic Awards Night
Twenty-Second Annual Ballard Academic Achievement Awards
Ballard High School, August 31, 2016
Another beautiful night of talent, scholarship and achievement was celebrated with musical numbers by Cale Bangs, "Sonata for Timpani III" and Madelynn Connell who sang "Ave Verum Corpus" by Mozart. Mr. Peter Krum graciously played both the piano prelude and postlude. Following are the seniors who were chosen by each listed department of the high school faculty to be the most deserving of the namesake's award. Thank you to all!
The Mark Finch Agriculture Award went to Nicholas Jordan. Jenny Lichty, Ballard Ag instructor, says, "Nicholas is a great role model, is the FFA Treasurer, and is greatly involved in Agriculture Assisted Technology studies."
Caitlin Peterson received the Sherry Kramer Family & Consumer Science Award, presented by Mrs. Jean Longnecker, because of the high standards Caitlin sets for herself and for her responsible and goal-oriented attitude.
Lauryn Broer was the recipient of the Karen Harrison Foreign Language Award (on right is the presenter, teacher Emily Cunarro). As a fourth-year student of Spanish, Lauryn enjoys tutoring others, is known for her bright smile and positive, strong leadership.
Drake Johnson was awarded the Todd Sommerfeld Industrial Technology Award. Presenter Nick Steenhagen describes Drake's attributes, "He is incredibly talented in woodworking and carpentry. Drake is quiet, but a leader, and a dependable peer helper. His service in the National Guard this past summer is also commendable."
Ann Lem presented the Sheila King Language Arts Award to Kurt Sernett for his excellent service starting up the "Scripturient" last year, serving as the editor and then Kurt became an important force and voice in the fall semester, to produce the Literary Magazine.
Pictured is John Ronca as Sheila was not able to attend.
The Mike Carr Math Award went to Jessica Norris who presenter, Mr. Nathan Smith explains, has taken every high-level math course that Ballard offers and excelled in all of them. Mr. Smith hopes that even though Jessica plans to major in Dance,
that she will continue to hone her talent for mathematics in the future as well.
Ryan Carson was selected to receive the Karina Snider Instrumental Music Award. Presenter Mr. Derrick Hawks explains that Ryan's clarinet playing not only qualified him to be in the All-State Music competition but that he actually enjoyed the challenge of competing with Valley and Ankeny musicians.
Mr. Peter Krum was glad to present the Cheryle Harmon Vocal Music Award to Samuel Douglas who has been an instrumental force in each one of Ballard's choirs. Samuel has chosen to go to Luther College and plans to major in music education.
Al Christian presented the Rob Drew Physical Education Award to Jenna Moody. Jenna has set a good example for other female athletes with her go-getter attitude and daily example of weight-lifting.
The Deb Shannan Science Award went to Matthew Rayman, presented by Mr. Matt Harrison, who said of him, "Matthew deserves the Science Award because of his great attitude and dedication to learning this broad field. He plans to attend Iowa State to major in math and science."
Clayton Poots received the Nicole Kennedy Service Award, presented by Jeriann McLaughlin, who said that Clayton's infectious smile is seen everywhere, as he helps and volunteers, especially at the Ballard Middle School.
Ben McQuade (right) presented Kaleb Odden with the Pat Cole Social Studies Award. Kaleb was a unanimous choice from the Social Studies Department because of his tireless work, growing his understanding of the world both inside and outside the classroom.
The Troy McKay Speech/Drama Award was awarded to Kaitlyn Vasey, by Mrs. Lisa Ronca. It was not only that Kaitlyn received the highest number of participation points in this area, but is also a bubbly ray of sunshine, with a diligent and dedicated work ethic.
The Shawn Palek Visual Arts Awards went to Jenna Mathews and Lawton Wright, who both earned All-State honors in art this past year. Mrs. Amy Endres presented the awards, saying, of Jenna, "Her mural in the Huxley Police Department was just one example of her abundant community service. She inspires others to do their best, from the heart." And, of Lawton, "His football t-shirt design was chosen above others, but, beyond that, his work and attitude is an inspiration to others' art."
