Valedictorian – Gracie Awalt

“It feels thrilling to be recognized for my hard work,” says Fairfield High School Class of 2017 Valedictorian, Mattie Grace Awalt.

Touting a grade point average of 5.54, Gracie plans to further her education at University of Texas at Austin to earn a degree in Biology.

“I might want to pursue a career in the medical field conducting cancer research,” she explains.

Gracie has participated in JV Softball, Varsity Tennis, JV Powerlifting; has served as Beta Club President, School Newspaper Editor, and Twirling Captain; and has been a member of Interact Club, the UIL Journalism Team, and plays flute in the Grand Band from Eagle Land.

She has earned such honors as ATSSB Area Band, All-State Journalism Staff and State Competitor, State Solo and Ensemble Flue and Twirling, and Outstanding Student Awards.

The daughter of Mary and Don Awalt, Gracie has two siblings; Owen and Meredith.

In her free time, Gracie enjoys photography, distance running, reading, movies, and twirling.

Outside of school, she participates in FUMC Sunday Child Care and Trunk or Treat, Purple Pinkie Polio Project, Monthly Recycle Event, and is a Blood Donor.

Mr. Bill Large has been an inspiration to Gracie. “He loves his career and knows that he’s making a difference in people’s lives,” she says. “I strive to find purpose like that and also enjoy it while making a difference in people’s lives.”

“My high school has a small community feeling that makes you feel cared for and appreciated on a personal level,” she continues.

Gracie leaves this advice to her underclassmen as he moves forward, “Do everything you enjoy to the best of your ability. Set goals and work steadily to meet them. Solve one problem at a time.”

She concludes by saying, “Hook’em Horns!”

Gracie, along with the class of 2017, will walk the stage at 8:00 p.m. this Friday evening, May 26, 2016 at Eagle Field in Fairfield.

Congratulations on a job well done, Gracie!

 

 

Salutatorian – Jacob Allred

“As a student at FHS, the thing I appreciate most is the sense of community and family and that many of the teachers and coaches genuinely care about you,” states 2017 FHS Salutatorian, Jacob Garth Allred.

With a grade point average of 5.48, Jacob, has had a very busy, and successful four years at FHS.

“Achieving this honor has been a relief and given me a sense of finality to high school,” he says of earning the title Salutatorian. “It was a relief knowing I maintained my rank, and it was a final accomplishment in my high school career.”

The son of Cristina and Patrick Allred, and brother to Molly Allred, Jacob has plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to secure a Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

“I chose Mechanical engineering degree because it is a very broad engineering major, and my physics and math classes were important deciding factors.”

His advice to underclassmen this: “Get involved – play sports, be in the band, join clubs, but make sure you leave time for yourself and your school work.”

As if to prove his point about being getting involved, here is a list of his many activities, achievements, and honors over the past four years.
–Academics: Perfect Attendance for two years, Top Freshman English Student, Z Time Class Officer, UIL Social Studies, and UIL Science
–Sports: Football and golf
–Clubs & Councils: Newspaper Staff, BETA Club, Interact Club, and Cross Examination Debate
–Community Activities: Carter Blood Care volunteer and donor, Eagle Football Camp Volunteer, and Purple Pinkie volunteer

Outside of school, Jacob enjoys sports, especially football, and camping.

A source of inspiration to Jacob is teacher, Coach John Bachtel. “As my football coach, he taught me many things that I could not have learned in a classroom, such as leadership, the power of determination, and hard work; and what it means to be a part of a team,” explains Jacob. “His leadership as a coach has shaped me as a man just as equally as my work in the classroom has, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to play for him.

Jacob concludes by saying, ”You can do anything that you put the work and effort towards, and Hook’em Horns!”

Congratulations to you, Jacob!