32nd Annual Academic Excellence Banquet
Each year, The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Weyerhaeuser Co. honor the top 5 percent of the graduating classes from all seven public school districts in Garland County, including the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts. This annual event was started in 1986 by Ray Owen Jr. while he was on the Education Committee for the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and the tradition has continued. Weyerhaeuser has been a sponsor of this event since 2006 and The Sentinel-Record is an in-kind sponsor. This year’s banquet will be held from 6-9 p.m. today at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The following is a listing of the students being honored this year. The biographies and photographs were provided by the Chamber of Commerce.
Katherine Joy Alford
Alford is the daughter of Gregg and Donna Alford. She attends Lakeside High School, where she is a cheerleader and a member of Mu Alpha Theta and Beta Club.
She plans to major in engineering at the University of Arkansas.
Benjamin Allen
Allen is the son of Daniel and Gina Allen. He attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, where he is a member of the Computer Science Club, Robotics Club and a peer mentor.
He plans to major in computer science at the University of Arkansas.
Katie Ashing
Ashing is the daughter of Georgia Beard. She attends Hot Springs World
Class High
School where she works on the yearbook staff and is a varsity cheerleader.
She plans to major in nursing.
Jonathan William Wesley Bates
Bates is the son of David and Shelley Bates. He attends Jessieville High School where he is a member of the 4-H Club, FFA and Beta Club.
He plans to major in wildlife biology and conservation at Arkansas Tech University.
Kailey Bausch
Bausch is the daughter of Eric Bausch and Maiga Maynard. She attends Lakeside High School, where she played on the Lakeside Volleyball team, all three years on varsity, and is a member of student council and National Honor Society.
She plans to major in intermediate elementary at the University of Central Arkansas.
Ian Bishop
Bishop is the son of Alicia and Coby Bishop. He attends
Lake Hamilton
High School where he is a member of
Beta Club, the football team and National
Honor Society.
He plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Arkansas.
Christian Boekhout
Boekhout is the son of Sandra Billie and Milton Boekhout. He attends Hot Springs World Class High School where he is a member of the marching band, concert band, Spa City Youngbloods Blues Band, student council, was student body president and served on the State Youth Advisory Council.
He plans to major in international studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Toni Breshears
Breshears is the daughter of Tuffy and Stephanie Breshears. She attends Cutter Morning Star High School where she is a member of
Beta Club,
FBLA and was a Hot Springs
Rotary Club student guest.
She plans to major in middle school education with an emphasis in mathematics and English literature at National Park College and then Henderson State University.
Antoniesha Burns
Burns is the daughter of Keisha Owens and Richard Coleman. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School where she is a member of Interact Rotary, Key Club and National Honor Society.
She plans to major in biology at National Park College and University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
Allison Caldwell
Caldwell is the daughter of Bobby and Carrie Caldwell. She attends Lake Hamilton High School where she is a member of the
Lake Hamilton Color
Guard, Lake Hamilton
Wind Symphony and
Beta Club.
She plans to major in psychology at Henderson State University Honors College.
Samuel Capps
Capps is the son of Charlie and Julie Capps. He attends Hot Springs World Class High School.
He plans to major in criminal justice at National Park College.
Josie Carson
Carson is the daughter of Eric and Deonne Carson. She attends Lake Hamilton High School where she was a member of the Lake Hamilton track and cross country teams, Lake Hamilton Powerband of Arkansas, and was a senior class officer.
She plans to major in biochemistry at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Anna Cole
Cole is the daughter of Mitzi and Steve
Cole. She attends Lake Hamilton High
School where she is on the varsity cross country and track teams, a member of
4-H and plays piano.
She plans to major in environmental science and music at the University of Tulsa.
Grace Cole
Cole is the daughter of
Steve and Mitzi Cole. She attends Lake Hamilton High
School where she is on the track and pole vault teams and a member of Spanish Honors Society and F-H.
She plans to major in premed at Hendrix College.
Kelly Currington
Currington is the daughter of Lamar and Shannon Currington. She attends Mountain Pine High
School where she is a member of FCA, the bowling team and Beta Club.
She plans to major in English at Ouachita Baptist University.
Chloe Davis
Davis is the daughter of Robbie and Sandy Davis. She attends Jessieville High School where she is a cheerleader and a member of the choir and student council.
She plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas Schedler Honors College.
Torin Edward Davis
Davis is the son of Edward and Regina Davis. He attends Lakeside High
School where he is senior class president, a member of the varsity football and varsity soccer teams.
He plans to major in engineering and physics at the University of Arkansas or the University of Tulsa.
Madison Dixon
Dixon is the daughter of Jeff and Stephanie Dixon. She attends Cutter Morning Star High School where she is on the Lady Eagles basketball team and a member of Beta Club and FCCLA.
She plans to major in chemistry (pre-health professional biochemistry) at Southern Arkansas University.
Alyssa Easterling
Easterling is the daughter of Hollie and Chad Easterling. She attends the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts where she is a member of the Botany/ Zoology Club, the Geology Club and Grandma’s Club.
She was inducted into the Lady Panther Hall of Fame, received a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for Ability and Creativity in In-Vitro Viology at the Southwestern Energy Arkansas Science and Engineering Fair, an Arkansas Governor’s School certificate of achievement, certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman and won first place in microbiology in the West Central Regional Junior Academy of Sciences.
She plans to major in animal and dairy science with pre-veterinary concentration at Mississippi State University.
Noah Eskew
Eskew is the son of Tami and Cory Eskew. He attends Jessieville High
School where he is a member of the student council, track team and Beta
Club.
He plans to major in biochemistry at Oklahoma
Baptist University.
Nathan Evans
Evans is the son of Michael and Peggy Evans. He attends Lakeside High School where he is a member of National Honors Society, the chess team and Lakeside Book Club.
He plans to attend Hendrix College.
Hannah Gloria
Gloria is the daughter of Jason Gloria. and Lisa She attends Hamilton Lake High School where she participated in multiple clubs, service projects and extracurricular activities with an interest in the sciences.
She plans to attend Arkansas Tech University where she will study biochemistry and Spanish.
Jessa Goodeaux
Goodeaux is the daughter of Robert and Sarah Goodeaux. She attends Fountain Lake High School where she is a member of FFA and F-H and served as FFA Chapter President for three consecutive years. She was recognized by Gov. Asa Hutchinson in 2017 for her community volunteer service and was a 2017 Arkansas FFA State Officer candidate.
She plans to attend Mississippi State University where she was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine Early Entry Program. She will participate in Army ROTC and plans to be an Army veterinarian.
Sidra Hanson
Hanson is the daughter of Karl Hanson and Angie Macri and
Wade Derden.
She attends Lakeside High
School where she was a member of the Yearbook staff, the swim team and National Spanish Honor Society.
She plans to major in English and creative writing at Hendrix College.
Aubrey Hibbs
Hibbs is the son of Trey and Schasta Hibbs. He attends Lake Hamilton High School where he was a member of the Lake Hamilton Power Band, National Honor Society and Beta Club.
He plans to major in biochemistry at Henderson State University.
Courtney Hill
Hill is the daughter of Rick and Karen Hill. She attends Hot Springs
World Class
High School where she is a member of band, National Honor Society and was the Lady Trojan basketball manager.
She plans to major in psychology at Henderson State University.
Andrew Igbokidi
Igbokidi is the son of Oyidie and Greg Igbokidi. He attends Lakeside High School where he is a member of the basketball team, National Honor Society and Beta Club.
He plans to major in biology at the University of Central Arkansas.
Juan Jackson Jr.
Jackson is the son of Michelle Jackson.
He attends
Lake Hamilton
High School where he is a member of
Beta Club and plays piano.
He plans to major in computer science at the University of Arkansas.
Ganell Jones
Jones is the daughter of Yolanda Jones. She attends Hot Springs World Class High School where she is a member of National Honor Society, Key Club president, and an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate.
She plans to major in biology and chemistry at University of Central Arkansas Honors College.
Sabrina Jones
Jones is the daughter of Kurt and Sandra Jones. She attends the Arkansas School for
Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts where she is a member of National Honors Society, Beta Club and Student Government Association.
She plans to major in physics and math.
Melissa Kennedy
Kennedy is the daughter of Aaron Sexton. She attends Cutter Morning Star High School where she is a member of FCCLA, Drama Club and participated in the National Park College Talent Search.
She plans to major in business management at National Park College and Henderson State University.
Louis J. Lammers III
Lammers is the son of Jeff and Kelley Lammers. He attends Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts where he is a member of FBLA, an ASMSA Community Leader and is on the Hot Springs World Class High track and field team.
He plans to major in physics and aerospace engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Joanne Ji Hae Lee
Lee is the daughter of Mi Hyang and Jong Kwan Lee. She attends Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts where she is a member of FBLA, National Honors Society and Beta Club.
She plans to major in bio- logical sciences at Northwestern University.
Luke Long
Long is the son of Richard and Molly Long. He attends Lakeside High School where he is president of the Lakeside National Honor Society, captain of the Lakeside Quiz Bowl team and a four-year varsity letterman on the Lakeside soccer team.
He plans to major in physics.
Alexandra Lopez
Lopez is the daughter of John and Kimberly Lopez. She attends Lake Hamilton High School and is a youth worship leader at River of Life Church of God, a member of the Lake Hamilton Singers Choir and National Honor Society.
Daniel Mayberry
Mayberry is the son of Jennifer Mayberry. He attends Lake Hamilton High School where he is a member and officer with the Lake Hamilton Thespian Troupe 1699, president of student council and president of Spanish Honor Society.
He plans to major in theater performance at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.
Carson McCord
McCord is the daughter of Ashley and Brad Braughton. She attends Lake Hamilton High School and is a member of New Life Church, National Honors Society and FBLA.
She plans to major in business administration with a focus on management at Chapman University.
Ali Meeks
Meeks is the daughter of Jesslyn and Vell Dean Meeks. She attends Mountain Pine High
School where she is a member of Gifted and Talented, the basketball team and Beta Club.
She plans to major in biology (pre-med) at Henderson State University.
Hannah Morrison
Morrison is the daughter of Micah and Melanie Morrison. She attends Lake Hamilton High School where she is a member of the Lake Hamilton Power Band, Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta.
She plans to major in nursing at Arkansas State University.
Esmeralda Ramirez
Ramirez is the daughter of Benito Ramirez and
Celene Juarez.
She attends
Cutter Morning Star High
School where she is a member of Kye-Yac International, president of student council and president of FBLA.
She plans to major in international business.
Tylor Rea-Garibay
Rea-Garibay is the son of Dean and Kandy Gould. He attends Fountain Lake High School and is an Eagle Scout with Troop One, vice president of student council and vice president of National Honor Society.
He plans to major in biology at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Anna Richardson
Richardson is the daughter of Adam and
Mary Richardson. She attends Lake Hamilton High
School where she participates in sports medicine and is a member of the Environmental Club and Mu Alpha Theta.
She plans to major in biology (pre-med) at the University of Arkansas Honors College.
Noah Ross
Ross is the son of Doug and Jenny Ross. He attends Lakeside High School where he is a member of the tennis team, student council and National Honors Society.
He plans to major in biology with a minor in chemistry at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Kyle Sadler
Sadler is the son of Bill and Andrea Sadler. He attends Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts and was a counselor at Camp
Aldersgate, a summer camp for children with disabilities, and a member of the Computer Science Club and choir.
He plans to major in computer science and math.
Braden Sarver
Sarver is the son of Kalani Sarver. He attends Hot Springs World Class High School where he was on the baseball team for four years, a member of student council for four years and a member of National Honors Society.
He plans to major in communications at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Jacey Scott
Scott is the daughter of
Jeff and Brandee Scott. She attends Lake Hamilton
High School where she is a member of National Honors Society, Spanish Honor Society and a cheerleader.
She plans to major in biology at the University of Arkansas.
Lauren Sims
Sims is the daughter of Katherine and Matt Polczynski. She attends Lakeside High School where she is a member of band, FBLA and National Honors Society.
She plans to major in biology at Ouachita Baptist University.
Michala Smith
Smith is the daughter of
Mike and Jacklyn Smith. She attends Lake Hamilton High
School where she is on the softball team, a member of Mu
Alpha Theta and the Environmental Club.
She plans to major in engineering at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Elizabeth Solleder
Solleder is the daughter of Shea Childs and Bill Solleder. She attends Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts where she is a member of National Honors Society, a cheerleader and member of the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company.
She plans to major in environmental science at Northwestern University.
Corbett Drake Stephens
Stephens is the son of Jeff and Cindy Stephens. He attends Lakeside
High School where he is a member of the All Created Equal Club,
Young Men of Distinction and Leadership of Hot Springs.
He plans to major in computer engineering/computer science at the University of
Arkansas.
Lauren Terry
Terry is the daughter of
Elizabeth Terry and Joseph Terry. She attends
Fountain Lake
Charter High School where she is a member of the Cobra Marching Band, Key Club and Hot Springs Concert Band.
She plans to major in psychology at University of Arkansas.
Mason Thornton-Treat
Thornton-Treat is the son of Kay Thornton and Laura Treat. He attends Cutter Morning Star High School where he is a member of the Eagles basketball team, FBLA and Gifted and Talented.
He plans to major in physical therapy at Henderson State University.
Cody Tigue
Tigue is the son of Darrell and Karmen
Tigue. He attends Fountain
Lake Charter
High School where he is a member of
EAST, Audiovisual and
Film Club and the band.
He plans to major in film and video at the University of Central Arkansas.
Ethan Wacaster
Wacaster is the son of Russ and Paula Wacaster. He attends Lake Hamilton High School where he is a member of the Young Men of Distinction, Mu Alpha Theta and student council.
He plans to major in computer science and computer engineering at the University of Arkansas.
Raven Webb
Webb attends Hot Springs World Class High School where she is a member of
Art Club and participated in the Educational Talent
Search.
She plans to major in biology at Arkansas State University.
Ethan Westerman
Westerman is the son of Bruce and
Sharon Westerman. He attends Fountain Lake
High School where he is on the basketball team and a member of student council and Key Club.
He plans to major in marketing and journalism at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Hannah Whorton
Whorton is the daughter of Greg and Amy Whorton. She attends Lakeside High
School where she was secretary of the Lakeside student council, a varsity volleyball player for three years, attended Arkansas Governor’s School in 2017 and was president of Beta Club.
She plans to major in chemistry at the University of Tulsa.
Cameron J. Witt
Witt is the daughter of Carlene and Brian Witt. She attends Lakeside High School where she was secretary of National Honor Society, vice president of National Spanish Honor Society and a member of Beta Club.
She plans to major in political science/ pre-law at the University of Arkansas.