April 7, 2013
04/08/13 Plymouth High School honored those seniors who have attained the grade point averages to be in the top five percent of the graduating class of 2013 at a banquet held on April 2. Twelve students were given the opportunity to recognize an influential person that they selected who inspired them throughout their school years.
All of the educators honored this year are members of the staff of Plymouth High School.
Superintendent Daniel Tyree presented the Academic Excellence Awards to the students. Tyree said, “you have a standing invitation to come back to Plymouth. We need you.”
His words were echoed by PHS Principal Jim Condon. Condon said, “You can always come home.”
Hope Babcock, daughter of Jeffery Babcock and Ann Babcock, plans to attend Indiana University South Bend and major in Secondary Education in French. She chose Melissa Faulstich to honor. Babcock said, “Every day I sit in the back of her class and imagine what kind of teacher I will be.” She said Faulstich is sincere and passionate.
Kurt Corsbie is headed to Butler University where he will pursue a degree in chemistry. He is the son of Jeff Corsbie and Joni Corsbie. Corsbie chose Dave Hatcher as his most influential teacher. Corsbie said Hatcher has implemented technology into his classroom and uses review quizzes and tests to make sure his students learn. Corsbie said, “Mr. Hatcher has diligence and enthusiasm.”
Marissa Daugherty plans to study either psychiatry or law at Indiana University South Bend. She is the daughter of J.C. Daugherty and Melinda Daugherty. Kyle Coffman was the honored guest of Daugherty. Daugherty spoke of Coffman’s influence when he was her English teacher and now as assistant principal. She said, “Mr. Coffman is a trusted adult who gives me good advice. He was there when I needed someone to listen.”
Jackson Garrison plans to pursue folk ethnomusicology at Indiana University. He is the son of Robert Garrison and Sandra Garrison. Garrison chose to honor Bryan Ames. Garrison said he learned how to be a better leader from Ames.” Garrison said, “He actively inspires people.”
Jacob Harley will be studying music media productions at Ball State University. He chose Stephanie Wezeman to honor as his most influential teacher. Harley said, “She is truly inspiring and promotes a good work ethic.” He said Wezeman is able to balance the work of her students.
Ike Kastner, son of Gregg Stanton, Liz Kastner-Stanton and David Kastner plans to attend either Trine University or Indiana University. He is contemplating majoring in business or education. Ryan Bales was the honored guest of Kastner. He said, “Coach Bales has the “it” factor.” “The whole team trusted him.” He said. “I want to thank the coach for making me the man I am and for preparing me for life after high school.”
Paul Large, son of Dan Large and Michele Large, will attend Bethel College where he will study nursing. Large said teacher are the keepers of knowledge. He chose Dena McLochlin to honor as his most influential teacher. Large said, “She greeted me with a warm and friendly smile.” He called McLouchin superb and an over-the-top teacher.
Audrey Samuelson plans to attend in either DePauw University or Indiana University and pursue a degree in biology. She is the daughter of Todd Samuelson and Shannon Samuelson. Samuelson honored Dave Cox. Samuelson said, “Mr. Cox is an engaging teacher.” She said biology is the study of life and Mr. Cox teaches life lessons. “I am thankful that I got to have him as a teacher.” she said.
Kelsey Schnieders, daughter of Barry Schnieders and Meg Schnieders, plans to study creative writing at Purdue University. Amy Schmeltz was the guest of Schnieders. Schmeltz is the spell bowl coach at PHS. Schnieders said, “Mrs. Schmeltz is extremely dedicated and deeply cares.” She added, “She has a caring and understanding attitude.”
Nicole Splix will attend either Purdue University or the University of Notre Dame. The daughter of Nick Splix and Cheryl Splix plans to study biology/ pre med. Splix said her most influential teacher is Paula Steiner. Splix said, “She is a teacher to live up to and model.” “She sets high standards for herself and her students and has shaped my learning for the better.”
Grace Stokes, daughter of Tom Stokes and Tammy Stokes, will be attending Purdue University to pursue biology. Stokes chose teacher Ryan Rust. Stokes spoke of the way Rust talks to his students about choices. Stokes said, “Mr. Rust says no question is a dumb question.” She ended her remarks with a challenge to her peers saying, “Life is all about choices. what choices will you make?”
Gabriel Vervynckt has planned to attend Grace College to pursue a degree in accounting. He is the son of James Vervynckt and Laura Vervynckt. Michael Delp was the teacher chosen by Vervynckt. Delp serves as a tennis coach for PHS and is Vervynckt’s coach. Vervynckt said, “He has shown me what it is to be a leader.” He called Delp a teacher, coach and friend.
Nick Chaney, representing U.S. Granules, the underwriter of the event, presented the educators with Appreciation Awards. Speaking to the seniors being recognized, Chaney said, “Expect to succeed.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
Picture ID’s:
Picture 1: Hope Babcock, Kurt Corsbie, Marissa Daugherty, Jackson Garrison, Jacob Harley, Ike Kastner
Picture 2: Paul Large, Audrey Samuelson, Kelsey Schnieders, Nicole Splix, Grace Stokes, Gabriel Vervynckt