Over 30 awards were presented to deserving high school seniors at the Galva Rotary Awards Night Sunday, May 5. Parents and friends of the students were in attendance as honors were bestowed on many of the soon-to-be graduates and underclassmen.

Members of each class who had maintained a grade average of 3.5 for the first semester of 2023-2024 were awarded certificates of merit, and special recognition was given to those who achieved at least a 3.0 average for their entire high school career.

Presenting the awards were Victoria Conner, school counselor, Supt. Joe Becker and Rotary Club President and Principal, Kurtis Smyth.

Gunner Spivey, valedictorian for the Class of 2019 was the keynote speaker. He encouraged the students, both those still in high school and those graduating, to concentrate on doing a good job and finishing their homework.

“It’s a guarantee for success,” said Spivey.

Three graduating seniors were recognized as Illinois State Scholars. State scholars are selected annually based on standardized test scores combined with sixth-semester class rank. These students rank in the top 10 percent of graduates from Illinois high schools. John Gravitt, Krysten Hill, and Mia Merkel were all awarded certificates for outstanding performance in the 2024-2025 Illinois State Scholar Program competitions.

Ten students received the President’s Education Award which requires that students earn a grade point average equivalent to a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. They also must demonstrate high motivation, initiative, integrity, intellectual depth, leadership and good judgment. That award went to Karlie Dailey, John Gravitt, Ava Gunn, Krysten Hill, Mia Merkel, Jared O’Brien, Kendall Rogers and Jaydan Sallee.

Baccalaureate for the seniors was held earlier in the day at the Messiah Lutheran Church, with graduation set for Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.