David Achter

Students who fall into the top decile were presented with a certificate.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published with a list of 25 students provided to The Falconer. We were informed after publication that there were three students that did not appear on the original list. This story has been updated to include them, and we apologize for the error.

FHS released certificates to the top decile winners Monday, in a longstanding tradition that recognizes the top performing seniors at the school. Unlike many other high schools, FHS does not recognize a valedictorian or salutatorian, but instead awards the top ten percent of students by GPA the “top decile” award. “I am very impressed with the caliber of the students and the hard work they’ve put in over the years,” said Dr. Catherine Croft, faculty advisor of the National Honor Society and the coordinator of the awards.

The award recognizes the senior class’ top 28 students, a decrease from previous years where typically 30 were recognized. The small decrease, according to Croft, can be attributed to the smaller senior class. “It’s a very nice way to honor these students after four years of high school,” said Croft.

“I am very happy,” said senior Jake Woodside, who has among the highest weighted GPA of the senior class. “My fellow students in the top decile I know have worked insanely hard throughout their years and deserve this recognition,” said Woodside. “I am proud that I received high enough grades to be a part of the top decile…I’ve worked towards it since the start of my high school career,” said senior Andrew Lerudis.

Top decile students will be recognized at an upcoming award ceremony on May 2. The ceremony will include a testimonial written by a teacher of the student’s choice, plus a short one minute speech from each student. “It’s usually a very beautiful and touching ceremony, because the teachers read their tributes to their students,” said Croft.

The announced winners are below in alphabetical order:
Leguejou Awunganyi
Lana Barkovic
Reese Brown
Sean Buckley
Annaka Busenlehner
Lauren Byrd
Sarah Chipman
Caleb Crane
Sarah Crouch
Julia Crowther
Dylan Damer
Brandon Frear
Elizabeth Fishback
Isabella Galvan
Vanessa Gutierrez-Covarrubias
Alana Henegar
Grace Jones
Andrew Lerudis
Htetarkar Lin
Rahath Miah
Jake Miller
Haley Paap
Alice Patusky
Sadie Richards
Cassidy Scott
Jessica Tillman
Jake Woodside
William Zitzmann