Christie Taylor and Blake Underwood were both named valedictorian during White County High School’s Senior Awards night on Tuesday. (photo/wrwh.com)
(Cleveland)- For the first time ever, the White County School System is honoring two valedictorians. Christie Taylor and Blake Underwood were both recognized with the honor during Tuesday’s Senior Awards night.
White County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeff Wilson said, with the recently signed Senate Bill 211, by the governor, the legislation requires school systems to include in their valedictorian process students who are not only a traditional high school student, but those who are participating in the “ Move on when Ready” and “ Dual Credit” programs.
Governor Deal signed the bill just a few days ago and the school system quickly made a decision to conform with the law and recognize both Taylor, who is a Move on When Ready student and Underwood, a traditional student. Wilson said, “ we are proud to have both recognized as Valedictorians.”
The event was held at the Bridge Church in Cleveland and High School Counselor Keith Futch said on the scholarship side $300,000 in scholarships were awarded. According to Futch, many of the students received multiple scholarships and for several, those scholarships are renewable, which result in just over a million dollars in total awards.
A total of 112 scholarships were awarded, “one of the biggest number of scholarships we’ve ever done, the biggest dollar figure, most scholarships, most community scholarships, this has been a big year,” commented Futch.
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