LAKE ODESSA – Lakewood High School honors 21 seniors with academic excellence for the class of 2021.

This year’s class has 21 senior students, including four Valedictorians and one Salvationatorian (listed below in alphabetical order), and 12 students who achieved a GPA of 3.75 or higher, plus 16 semesters of college classes during their high school years.

The seniors of academic excellence and their academic achievements in order are:

Valedictorian Ashton Gibson, daughter of Grant Gibson and Amber Gibson of Lake Odessa, who graduated with a 4.262 GPA. His academic achievements include departmental honors in orchestra and the Circle of Excellence. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society, the marching band / concert band, tennis and theater. She plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue studies in environmental science.

Valedictorian Jessalyn Hawkins, daughter of John and Sandra Hawkins of Freeport, who graduated with a 4.262 GPA. His academic accomplishments include the Davenport Honor Roll, Circle of Excellence and Presidents List. His extracurricular activities include varsity cheerleading (4 years), college football (4 years), National Honor Society, and the Marching Band Drum Major (3 years). She plans to attend Baylor University to pursue studies in neuroscience and attend medical school.

Valedictorian Kaitlyn Heffelbower, daughter of Jerry and Cathie Heffelbower of Woodland, who graduated with a 4,262 GPA. Her academic accomplishments include President of the National Honor Society, Circle of Excellence, Group Section Leader (Junior Year), Sophomore Viking Voice Representative and 2 Academic Awards. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society, softball, dance, weightlifting, walking / concert / jazz band and Teens against Tobacco. She plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a dual degree in architecture and construction management.

Valedictorian Gavin Salgat, son of Aric Salgat of Freeport and Jennifer Salgat of Grand Rapids, who graduated with a 4,262 GPA. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society, the student council and baseball. He plans to attend Central Michigan University to earn a degree in accounting.

Salutatorian Jakeb Jackson, son of Ross and Elisa Jackson of Lake Odessa, who graduated with a 4.25 GPA. His academic achievements include the Circle of Excellence and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society, football, golf, the marching band, and teens against tobacco. He plans to attend Lawrence Technological University to pursue studies in architectural design.

Nathan Alford, son of William and Dawn Alford of Woodland, who graduated with an average of 4,167 GPA. His academic achievements include Circle of Excellence, Academic All-State in cross-country. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society, 4-year-old cross country, 4-year-old track, student government, and one-year wrestling. He plans to attend Ferris State University and major in biology. He plans to become an orthodontist. He also plans to run cross country and track at Ferris State University.

Abigayle Mazurek, daughter of Lynn Mazurek of Woodland and Rebecca Mazurek of Freeport, who graduated with an average of 4,167 GPA. His academic achievements include Circle of Excellence, 2021 Foreign Language, 2018 1st Place in Short Story Literary Competition, 2019 3rd Place Art in the Park, 2019 Honorable Mention New. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society. She plans to go to community college.

Thomas Wilkins, son of Cort and Tracy Wilkins of Clarksville, who graduated with a 4,160 GPA. His academic achievements include Circle of Excellence. His extracurricular activities include the group. He plans to attend Michigan Technological University to earn a degree in computer science.

Leonard Lagarde IV, son of Leonard Lagarde from Olivet and Stacia Lagarde from Lake Odessa, who graduated from 4.155 GPA. His extracurricular activities include the group drum line.

Katie Acker, the daughter of Dan and Jacey Acker from Lake Odessa, who graduated from 4,146 GPA. Her academic accomplishments include Circle of Excellence, Team Captain, MHSAA Finalist Fellowship Athlete, All Counties, All Conferences, All Regions and All University States for Cross Country. His extracurricular activities include National Honor Society, Cross Country, Track, Student Government Secretary, Youth Group, Awana Leader, and S4SD. She plans to attend Grace College and graduate for her BSN, she will also be running for their cross country track and field program.

Karis Scobey the daughter of Tim and Nancy Scobey from Lake Odessa, who graduated with a GPA of 4.093. His academic achievements include the Circle of Excellence in Fine Arts, the John Phillip Sowa Award. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society. She plans to pursue studies in digital animation and computer science at Huntington University.

Emilie Yonker is the daughter of Dave Yonker of Hastings and Jennie Yonker of Lake Odessa, who graduated with a 3,988 GPA. His academic achievements include a circle of excellence for the art department. His extracurricular activities include softball. She plans to attend the College for Creative Studies in Detroit to study fiber and textiles.

Heath Carter the son of Jeff and Christy Carter of Lake Odessa, who graduated with a 3,946 GPA. His academic achievements include a Circle of Excellence for German and Mathematics, his extracurricular activities include athletics, football, National Honor Society and YAC. He plans to pursue studies in sports management at Concordia University.

Madelyn Hibbs, daughter of Chris and Betsy Hibbs from Lake Odessa, who graduated with a 3,895 GPA. His academic achievements include Student of the Month (Heartlands) Award, Distinguished Student Award, 4-Pointer Award, Heartlands Institute of Technology Program Award. Its extracurricular activities include dance, student government, the National Honor Society, 4-H, and student counseling. She plans to attend Grand Valley State University to earn a nursing degree.

Hannah Slater, daughter of Mikel and Heidi Slater from Woodland, who graduated with a GPA of 3.821. Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society and college softball. She enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Emily Apsey, daughter of Chad and Jamie Apsey of Lake Odessa, who graduated with a 3,766 GPA. His academic achievements include Circle of Excellence. His extracurricular activities include cross country, track, youth group, volunteer work in local churches and 3 years of symphony group. She will start a career at AIS.

Makayla Schafer, daughter of the late Renada Schafer, Darren and Jamie Schafer of Lake Odessa, who graduated with a 3,739 GPA. His academic achievements include Circle of Excellence and a Special Service Award (NHS). Its extracurricular activities include the National Honor Society, S4SD and the theater. She is currently not sure of her future plans.