2009 Valedictorian, Salutatorian named at Trenton and Bell

By Carrie A. Mizell

Faculty and staff at Bell High School are proud to introduce and congratulate the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2009.

Bell High School’s valedictorian is Michael James Toal, son of James and Michelle Toal of Trenton. Michael will graduate with a numeric average of 97.3611.
While attending Bell High School, Michael has consistently earned a spot on the A-B Honor Roll. He is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, HOSA, Hi-Q, Beta, and Educational Talent Search. Michael has also been listed on Lake City Community College’s President’s List while taking dual enrollment classes. He has also been listed in the National Society of High School Honors.
In his spare time, Michael works at Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Lake City, which coincides with several of his hobbies, including playing with animals, time spent on the computer, swimming, watching movies and spending time with friends.
Michael has logged volunteer hours at the Trenton Animal Hospital during the summer of 2004, while also working with Beta Club’s Thanksgiving food drive each year.
In the past, Michael has been a D.A.R.E Program essay winner, named to Lake City College’s Governor’s Program, as well as being selected Character Council of Gilchrist County’s personality in October 2007 for exemplifying thoroughness.
After graduation, Michael plans to finish community college at Lake City Community College then transfer to the University of Florida where he plans to study veterinary medicine in hopes of becoming a small animal veterinarian in the future.
Bell High School’s salutatorian is Ulrica Kristina Diamond, daughter of Gregg and Elisabeth Diamond of Bell. Ulrica will graduate with a numeric average of 96.9821.
While attending Bell High School, Ulrica has been acknowledged for outstanding performance on the FCAT, while also being listed on the A Honor Roll. She has garnered academic achievement in English II Honors, World History and Science classes.
She has participated in band and marching band color guard, where she has served as flag captain from 2007-2009. Ulrica has also held membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Beta Club and Yearbook.
In her spare time, Ulrica enjoys horseback riding, working with computers, playing the flute and choreographing dance and flag routines.
As a member of Priscilla Baptist Church’s youth group, Ulrica has volunteered in the church nursery, participated in service projects, served as a junior counselor at a family summer camp and also volunteered at the Lake City Veterans Administration Hospital.
After graduation, Ulrica plans to attend the University of Florida as a pre-med student.
Trenton High School’s graduating Class of 2009 would like to introduce and congratulate two of their own who have been selected as valedictorian and salutatorian based on their outstanding academic achievement.
Trenton High School’s valedictorian is Sarah Danielle Heaton, daughter of Kent and Karen Heaton of Trenton. Sarah will graduate with a numeric average of 99.19178.
While attending Trenton High School, Sarah has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Tri-M Society, FBLA and Beta clubs, while also serving as class treasurer during her junior and senior years. Sarah has played on the Lady Tigers Volleyball Team for five years and played in the marching band for the last seven years, having served as section leader, captain and drum major.
On Friday, May 8 Sarah graduated from Lake City Community College with an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts. While taking dual enrollment classes, Sarah has been listed on the college’s President’s List.
In her spare time, Sarah has enjoyed playing music, being actively involved at Trenton Church of Christ and working in the Gilchrist County Clerk of Court’s office.
Over the years, Sarah has volunteered with the Gilchrist County Education Foundation, Gilchrist County School Board and the Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce.
After graduating from high school, Sarah plans to attend Florida College in Temple Terrace, Fla. and major in music.
Trenton High School’s salutatorian is Sarah Marie Bussard, daughter of Wayne and Holly Bussard of Trenton. Sarah will graduate with a numeric average of 98.58333.
While attending Trenton Middle High School, Sarah has consistently earned a spot on the A Honor Roll since 6th grade. She has completed the school’s business academy and will graduate from high school with 35 college credit hours completed.
She is an active member of Beta Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, FBLA, Student Government Association and Fellowship of Christian Students.
Athletically, Sarah played softball for two years, basketball for five years, and volleyball for six years.
Sarah’s extracurricular activities also include a five-year membership in the Trenton High School Tiger Pride Marching Band, where she served as a dual drum major during the 2008-2009 school year.
Through volunteering to work in the concession stands during the 2007-2009 basketball season, and doing mission work through her church, Sarah has logged over 140 hours of volunteer work.
“The valedictorian of Trenton High School and I have been best friends since 6th grade,” Sarah said. “We were also co-drum majors for this year’s marching season.”
After graduation, Sarah plans to complete community college at Santa Fe College then transfer to the University of Florida where she will major in accounting. Sarah said she plans to audition for the UF marching band in August 2009.