Hudson, Boyles named Class of 2011 top scholars

By Carrie A. Mizell

Richard and Marchene Hudson haven’t stopped smiling since their son, Quentin Hudson was named Bell High School’s valedictorian for the Class of 2011.
Announced on Friday to the student body, this year’s valedictorian will graduate with a 4.0 grade point average. The Class of 2011’s salutatorian is Lucas Wilson, who has a 3.95 grade point average.

While attending Bell High School, Quentin has been actively involved in the Beta Club, where he has served as secretary and president. Quentin has also maintained membership in Bell FFA where he has held the position of chaplain, reporter and vice president over the course of his high school years. He was also named an All American Scholar.
Quentin’s extracurricular activities include membership on the High Q team and competing with the Bulldog track team, where he jumped hurdles.
In his spare time, Quentin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, visiting nursing home residents and attending Trenton Church of Christ.
In the fall Quentin plans to start Florida College, which is located in Temple Terrace, Fla.
“My major is presently undecided,” Quentin explained.
Bell High School’s salutatorian Lucas Wilson is the son of Emory Wilson and Jeri Wilson, both of Bell.
While attending Bell High School, Lucas has been actively involved in FFA where he has held the office of reporter, parliamentarian and vice president. Through FFA, Lucas has earned the FFA Star Discovery, FFA Star Greenhand and FFA Star Chapter Farmer.
He was included in the 2009 edition of All American Scholar Yearbook and was recently awarded an FFA Alumni scholarship. During high school, Lucas has also been a member of the High Q team and the school’s Beta Club.
When he’s not at school, Lucas can be found fishing or spending time with his friends. He has also actively participated in the Suwannee River Fair over the last 9 years, where he also volunteers, along with volunteer work at the Education Foundation of Gilchrist County’s annual Beast Feast, the Summer School Lunch Program and the Fishers of Men and Memorial Day banquets.
The Priscilla Baptist Church member said he plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall where he will study electrical engineering.
The 76 seniors who make up the 2011 graduating class of Bell High School will cross the school’s football field to accept their high school diplomas on Friday, June 3, beginning at 8 p.m.

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Faculty and staff at Trenton High School are proud to introduce and congratulate the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2011.
Trenton High School’s valedictorian is Elizabeth Vennie Boyles, daughter of Kathleen Dewald. Elizabeth will graduate with a grade point average of 98.2. During her junior year of high school, Elizabeth graduated from Florida Gateway College with her AA degree. She is a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student.

While attending Trenton High School, Elizabeth has been actively involved in the Beta Club for three years. During her junior year, Elizabeth served as vice president of the Beta Club. She has also been involved in her Tri-M Music Honor Society for the past three years, serving as vice president and president.
A member of the THS Tiger Marching Pride for the last five years, Elizabeth acted as drum major for the 2010-2011 season. She also served as flute captain and woodwind captain.
“I enjoy playing my flute and my keyboard, drawing, writing, watching movies and playing video games,” Elizabeth said.
When she’s not busy at school, Elizabeth spends her free time doing volunteer work with both the Beta Club and Tri-M. She’s also tutored kids both academically and musically.
A recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award and the Patrick S. Gilmore Award, Elizabeth has played in the All-State Honor Band for two years.
After high school, Elizabeth plans to attend Northeastern University in Boston to study theater and cinema studies.
“Ultimately, I hope to become a lighting designer and a playwright or a screenwriter,” Elizabeth explained.
Trenton High School’s salutatorian is Ellen Olivia Jean Andrews, daughter of John and Ellen Andrews. Olivia will graduate with a grade point average of 94.9.
While attending Trenton Middle-High School, Olivia has been listed on the A honor roll since seventh grade.
She was also on the Dean’s List for the Fall/Spring semester 2010-2011. In 2010, Olivia was awarded a History Award.
Also in 2009 and 2010 Olivia was given a superior rating at district solo and ensemble competition for a marimba solo.
A USAG gymnast for nine years, Olivia has also competed in the Suwannee Valley Soccer League from 2007-2011.
She is actively involved in the Signing Saints ASL Club at Santa Fe College as well as being a Tri-M member at Trenton High School.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys swimming, biking, tennis, reading and playing board games and cards with her friends and family.
She also volunteers with the Salvation Army, at Rotary Club dinners, at the Suwannee Valley Quilt Festival as a street ambassador and as animal rescue fund volunteer.
After high school, Olivia plans to attend the University of Florida where she will major in pre-vet/biology before attending the UF Veterinary School.
Trenton High School will hold its 2011 commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 4 at 8 p.m.