Clay City presents awards

First Financial Bank Branch Manager Meghan Shidler (left) named Taylor Walden the Greenwell scholar and presented her with a $7,500 scholarship Thursday during Clay City High School's Academic Letter Awards Banquet. Kimberly Gleason Photo. [Order this photo]

Parents, faculty and staff filled the fellowship hall of First United Church of Christ to honor Clay City Jr./Sr. High School students Thursday for their academic excellence.

"This is the time where we honor the truly special students for their hard work," Principal Jeff Bell said.

Clay Community School Corporation Supt. Dan Schroeder, Director of Personnel, Data and Food Service Carolyn Kumpf, Director of Transportation Frank Misner and School Board member Forrest Buell were in attendance to show support for the students and their achievements.

Bell introduced guest speaker and 1975 Clay City graduate Bob Heaton.

"He is the same guy now as he was then," he said. "He never forgot his roots and he is a great example for (the students)."

Heaton was a member of Indiana State University's 1979 N.C.A.A. Finalist Basketball Team, and he spoke about life.

"It was very gratifying winning in overtime," he said regarding his basketball career. "But it's about the education in the classroom and getting a diploma."

Heaton talked about accomplishing goals, whether it is engineering, pharmacy or teaching.

"It's about what you know," he said. "Having the passion and discipline to study and be everything you can."

Heaton recommended two books to students. One is about financial planning by authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko "Millionaire Next Door," and the other about overcoming struggles by author Clebe McClary "Living Proof."

"I'm impressed with (McClary) and his background," Heaton said. "He is a good man who believes that you should know who you are and what you want to be."

Shidler (left) also presented Lindsey Reece with the $2,500 Greenwell scholarship Thursday during Clay City High School's Academic Letter Awards Banquet. Kimberly Gleason Photo. [Order this photo]

After the presentation of awards, First Financial Bank Branch Manager Meghan Shidler presented Bell with the Academic All-Stars Plaque and named Lindsey Reece the recipient of the Greenwell scholarship and Taylor Walden the Greenwell scholar.

As families departed and seniors prepare for their final weeks in high school it was Heaton's reading of a brief passage, which brought many patrons to tears, that expressed is own hope for the students.

"Surround yourself with good people and become a successful person," Heaton said. "I wish only for the best success and blessings to you."