By Holly Fesperman LeeSalisbury Post
Among the Post’s 2007 All-County Scholars are an aspiring veterinarian, a Duke University hopeful, a minister, a wildlife officer, a graphic designer and pharmacists.
Others have earned top honors in sports, coordinated volunteer activities, ministered to others in church programs and helped to generate school spirit in a high school band.
Their career choices, extracurricular activities and best memories may be diverse, but each student shares All-County Scholar honors.
Four students from each of the county’s seven high schools were selected by their guidance counselors based on grade point averages, SAT scores and grades in Advanced Placement courses.
Each student told the Post about their plans, school activities and community memberships.
East Rowan High
Andrew Graczyk of Granite Quarry hopes to work for NASA or become a technical analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency.
The son of Jim and Lisa Graczyk, Andrew is chaplain of East’s National Honor Society. He’s also a member of the Art Club, National Art Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Mustang Regiment Marching Band and East Rowan Jazz Band.
He has volunteered with Red Cross blood drives and Relay for Life.
Andrew was named All-County and All-District in band. He’s a National Merit Scholarship finalist and a 2006 N.C. Governor’s School alumnus. Andrew has also received the Paderewski Award and the Sonatina Award from the National Piano Guild.
He is involved in the Piedmont Players theater group and enjoys fencing.
He plans to attend the University of South Carolina at Columbia and major in physics.
Shannon Raye Pope of Salisbury is a volunteer math tutor and has worked with Rowan Helping Ministries and the Habitat for Humanity General Store.
The daughter of Phillip and Cherie Pope, Shannon will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. She plans to double major in biology and chemistry.
Her ultimate goal is to work as a biomedical researcher with the National Institutes of Health.
Shannon is a member of the National Honor Society and Sigma Phi Gamma Science Honors Club.
She received the North Carolina State Employees Credit Union People Helping People Scholarship, the Sam Walton Community Scholarship, Rockwell Women’s Club Scholarship and the American Association of University Women Scholarship.
Her favorite high school memory was during a physics lab exercise in class. The class used mechanical flying pigs that were suspended from the ceiling to learn about centripetal force.
This year, Shannon became the first person at East Rowan to take the AP calculus BC exam. She took the course, which includes more topics than the in-school AP calculus AB course, as an independent study.
Stephanie Strobel of Salisbury enjoys training and riding horses.
The daughter of Kevin and Teresa Strobel, she volunteers with the therapeutic riding program at Saving Grace Farm and is an altar server at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Stephanie is a member of the National Honor Society and Sigma Phi Gamma Science Honors Club.
She plans to attend Western Carolina University and major in chemistry and biology.
Her goal is to get into veterinary school so she can pursue her love of animals and science.
Anna Katherine Weaver of Salisbury is a multiple champion in swimming.
The daughter of Ken and Lori Weaver, Anna was named Rowan County Swimmer of the Year, Conference Swimmer of the Year and All-American Swimmer.
She was voted “most dedicated” in the senior superlatives at East Rowan.
Anna is an AP Scholar and Civitan Scholar .
Anna plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and pursue a career in pharmacy.
She’s a member of the Junior Civitan Club, the National Honor Society and Sigma Phi Gamma science honors club.
She volunteers as a tutor and swim coach.
Henderson
Sarah Yong Amar of Salisbury plans to attend community college in the fall to get her associate degree in nursing, then go on to earn her bachelor’s degree.
The best memory of her high school career was finding out she was going to be a mother. Sarah wants to try and make the best life possible for her newborn baby girl.
Her proudest moment was being able to graduate a year early from Henderson.
Sarah is the daughter of Robert and Yong Nan Amar.
Shaneria Renell Robinson of Salisbury enjoys reading and swimming.
The daughter of Angela Robinson and Robert Rawls, Shaneria is a member of Henderson’s yearbook staff.
She plans to attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and later transfer to Winston-Salem State University.
Her proudest high school moment was being selected as an All-County scholar.
Sarah Katrina Larson of Rockwell plans to attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and pursue a career in the medical field.
The daughter of Carolyn Jean Larson, Sarah enjoys tennis.
Her proudest high school moment was being able to graduate from Henderson Independent while holding a full-time job.
Victoria Kaye Messick of Cleveland is a cheerleader and member of the National Honor Society.
The daughter of Randy and Patty Messick, Victoria has volunteered with the Salvation Army, Rowan County Department of Social Services and Rowan Helping Ministries.
Victoria is a North Carolina Scholar and plans to go to college and study law.
Cheering for football games is her favorite high school memory.
North Rowan High
Jessica Lynette Smith of Salisbury is member of the varsity softball, women’s swimming and volleyball teams.
The daughter of Avery and Ruby Cutshaw and David and Gale Smith, Jessica has volunteered to go on church mission trips to New Orleans and the North Carolina mountains.
She also volunteers with Rowan Helping Ministries and the North Rowan athletic department.
Jessica received the North Carolina Teaching Fellow Scholarship and plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She’d also like to earn a master’s degree in chemistry/secondary education and comprehensive science.
Outside of school she enjoys cardio kickboxing and yoga at the YMCA.
Jessica is a member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, Student Government Association, Future Teachers of America, Spanish Club and National Honor Society.
She’s been selected as a North Rowan Star Student and outstanding senior. Jessica has received Cavalier coaches awards in softball and swimming and the sportsmanship award. She was voted “most dependable” in North’s senior superlatives.
She’s an AP Scholar and an honor graduate.
Samantha Gretl Smith of Salisbury wants to work in the Research Triangle Park after earning her degree in chemistry from North Carolina State University.
The daughter of Ruby and Avery Cutshaw and David and Gale Smith, Samantha is the captain of the softball team and a member of the volleyball and swim teams. She played basketball in her freshmen and sophomore years.
She’s been involved in student government all four of her high school years and is a member of the Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Quiz Bowl, Future Teachers of America and Skills USA.
Samantha volunteers for church mission trips, Special Olympics, campus cleanup, Relay for Life and the American Red Cross. She also volunteers with North Rowan’s athletic department and helps with entertainment at nursing homes.
She was a finalist for the North Carolina State University Park Scholarship. She’s a Scholar Athlete, Star Student, outstanding senior, AP Scholar, honor graduate and a North Carolina Scholar.
She was the chief junior marshal last year and she’s received the Good Sportsmanship Award, AP English IV Writing Award and the Scholastic Excellence Award.
Samantha enjoys fishing, four-wheeling, tutoring and playing in her church handbells group.
She cherishes her high school memories of competing in athletic events, especially this year, when her softball team made it to the state playoffs for the first time in North Rowan’s history.
Jordan Leigh Teague of Salisbury wants to become a radiation therapist.
The daughter of Pete and Debbie Teague, Jordan is vice president of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club president, member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, Quiz Bowl, Student Government Association and varsity swimming.
She’s volunteered with hurricane Katrina disaster relief, at the Pregnancy Support Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Rowan Helping Ministries.
Jordan is North Rowan’s salutatorian. She’s an honor graduate, North Carolina Scholar and an outstanding senior. She’s also received the Academic Award of Excellence.
She’s active in First Baptist Church of Salisbury.
Jordan’s best high school memory was when North’s principal, Rodney Bass, had to kiss a pig.
Jordan plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Mark Tyler Wooten of Salisbury is a member of Cavaliers for Christ, National Honor Society and the North Rowan swimming and golf teams.
The son of Mark and Joan Wooten, Tyler has volunteered with Meals on Wheels and attended youth summer mission trips with Central United Methodist Church.
He’s a North Carolina Scholar, honor graduate, outstanding senior and recipient of the Principals’/Assistant Principals’ Association Senior Scholarship.
Tyler has enjoyed hanging out and fishing with the boys during high school.
He plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Salisbury High
James Thomas Beaver of Salisbury is an Eagle Scout.
The son of Carol and Clarence Beaver, James is a member of Quiz Bowl, Key Club, National Honor Society and the marching and jazz bands.
He volunteered for his Eagle Scout project and has worked at church yard sales.
James plans to go to Western Carolina University and major in history.
He received the Woodsmen of the Wold Proficiency in American History Award, Excellence in French Award, Robert Byrd Scholarship and Western Carolina Academic Honors Scholarship.
Going to a quiz bowl competition at Duke University is his best high school memory.
James attended Governor’s School and the Summer Ventures in Math and Science program
Emma Rena Miller of Salisbury plays varsity soccer and runs varsity cross country.
The daughter of Owen and Regina Miller, Emma plans to attend Duke University in the fall and major in psychology.
She’s a member of the Math Team, Key Club, Junior Civitan Club, Spanish Club and National Honor Society.
Emma has volunteered with Operation Christmas Child, St. Jude Trivia Challenge, UNICEF and March of Dimes.
Her proudest high school moment was when she broke the record for the most goals scored by any female soccer player at Salisbury High.
Emma is a varsity letterman, honor graduate, Junior Rotarian, National Merit Qualifier and an AP Scholar of Distinction. She was chief junior marshal last year.
Emma was named All-Conference, All-County, All-Region and All-State in soccer.
Meredith Weisler of Salisbury has studied dance for 13 years at Salisbury School of Ballet.
The daughter of Paul and Lynn Weisler, Meredith will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall and hopes to become a surgeon.
She’s volunteered with Rowan Helping Ministries, Waterworks Visual Arts Center and Teens with a Mission.
Meredith is a member of the cheerleading squad, tennis team, National Honor Society, Student Government Association and Key Club.
She was voted most valuable player of the state tennis tournament and was also named All-County and All-Conference in tennis.
She’s a varsity letterman in tennis and cheerleading.
She has enjoyed spending time with her friends at Salisbury High and interning with Dr. Rudy Busby in the operating room at Rowan Regional Medical Center.
Meredith was chief junior marshal and she is an honor graduate. She received the Parent Teacher Student Association Scholarship.
Being a part of the tennis team winning the state championship was her proudest high school moment.
Lauren Anne-Alisha Parrott of Salisbury plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and major in journalism.
The daughter of Jake and Carole Parrott and Helen Mason, Lauren is a member of the bowling, cross country and soccer teams. She’s also involved with National Honor Society, Key Club and Math Team.
Lauren has volunteered with St. John’s Lutheran Church Youth League, Operation Christmas Child, Girl Scouts and St. Jude Children’s Hospital Trivia Challenge.
She’s a Girl Scouts Gold Award recipient and has received the Team Above Self Award. Lauren is a varsity letterman, Junior Rotarian, AP Scholar, Outstanding CB Biology Student, honor graduate and a Parent Teacher Student Association Scholar.
Her favorite high school memory is the cross county “sorority” her sophomore year.
South Rowan High
Maria Lorene Corriher of China Grove has enjoyed being involved with drama productions at South.
The daughter of Kurt and Alicia Corriher, Maria is a member of the dance team, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Spanish Club, Carolina Youth Commission and Show Choir.
She’s volunteered at Main Street Mission, Special Olympics, Genesis Eldercare and China Grove Middle School.
Maria plans to attend Davidson College and study to be a psychiatrist.
She received the John O. Reynolds III Memorial Scholarship at Davidson College and is South Rowan’s salutatorian. Maria is a member of the National Honor Society, a Rowan-Salisbury Parent Teacher Association Scholar and a Governor’s School nominee. She attended Summer Ventures in Mathematics at Western Carolina University.
Winning the Miss Merry Christmas pageant this past November was her proudest high school moment.
Katelan Marie Frye of China Grove is valedictorian at South Rowan.
The daughter of Jim and Teresa Crawley and Keith and Donna Frye, Katelan received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. This was also her proudest high school moment.
Katelan is a drum major with the marching band and participates in Student Council, National Honor Society and varsity chorus.
She volunteered at Main Street Mission and Dayspring Community Church.
Katelan was a junior marshal and was selected a Charlotte Observer All-Star Scholar.
As for her time at South Rowan, Katelan remembers service projects with Student Council most because they made a difference in the community.
She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall.
Ivan Worth Corriher II of China Grove plays football and baseball.
The son of Tim and Tammy Corriher, Ivan is a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, Future Farmers of America and Spanish Club.
He plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ivan is an Eagle Scout and has had perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade. He was nominated for the Morehead Scholarship and received the National Scholar-Athlete Award, Team Above Self award, Football Offensive Coach’s Award and the South Rowan Principal’s Award.
He was co-chief junior marshal last year.
Ivan has served meals at Main Street Mission, helped wash clothes at Rowan Helping Ministries and participated in mission trips with his church.
He’s been an active member of Boy Scout Troop 301 for eight years and a member of Mount Zion United Church of Christ Youth Group for 11 years.
His proudest moment was being voted Senior of the Year at South Rowan.
Claire Elizabeth Corriher of China Grove received the Most Outstanding Cheerleader Award for the 2006-2007 season.
The daughter of Barbara and Darryl Corriher, Claire will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She’s been a four-year member of the varsity cheerleading squad, member of the Student Council Association, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan Club, Drama Club and Spanish Club.
Claire worked in a St. Croix orphanage for one week while she was on a mission trip with St. John’s Lutheran Church. She has also volunteered with Relay for Life, canned food drives for Main Street Mission and the Salvation Army Christmas Project.
She was a junior marshal, Morehead Scholarship nominee and a multiple year All-American cheerleader for Spirit Express. She is the president of South Rowan’s National Honor Society and president of St. John’s Lutheran Senior High League.
West Rowan High
Kelly Nicole Cobb of Woodleaf plans to become a minister.
The daughter of Jeff and Susan Cobb, she’ll attend Gardner-Webb University and major in religious studies.
Kelly is National Honor Society president at West and is a member of the Junior Classical League.
She has volunteered with Rowan Helping Ministries and staffed multiple Christian youth events.
Kelly received the University Fellows Scholarship at Gardner-Webb and the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship.
She’s an AP Scholar with honors, and a member of the National Honor Roll.
Kelly is the vice president of the Conference on Council Youth Ministry.
Fun-filled beach trips with her friends during the summers are her best high school memories.
Abigail Leigh Bucher of Salisbury will attend Duke University in the fall.
The daughter of William and Gayla Bucher, Abigail has received the Clem and Hayes Clement Trinity Scholarship from Duke. She plans to major in either environmental science or environmental policy.
She is an active member of JROTC and has received the Legion of Valor Award.
Abigail is a member of the varsity soccer team, Quiz Bowl Team, Junior Civitan Club, National Honor Society and marching band.
She was elected student body president and was chosen as battalion commander for West’s JROTC program. Abigail is marching band captain and was selected to attend North Carolina Governor’s School.
She was elected lieutenant governor at the 2006 Tarheel Girls State and selected to attend North Carolina Governors School. She also received the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship.
She’s involved in the First Baptist Church of Salisbury music ministry.
She volunteers with Girl Scouts.
Organizing West’s first dodgeball tournament was her proudest moment because she had a hand in building school spirit and starting an exciting tradition.
Brittany Leigh Wietbrock of Salisbury plans to attend Lenoir-Rhyne College in the fall and then go on to law school.
The daughter of Scott and Janet Wietbrock, she’s a member of National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Junior Civitan Club, Environmental Club and Math Club.
Brittany has volunteered at Rowan Helping Ministries, Rowan Recycling Center and Christ United Methodist Church.
She’s a North Carolina Scholar, member of National Honor Roll and has earned high scores on the AP calculus and English exams.
Brittany is sixth in the nation in the Junior Classical League’s Creative Writing Competition.
She works as a waitress at Il Colosseo after school.
Her proudest moment was attending Spiritus her freshmen year and witnessing close to 1,000 teens recommit their lives to Christ.
Erik Trey Cox of Salisbury wants to major in engineering at North Carolina State University.
The son of Randy and Mary Cox, Erik is an Eagle Scout, a North Carolina and AP Scholar, a member of National Honor Roll, National Honor Society and Junior Classical League.
He plays soccer and is active in his high school youth group.
Erik went on a mission trip to Jamaica where he did volunteer work.
Jesse Carson High
Nicholas Gray Heglar of Mooresville wants to become a wildlife officer or start his own fish farm.
The son of Dwayne and Annie Heglar, Nicholas plays varsity baseball and runs cross country.
He’s also a member of the Student Government Association, National Honor Society and president of the Junior Civitan Club.
He has volunteered at nursing homes, worked with blood drives, Main Street Mission and Rowan Helping Ministries.
Nicholas does seasonal work at Patterson Farms and enjoys being outdoors. He likes to hunt and fish.
He will attend North Carolina State University and major in fisheries and wildlife sciences.
His best memory was transferring to Carson High School and being part of starting a new tradition for other students to follow in academics and clubs.
Nicholas’ proudest moment was forming a new, successful Junior Civitan Club at Carson.
Janae Rashelle Turner of Salisbury wants to become a graphic designer.
The daughter of Charles and Beverly Turner, Janae volunteers with Special Olympics and participates in door-to- door bible teaching as a Jehovah’s Witness.
Outside of school she enjoys painting and is active in her church.
Her proudest moment was helping with last year’s graduation as a junior marshal.
Mackenzie Jordan White of Mount Ulla was voted All-County and All-Conference in volleyball, basketball and softball.
The daughter of Timothy and Casey White, she will attend Catawba College to play volleyball and softball. She plans to major in pre-law.
Mackenzie is a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Civitan Club, Student Council and Spanish Club.
She has volunteered with battered women’s shelters and Main Street Mission.
She enjoys fishing and hanging out at the lake.
Her best high school memory is attending Carson and playing sports as a Cougar.
Kristen Michelle Kennedy of Mooresville wants to become a doctor and will attend East Carolina University in the fall.
Cheering at the football game when South Rowan beat Kannapolis her freshmen year is her best high school memory.
The daughter of Lori and William Kennedy, she’s a member of the Health Occupations Students of America, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Student Council and varsity cheerleading.
She has volunteered with blood drives, Main Street Mission and battered women’s shelters. She’s also conducted cheerleading clinics for elementary school children.
Kristen received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen’s Award.
She works at Eckerd pharmacy after school.
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Contact Holly Lee at 704-797-7683 or hlee@salisburypost.com.