Outstanding year-long effort by underclassmen in a variety of fields was recently recognized in a special ceremony.
The annual Thomas County Central High School Appreciation Day event was held Tuesday, May 15, in the school’s gym. Awards were presented to underclassmen for exemplary academic, civic and extracurricular achievement.
"The past year has been a good one for TCCHS, as many of our competitors have gone on to success at the region, state and national levels of competition," assistant principal Karen Jones said. "We want to acknowledge our students' achievements because of their positive contribution to maintaining the reputation of the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets."
Junior Cynthia Ramos earned three awards: highest average for French III and healthcare and a University of Georgia Certificate of Merit.
“It was an honor to win three awards, especially the UGA merit award,” she said. “To be recognized for being in the top five percent of my class helped me realize my efforts have not gone unnoticed.”
Sophomore Kelly Pledger received two awards for highest average: one in American Literature and one in Drama.
“It was great to be recognized for my work,” Pledger says. “I enjoy both classes I was honored for.”
Sophomore Ian Small earned several awards including highest average honors in German II and Algebra 2. He also received the Woodmen of the World Proficiency in U.S. History award.
“It was great to be recognized for my academic achievements,” Small said.
Parents and loved ones were invited to attend the ceremony. Special music was provided by the TCCHS Jazz Band.
Small believes events like Appreciation Day have a positive impact upon students.
“Being publicly recognized helps to inspire others to achieve the happiness represented by these awards,” he said. “After getting one there is a strong desire to strive for greatness in the hopes of receiving more. With the great jazz band and all of the school sitting behind you, it is a great environment and one I hope to take part in every year.”