Cream of the Crop Honored at Saline High School

The Saline High School Highest Honors with Distinction Banquet was held on Tuesday, May 15 in the Saline High School Commons. Sponsored by the Saline High School Administration and the Saline Area Schools Board of Education, the banquet recognized the top five percent (in unweighted grade point average) for the graduating Class of 2012.

Interim Principal Eric Diroff said he was proud to honor the "cream of the crop" from the class of 2012.

"Many times you hear that there are concerns about the future of our world. But it's nights like this that remind me, not a chance," Diroff said. "We have students in this room who will go out and make a difference in all different walks of life. That's the difference I look forward to hearing about from each and every one of you in the very near future."

Students were presented their "Highest Honors with Distinction Medals" and each student was able to recognize an influential "Honored Educator" who made an impact on their future.

While the best of the students honored the best of their teachers, Diroff said that he knows the educators reciprocate that admiration.

"It's a two way street. You've made the same kind of difference for us that they have made for you," Diroff said.

The students' parents were applauded when Diroff asked them to stand.

"The hard work and support that you've given the students at Saline Area Schools is much appreciated. We commend you for the things you've done and thank you for sharing your children with us," Diroff said.

Families were served dinner by the Saline High School Culinary Arts Program under the direction of Chef Sam Musto and were entertained musically by a strings section from the Saline High School Chamber Orchestra.

Here are the students who were honored, as well the educators they selected:

• Anna Snyder (Trisca Beasley)
• Andrew Chen (Deb Budnik)
• Emma Humphrey (Deb Budnik)
• Julia Prisby (Deb Budnik)
• Kelly Mortensen (Kiersten Chapman)
• Megan Rupp (Jere Hassberger)
• Caleigh Chong (Brian Heslip)
• Leslie Becker (Cristin Hodgens)
• Hayley Byrnes (Cristin Hodgens)
• Christine Houle (Cristin Hodgens)
• Aaron Mukerjee (Cristin Hodgens)
• Karl Winsor (Cristin Hodgens)
• Tate Burns (Nate Lampman)
• Jessica Opaleski (Nate Lampman)
• Steven Paelicke (Nate Lampman)
• Mark Sulavik (Brian Lampman)
• Lindsey McQuade (Juan Lauchu)
• Kendall Buie (Kenneth Shonk)
• Marissa Owen (Bridette Sparks)
• Brennan Arnett
• David Zick