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Valley Holds Graduation On Sunday

By Staff | May 18, 2016

Jacob Ueltschy

Four valedictorians and one salutatorian led Valley High School’s commencement ceremonies Sunday afternoon at the school.

Co-valedictorians were Lily Morris, Colton Ring, Jacob Ueltschy, and Madison Arnolds.

Salutatorian was Abbie Stout.

Lily Morris is the daughter of Ron and Ida Morris of Reader. In her four years at VHS she has been a member of Future Farmers of America, serving as secretary for two years.

Lily was also a member of RAZE, French Honor Society, National Honor Society, and student council.

Colton Ring

Lily is the recipient of the Promise Scholarship and plans on attending Fairmont State University to major in Pre-Pharmacy. She plans on continuing her education after Fairmont State by attending West Virginia University, where she hopes to receive her degree in Pharmacy.

Colton Ring is the son of Phil and April Ring of Piney. He is the grandson of Mike and Debbie Bates of Pine Grove and the late Herman and Virginia Ring.

He is also the great-grandson of DeEtta Sell of Pine Grove and Ruth Bates of Jacksonburg.

During his four years at VHS, Colton has participated in many activities and earned numerous awards. He has participated in three varsity sports including football, basketball, and baseball. He is a four year member of the VHS Marching Band and concert Bands, serving as trumpet section leader and horn sergeant the last two years. He has also participated in Steel Drum and Jazz Bands. He has attended the following honor bands: Wetzel County, Glenville State College, West Liberty University, Virginia Tech University, Marshall University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia Region I. Colton is a four year member of the VHS Technology Student Association Chapter, serving as president, vice-president, and secretary. He is currently serving as the West Virginia State TSA Vice-President. He has attended the WV State conference all four years, earning three first place awards and several second and third place awards. He has represented VHS and Wetzel County at TSA National Conferences in Nashville, Orlando, Washington, D.C., and Dallas, earning a third place international award in Music Production. He was also the first freshman inducted into the TSA National Honor Society at VHS.

Colton has served as both Class President and Class Historian. He is currently a member of the VHS National Honor Society, serving as reporter. He is also the student representative of the Valley High School Local School Improvement Council. As a sophomore, Colton was the VHS representative for the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Conference. He has competed in both Wetzel County and Regional Math Field Day and Quiz Bowl competitions. He has been awarded the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference All-Conference Academic Award all four years. A 10 year Wetzel County 4-H member, Colton has been honored to receive the Head Award, Heart Award, and Spirit of Camp Award. He has been a county camp Jr. Counselor and an Older Members Camper at the Jackson’s Mill State Camp where he participates in activities involving politics, leadership and current events. He has completed a total of 40 Community Service hours during high school.

Lily Morris

Although Colton remained very busy during his high school years, he remained on the Principal’s List each of his 8 semesters at VHS. He was also enrolled in several Advanced Placement Courses and finished with 12 College Credit Hours.

Colton plans to attend the Honors College at Glenville State College. He will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with Pre-Medicine emphasis and a minor in Chemistry. He plans to perform as a member of the Glenville State Pioneer Concert Band and hopes to audition and be selected as part of the Pioneer Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble. He is a qualified recipient of the Promise Scholarship, The Glenville State College Meritorious Foundation Scholarship, The John C. Shaw Scholarship, The Glenville State College Honors Academic Scholarship and The National Wild Turkey Federation Academic Conservation Scholarship.

Jacob Ueltschy is the son of John and Rosalie Ueltschy of Porters Falls.

Jacob has been involved in many organizations and activities during his four years at VHS. He was a member of band, TSA, and FFA all four years of high school. He also played two years on the Valley Lumberjack football team, being named co-captain his senior year.

Jacob was also a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the TSA Tech Honor Society. He received a prestigious award when chosen as an Ambassador for Justice by the United States Attorney’s Office. This award was given to Ueltschy in recognition for his devotion to justice, citizenship, and service of others.

Madison Arnolds

Jacob plans on attending WVU in the fall, majoring in Petroleum Engineering.

He is currently a member of the Church of Christ in Reader.

Madison Paige Arnolds is the daughter of David and Jill Arnolds of Jacksonburg.

Madison lettered in basketball and cheerleading all four years of high school. She was a basketball team captain both her junior and senior year of high school, as well as a cheerleading team captain her senior year.

She has been involved with National Honor Society and French Honor Society.

Abbie Stout

Madison was also VHS’ 2016 Homecoming Queen.

Madison, a recipient of the Promise Scholarship, plans on attending Fairmont State University, where she will major in Elementary Education.

Salutatorian Abbie Stout is the daughter of Vonda Stout, Raymond Stout and Lori Moore. She was born in Ohio and started her Wetzel County education in the fourth grade when she began attending Short Line School.

The rest of Abbie’s family is originally from West Virginia.

Abbie has participated in FFA, National Honor Society, and was class president her junior year.

Abbie will be attending West Virginia Wesleyan College this fall to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Chemistry. From there, Abbie would like to start working as a police officer or work in crime scene investigation. She would like to work her way toward working with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Abbie said she has always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, “so why not be a shining light in a bad time.”