Paulding Panthers Class of 2020 walked the aisle this past weekend and became graduates of Paulding High School. It was a far cry from a traditional graduation, but they made it! The following are three graduates who had the privilege to be named Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Valedictorian – Savannah Shepherd – GPA: 4.199
“I plan to attend the University of Saint Francis for their Physical Therapist Assistant Program. I am so exited to see all of the great things that being a PTA can bring into my life. I’m a person who loves getting to know new people and being a physical therapy assistant will allow me to do just that. As a physical therapist assistant. I will be able to see improvement and recovery in the patients that I treat. Being able to see the smile on the face of a patient who is finally released after weeks of therapy will be an unexplainable feeling that I cannot wait to experience. Helping patients recover to become their best self is something that cannot wait to do because I love helping people and seeing their improvement. Being a physical therapist assistant is a great career choice for me because it offers everything that I’m looking for in a job and I cannot wait to pursue it in the near future.”
Extracurriculars:
Varsity Cross Country, National Honor Society secretary, church youth group
Awards/Recognitions/Scholarships:
4.0+ honor roll, perfect attendance, Franklin B. Walter All-Scholarship recipient, Lafarge MegaWatt Scholarship recipient, Paulding County Hospital Foundation Scholarship recipient
Hobbies/interests:
Spending time with friends and family, painting, shopping
Most Memorable: I would have to say that theses last few months of my senior year would have to be my most memorable high school experience. I have never had something like this happen and it all so crazy to go through … an entire quarter of classes online, no senior prom, a virtual graduation ceremony and so much more. COVID-19 has definitely had a big impact on my senior year and this is something I will definitely never forget.
Parents: Aaron & Jennifer Shepherd
Co-Salutatorian – Katelyn Strayer – GPA: 4.07
“I plan to attend the Ohio State University to major in nursing. I am a very sociable person, and the healthcare field has always peaked my interest, so I wanted to enter a field where I felt i could do both.”
Extracurriculars: Varsity volleyball, basketball, and track & field, varsity quiz bowl, Ohio Model United Nations, drama, student council, senior class president, National Honors Society – community representative, Van Wert Peony Pageant
Awards/ Recognition/Scholarships: District 7 All-Academic Team, volleyball and basketball, Ohio State Alumni Association Scholarship, Van Wert Health Scholarship
Hobbies/Interests: Art, painting, watching movies, writing
Most Memorable HS experience: My most memorable high school experience was throwing tons of baby powder in the air when we scored at my last Black Swamp bowl.
Parents: Matt and Suzy Strayer
Co-Salutatorian – Kaylie Tressler – GPA: 4.07
Kaylie plans to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Equipment Supervision.
”I will spend two years learning more about agricultural equipment, and two years learning the business side. This will help me achieve my goal of opening my own agricultural equipment shop in the future.”
Extracurricular/community activities: Varsity Soccer, Paulding FFA, Student Council, Paulding County Junior Fair board, Vantage FFA, Vantage Student Ambassador, Night to Shine Prom
Awards/Recognitions/Scholarships: Paulding FFA Star in Agriscience (2018), Excellent Rating at the State Science Fair (2017) National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, The President’s Volunteer Service Award, Elks Student of the Month, Elks Student of the Year
Certifications: Briggs & Stratton MST, OSHA 10-Hour, ASE Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Electrical, Inspection, Diesel Engines, Brakes, and Steering & Suspension
Hobbies/interests outside of school: In my free time, I enjoy judging poultry, going camping, spending time with my friends, and bowling in a non-school league with my parents.
Most memorable High School experience: Making new friends at Vantage that will last a lifetime.
Parents: Randy and Brooky Tressler
