Southcentral Kentucky schools have recognized several top seniors during this graduation season. Allen County-Scottsville High School:Casey Rena Brown, daughter of Reid and Linda Brown, valedictorian, was awarded the Future Farmers of America scholarship and Regents scholarship from Western Kentucky University. Brown, who was recognized by Western as an Outstanding High School Scholar, won the Advanced Placement U.S. History Award and received honorable mention in Westerns Senior High history contest. Brown will attend Western in the fall. John Robert Takach, son of Jack and Janet Takach, is the class salutatorian. Tackah received the Governors Scholar Award and Outstanding Achievement awards in precalculus, algebra II, geometry, biology, chemistry and calculus. Takach also received honorable mention in Western Kentucky Universitys history competition and a faculty scholarship to Center College in Danville. Barren County High School: Nicole Vance, daughter of Tim and Pam Vance, was class valedictorian. Vance was involved in BETA, Math and Science, Pep, and Foreign Language clubs, Future Business Leaders of America and Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. (VICA). Vance received academic awards in the 1999-2000 Honors English IV, 1998-99 Honors English III, Honors American History, French I, 1997-98 Sculpture and 1996-97 Home Economics. Vance also won the National Academic Achievement Award in Science and placed second with her business plan in the state Future Business Leaders of America competition. She also played basketball for two years, ran cross country for three years and was a varsity pitcher for four years. Vance won several softball awards, including being named to the 1999 15th District All-Tournament Team, 1999 4th Region All-Tournament Team, 1998 All-Region 2nd team as a pitcher, 1998 4th Annual Eagle Classic All-Tournament team and 2000 15th District All-Tournament team. Vance plans to major in elementary education at Brescia University. Whitney Yule, daughter of Stuart and Charmion Yule, was class salutatorian. Yule graduated as a 4.0 honor student and received awards in English, advanced English, biology, visual arts, painting, Scholastic Art awards and various art exhibition recognitions. She was recognized as Outstanding BETA member and the schools Student of the Month in January. Yule will attend Montana Wilderness School of the Bible. Bowling Green High School had a two-way tie for its top student:Dan Ice, son of Tom and Marie Ice, was named Governors Scholar in 1999. He has received a variety of academic awards, was identified in the Duke TIP search, and was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar. He is a four-year varsity soccer player and was voted to the 1999 All District Soccer Team. Ice served as president of the Spanish Club, co-president of BETA Club, vice president of the National Honor Society, and was an active member of the academic team. He has been accepted into the Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School program at the University of Louisville and plans a double major in biology and chemistry. Hayley Smith, daughter of Steven and Regina Smith, won the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen of the Year award, and was voted most studious and most likely to succeed by her class. Smith was a Presidential Scholar finalist, a National Merit Scholar, a Governors Scholar and an AP scholar with distinction. She also served as president of the National Honor Society, was editor of the school newspaper, and winner of several journalism awards. Smith is a BETA Club member, student of the year in English, and Daily News staffer of the year. An Echols scholar, Smith will attend the University of Virginia Honors program. Erin Walker, daughter of Dorian and Elaine Walker ranked third in the senior class. Walker received many awards in history and English, and was published in the MacGregor High School Anthology of Poetry. She received the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award and Bronze Medal at Westerns 26th annual World History competition. Walker was in the choir for four years, including two years in A Capella. She also was a member of the All States Choir Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass Ensemble. She ran in cross country one year and played softball for two years. Walker won the Warren County Fiscal Courts Award of Excellence, and was a National Merit Commended Scholar. She has participated in several plays and was in a nationally televised episode of Americas Castles. She plans to attend University of Chicago in the fall. Brittney Long, daughter of Curtiss and Elizabeth Long, ranked fourth in the class. As a senior, Long was voted most talented. She has been treasurer and president of the Student Government Association and served as National Honor Society treasurer. Long was a member of the Governors Scholars Program, an alternate to the Governors School for the Arts in dance, and was the runner-up in the Junior Miss pageant. Long won a precalculus award, was an A Capella choir member and part of the All-State Choir. She also was a BETA Club member, editor of the yearbook and high school Daily News correspondent. Long plans to major in corporate and organizational communications at Western with a minor in dance. There was a tie for fifth-place at Bowling Green High SchoolChristina Harmon, daughter of Gene and Susan Harmon, was active in the National Honor Society, French club, Future Business Leaders of America, Literary, History and International clubs and United Students. She was a four-year decorated varsity soccer player and played in the concert band for six years. Harmon won several academic awards, including the Academic All-State and Regents Scholarship at Western Kentucky University, where she will attend college. Sarah Lawrence, daughter of William and Anita Lawrence, is listed in the Whos Who Of American High School Students and was recognized by the Governors Scholarship Program. Lawrence served as drum major in the marching band, played flute in the concert band and also was a jazz band member. She was a member of the National Honor Society, BETA, French and Literary clubs and All-State Band 2000. Lawrence found time to do volunteer work for several organizations and work part time. She plans to attend Western. Butler County High School has six seniors who ranked number one in their class, and one who ranked second. Paige Craig, daughter of Larry and Patty Craig was student body president, vice president of BETA and the Foreign Language Club. She won the schools all As award and Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Craig was a Homecoming attendant, member of M-pact, Family Career Community Leaders of America, and Technology Students of America. She was a band member for five years and voted friendliest in the senior class. She will attend Western. Kelsy Deye, daughter of Richard and Karen Deye was a National Merit finalist, Presidential Scholars semifinalist and National BETA Club Scholar. Kelsy will attend Grove City College in Pennsylvania and major in biochemistry. Hanna Gill, daughter of Melinda Peay and Bobby Gill, was president of the Butler County BETA chapter and student body treasurer. Gill won the Regents award and participated in high school chamber choir and sang in the Kentucky All-State Choir her junior and senior years. She also played soccer, basketball and ran track. Gill will attend Western on a scholarship. Holly Hensley, daughter of Bert and Cynthia Hensley, was awarded Outstanding Accompanist at the 1998 National Music Festival. Hensley earned awards as Butler County Chamber Choirs piano accompanist. Holly will study premed at Centre College in Danville. David Nick Trabue, son of David and Paula Trabue, has 13 years of perfect school attendance, played on the basketball team and was named the golf teams most valuable player. Trabue will study pre-dentistry at Western. Ashley Wallace, daughter of Gary and Cathy Wallace, has been student council vice president, secretary of the BETA chapter, historian of the Foreign Language Club, a member of the Technology Students Association, track and basketball teams. She was the girls all-time leading scorer in basketball and was basketballs Homecoming queen. Wallace also was a top-ten finalist for the Wendys High School Heisman Award. She plans to attend Campbellsville University on an athletic and academic scholarship. Melanie Hunt, daughter of Ronnie and Sheila Hunt, ranked second in the Butler County High School senior class. Melanie, a Western Kentucky University Distinguished Honor student, finished third in the National Engineering Design Challenge, fourth place in the BRIMMS Bridge Building Competition and a landscaping agriculture award. Hunt will attend the University of Louisvilles Speed Scientific Engineering school as a civil engineering major. Caverna High School: Kendra Henderson, daughter of Kenneth and Wanda Henderson of Cave City, is valedictorian of her class. Henderson was president of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, senior class treasurer, band secretary and secretary of BETA. She also works part time. Henderson received a scholarship from Western where she plans to major in math education. Daniel W. Hatcher, son of Wayne and Rebecca Hatcher of Cave City, received a National English Achievement Award, National Science Merit Award and National Business Association Award. Hatcher is listed in the Whos Who Among American High School Students and was a Horse Cave Rotary Club Student of the Month. He also was a 1999 Governors Scholar, and ranked first in the 3rd District BETA science exam competition. He participated in the American Private Enterprise System program and returned as a junior leader. Hatcher received a Governors Scholarship and a Physics Departmental Scholarship to Western, where he will major in physics-psychology in the honors program. Edmonson County High School: Shana Duvall, daughter of Benny and Julie Duvall, is valedictorian. Duvall has always been a straight A student and was a member of BETA Club, Math Club, Literary Club, Student Government Association and yearbook staff. Duvall also was voted most likely to succeed by her peers. She received a Regents scholarship and will attend Western as a pharmacy major. Denise Michelle Lindsey, daughter of Bruce and Sandra Lindsey, is salutatorian. She received a Kentucky Scholars Scholarship from Western where she will major in biology. Franklin-Simpson High School:Adam Smith, son of Weston and Brenda Smith, is this years valedictorian. Smith, who won numerous district and regional academic awards, was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, BETA, and vice president of the Gifted and Talented Club. He also played varsity tennis golf. Smith plans on attending Western or Vanderbilt University. Josh Alley, son of George and Debra Alley, is this years salutatorian. Alley played basketball for three years and soccer for one year. He also won the best of show in the 1998 Scholastic Art Show, numerous district BETA art awards and a bronze medal in Westerns U.S. history test. Alley plans on attending Brigham Young University in Utah. Sundays edition will include the remainder of the regions top graduates. Glasgow High School Haley Elliott, daughter of Ricky and Beverly Elliott, was a Presidential Scholar and member of FHA and the Scottie Band. Elliott, who ranked fourth in her graduating class of 138, plans to attend Western Kentucky University and major in electrical engineering. Woods Nash, son of Mike and Mary Nash, was a Governors Scholar, regional tennis doubles champion and president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Nash, who ranked third in the class, plans to attend Cumberland College and major in religion and philosophy. Timmy Pierce, son of Anthony Pierce and Lynne Pierce, was selected to the All-Region soccer and baseball teams and SKY Conference football team. Pierce, who ranked fifth in the class, plans to attend Western and pursue a pre-physical therapy or pre-pharmacy program. Ranjana Reddy, daughter of Drs. Narasimha and Sreejaya Reddy, was a Governors Scholar, National Merit Finalist, Kentucky State Beta Club president. She also was a member of the All-State Academic Team, Student Council, Spanish Club, Science Club and Technology Student Association. Reddy, who was class salutatorian, plans to attend Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., and major in journalism. Lindsay Thurman, daughter of Dr. James and Susan Thurman, was a Governors Scholar, National Merit Finalist and Student Council President. She also was a member of the swim, tennis, and academic teams and Beta, Spanish and Science clubs. Thurman, who was class valedictorian, plans to attend Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, and major in biochemistry. Greenwood High School Amy Gass, daughter of Dr. Joseph and Robin Gass, was a Governors Scholar, Junior Miss Participant, and Whos Who candidate. Gass received a USAA National Merit English Award, USAA National Journalism Award, Top Physical Science Award, Top English Award, Top Spanish I Award, Top Social Studies Award and the Band Spirit Award. Gass plans to attend Western and pursue a pre-pharmacy program. Lori A. Hester, daughter of Mark and Pam Hester, was an active member and historian of Beta Club and a member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. Hester was on the newspaper and yearbook staffs, and is listed in Whos Who Among American High School students. She won a Geometry award, the Presidents Award for Educational Excellence and Regents Scholarship from Western Sarah Hubbard, daughter of Dr. Mike and Nora Hubbard, was a Governors Scholar, National Merit Commended Student and winner of the Collegiate and Church-Related Vocation scholarships from Union University in Jackson, Tenn. Hubbard also received the Principals Leadership Award, Presidents Award for Educational Excellence, Phi Kappa Delta 2000 Prospective Educator Scholarship and Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Achievement. Hubbard was a 1999 delegate to Bowling Greens sister city in Japan. She plans to attend Union University. Shannon Jeffries, daughter of Lynn Reeves Jeffries, was a Governors Scholar, an active member of the National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Co-ed Y, Literary Club, Speech Team and Future Business Leaders of America and volunteer for Warren Countys Teen Court program. Jeffries also participated in the Future Problem Solving Team, which has been to the Governors Cup State Competition two consecutive years, and was field commander of Greenwoods State Finalist Marching Band. Jeffries plans to attend the University of Louisville on a full scholarship and major in psychology. Elizabeth M. Johnson, daughter of Sam and Melissa Johnson, won the French IV AP, AP Calculus, Overall Mathematics and Scholastic Writing, Gold Key awards. Johnson also placed second in the French art-pencil drawing competition at the Regional International Festival at Western and third in the French V reading and comprehension competition at the State International Festival at University of Kentucky. She also was Centre Fellows Scholar at Centre College in Danville and received a National Merit Letter of Commendation. Johnson plans to attend Centre College. Kim Kelly, daughter of Tom and Rhonda Kelly, was a Whos Who candidate and was the winner of Student Athlete of the Game by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and sportsmanship school awards. Kelly also received history and English IV honors awards, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship and the ARMY Student Athlete Scholar awards. She also received the Presidents Scholarship and a softball scholarship from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond and the Kentucky Farm Bureau Scholarship. Kelly plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University. Georgeanna Meredith, daughter of Lance and Marsha Meredith, received AP English, AP Spanish IV, biology II, world literature-world civilization, geometry and health awards. Meredith also was the winner of the Mary Jo Cook Spirit and Rising Star Awards and was named Volunteer of the Year by the Greenview Volunteer Program. She received Target Volunteer, Farm Bureau, Greenview Volunteer and Pastors Christian Leadership awards. She plans to attend Georgetown College and major in psychology and religion. Greg Vilines, son of Alan and Elaine Vilines, was a Presidential Scholars semifinalist, National Merit Commended Scholar and state semifinalist in the Kentucky High School Speech League State Forensics Tournament. Vilines also was listed in Whos Who Among American High School Students and was a two time All-State Choir participant. He plans to attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Melody Lauren Walker, daughter of Bill and Betsey Walker, was a member of the Friends program at Greenwood High and won the citizenship award. Walker was historian of the National Honor Society, a Regents Scholar and recipient of University of Kentuckys Bluegrass scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Kentucky. Logan County High School Deanna Blewett, daughter of Keith and Sharon Blewett, was class valedictorian, student council vice president and Fellowship of Christian Athletes president. Blewett also was a member of her church youth group, Future Farmers of America, Beta Club, Youth Experiencing Success and Logan-Bethel Youth Missions Team. Blewett plans to attend Western. Rebecca McCammon, daughter of Shannon and Susan McCammon, was class salutatorian and co-president of the Logan County 4-H Teen Club. McCammon received several awards and has been recognized for her involvement with music and the high school band. She also participated in the All-State Symphonic Band and Kentuckys Governors School for the Arts. She plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University and pursue degrees in occupational therapy and French horn. Sally Russell Dotson, daughter of Larry and Kathy Dotson, ranked fifth in the class. Dotson also was a Governors Scholar and member of the band and softball team. Dotson plans to attend Murray State University in Murray. Russellville High School Jessica Belt, daughter of Kevin and Cindy Belt, was valedictorian. Belt plans to attend Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and major in engineering. Matthew Peyton Taylor, son of Seretta Maxwell and Johnny Taylor, was salutatorian. Taylor plans to attend the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., and major in psychology. Warren Central High School Rebecca Joy Decker, daughter of Joe and Denise Decker, was co-valedictorian. Decker received Outstanding Student awards in chemistry, accounting, geometry, word processing, Spanish and computer programming. She also received the Physics Un-Club Award. Decker attended the Future Business Leaders Regional Competition in 1998, 1999 and 2000 and plans on majoring in missions at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Mo.Kristina Michelle Thomas, daughter of James and Teresa Thomas, was also co-valedictorian and received Most Outstanding Student awards in biology I, chemistry I, physics I, geometry, AP calculus, world civilization, sociology, AP US history, word processing, and Honors French II. She also received honors awards in algebra II, pre-calculus, anatomy and physiology and AP physics. Thomas has had perfect attendance throughout high school and served as president of the Future Business Leaders of America in 1999-2000 and as FBLA reporter in 1998-1999. Thomas, who plans to attend Western, is a member of the Beta Club, Physics Un-Club, Math-Computer Club, and Student Council for Exceptional Children. Warren East High School Caleb Reed Benningfield, son of Randy and Jane Benningfield, was class valedictorian, had the highest grade point average for each year of high school and received AP honors in English, Spanish IV and U.S. history and political science honors. Benningfield also was recognized as a 1999 Commended Scholar by the National Merit Society and included in Whos Who Among American High School Students. He was Warren Easts nominee for the Wendys High School Heisman Scholarship Athletic Citizenship Award and was honored by the U.S. Marines with a Scholastic Excellence Award. Benningfield was a member of the Beta Club for three years, president of the Co-ed Y Club and Student Government class representative as a junior and senior year. He also was a Natural Helper, member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, participant in the American Private Enterprise System and Students Turning Education Into Potential. Bennington also taught a postponing sexual involvement class and led a campus cleanup. He also played baseball, soccer and basketball as well. Benningfield plans to attend Western on a four-year Presidential scholarship. Viral Patel, son of Daksha and Dinesh Patel, was class salutatorian and received Sons of the American Revolution National Defense Committee ROTC, Daughters of the American Revolution National Defense Committee ROTC and American Legion Scholastic medals. Patel won Distinguished Cadet Honor for the Kentucky Summer Leadership School and Triple Ruby Honor in the National Forensic League. He also was named National Forensic League All-American and State Speech Runner-up in Duo Interpretation. Patel received Westerns Outstanding High School Scholar Award as well as Air Force ROTC and Beta Club scholarships.