Congratulations to the New Richmond High School Class of 2022’s Valedictorian, Hailey Collett, and Salutatorian, Justin Ackerman!
Both students took a few minutes to share their thoughts about their years here at New Richmond Schools, their accomplishments, and the future. You can read their responses below.
Name: Hailey Collett
Parents: Deanna and Keith Collett
What are your plans for after high school?
I will attend the Ohio State University to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering with current interest in the pharmaceutical or nuclear industry.
Which extracurriculars and clubs have you been a part of?
I have been a member of Student Council, Spanish Club, Chemistry Club, National Honors Society, Varsity volleyball, and Kind Club. Additionally, I attended Buckeye Girls State (junior year) and a sports Leadership Conference (sophomore year), and have been working since my sophomore year.
How do you feel about being valedictorian?
I am thrilled to receive the role of valedictorian. My graduating class consists of wonderful, compassionate, and dedicated students. I am very honored to represent them!
What or who motivated you the most during high school and why?
My parents motivated me most during my high school experience due to their constant support and encouragement. I have always wanted to make my parents proud and therefore have desired to achieve the best grades possible to fulfill such means.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I hope to hold a successful career and to have several dogs and cats.
What has been the highlight of high school?
The highlight of my high school experience includes activities of which I participated with in Spanish and Chemistry Club. For instance, I found great entertainment in the goose-chases in Jungle Jims and Spanish movie marathons in Spanish Club. I also enjoyed performing interesting experiments in Chemistry Club, such as when I represented it sophomore year for the club and sport assembly by performing an elephant’s toothpaste experiment.
Complete the sentence: “I will always remember…”
I will always remember the welcoming, supportive environment and community in New Richmond Schools.
What was your favorite class?
My favorite class was CCP Chemistry I and II with Mrs. Prescott. This course was decently challenging at times; however, Mrs. Prescott’s constant enthusiasm and support allowed for a wonderful learning experience. She made learning online more bearable, such as when she brought her dog online to “teach”, and performed awesome experiments for a Halloween story.
What will you miss most after you graduate?
Following my graduation, I will most miss close proximity with my family. Taking CCP courses at the University of Cincinnati the past years have given me more time at home wherein I have spent a lot of time with my mother and grandmother, who I proudly call my best friends. I will miss horror movie nights with my dad, and spending too much money too often at Target with my younger sister Bella. I will also greatly miss my dog Macy, who I have had since she was a puppy! I will miss the little things like my parents’ meals (I am a terrible cook) and Bella killing spiders for me (I am terrified of them) as well!
What is your greatest achievement during high school?
During high school, my greatest achievements include my receival of the awards SBAAC First Team All-Star (volleyball), Spanish II Recognition of Outstanding Performance, Advanced English II Recognition of Outstanding Performance, Advanced U.S. History Recognition of Outstanding Performance, Outstanding Spanish I Award, Advanced Math 10 Recognition of Outstanding Performance, Honor Roll with Distinction, and SBAAC Scholar Athlete. The accomplishment of which I am most proud though would be my recognition as valedictorian!
Would you like to thank anyone? Final words?
I would like to thank the entirety of the New Richmond High School staff for providing a positive, welcoming learning environment. I came into the New Richmond school district my freshman year of high school without knowing anyone or anything about the area. The friendly, open atmosphere upheld in this school provided for comfortable acclimation in the school and community. In particular, I would like to thank Mr. Helfin (V.P.), Mrs. Prescott, Señora Nehls, Ms. Senter, Mr. Hatfield, and Mrs. Graser.
To Mr. Heflin, thank you for always greeting me in the hallways to discuss the Kentucky basketball team’s recent (or future) losses. Although I root for them, I always appreciated the friendly banter and greatly missed such during my senior year.
For Mrs. Prescott, thank you for your passionate, enthusiastic teaching and warm nature. I greatly appreciate your kindness and attentiveness to your students' needs.
Señora Nehls, gracias por su amabilidad. Sus clases son muy divertidas y interesantes. El club de español fue muy entretenido y informativo. Estoy muy triste porque no tenemos nuestra viaje de España y Portugal pero es vale. Creo que usaré el dinero del viaje para estudiar en el extranjero. ¡Te extrañaré!
To Ms. Senter, thank you for allowing a fun classroom experience with music, fun videos, and treats on special occasions. I especially enjoyed the sentence-diagramming units during class!
Mr. Hatfield, I thank you for encouraging that all voices matter in open-discussions. Whether intentional or unintentional, I firmly believe that my participation in such discussions improved my confidence in regards to speaking in front of classes and sharing my own responses. Also, sorry for making you count over thirty dollars in change (and a Chuck E-Cheese coin) for a fundraiser two years ago.
For Mrs. Graser, thank you for greeting me so kindly in the office every afternoon. Even on the gloomiest of days, our interactions began my afternoon with a smile!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the last four years all thanks to the wonderful teachers and staff in New Richmond Schools. The emphasis held here on success, and learning from failures, makes for an exceptional learning environment. I wish for all of you great happiness in your future teaching and personal endeavors!
Name: Justin Ackerman
Parents: Cindy and John Ackerman
What are your plans for after high school?
I plan to attend college for mechanical engineering.
Which extracurriculars and clubs have you been a part of?
Basketball, Track & Field
How do you feel about being salutatorian?
I am honored and feel excited because I know we had a very competitive class and I am happy my hard work gave me this opportunity.
What or who motivated you the most during high school and why?
My parents have always stressed the importance of having good grades and doing the best you can in school. I think they really pushed me to achieve this. I also have always wanted to be the best I can and I think being awarded this while also balancing sports and other activities has been a goal I have been striving for.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to have a job I love doing and be surrounded by the people I love.
What has been the highlight of high school?
The highlight of high school has been all of the amazing experiences I have had. New Richmond has opened the door for me to do many things like get a good education, participate in sports, attend events (Buckeyes Boys state and West Point seminar), meet amazing people, and achieve great things.
Complete the sentence: "I will always remember…"
The memories and friendships I have made at New Richmond.
What was your favorite class?
I don't think I could pick just one but I narrowed it down to three. Mrs. Prescott’s Chemistry Class, Mr.Crowley’s Physics Class, Mr.Shabesta’s Calculus Class.
What will you miss most after you graduate?
I will miss a lot from high school, but most of all I will miss the people (staff and students).
What is your greatest achievement during high school?
My greatest achievement in high school is being a well-rounded student. I learned how difficult it is to have success in different aspects of life. It is hard to balance and succeed in academics, athletics, and your personal life. That is what I am most proud of.
Would you like to thank anyone? Final words?
I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and New Richmond staff. Each and every one of them has helped me in everything I have achieved and I am so grateful for all of the support I have had.