By Staff
JUST RIGHT Kay Hoffer, right, helps Ashley Richardson with her gown collar before they graduate from Southeast Lauderdale High School on Thursday. Photo by Carisa McCain / The Meridian Star
By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
May 24, 2002
Southeast High School's class of 2002 numbered 74 at commencement exercises on Thursday.
Jacqueline Stephens, principal of Southeast Attendance Center, characterized the class as a group of "energetic, witty, go-getters."
Stephens said that the class was driven by a group of outstanding teachers.
One of them was Peggy Clayton, a Southeast High School science teacher who was inducted into the Star Student Hall of Fame this year and recognized during the graduation ceremony.
To be eligible for the honor, a teacher must be selected as a Star Teacher by a Star Student at least 10 times during their career.
The Star Student is chosen based on academic excellence, ACT scores and scholastic average. That student picks the Star Teacher the teacher who has made the biggest influence in the student's life.
Three valedictorians and a salutatorian were recognized during graduation. Valedictorians were Laura Carmichael, Tyler Pope and Elizabeth Wuestefeld; the salutatorian was Anita Panagiolou.
Other Southeast seniors who graduated with high honors, having a 3.75 grade point average or more, were: Jeff Linton, Matt Rushing, Steven Irby, Jennifer Butler, Reba Beard, Kathleen Graham, Kenitta Cooley, Megan Lanterman, Leslie Polk, Brandon Harper, Sara Rucker and Deanna Haguewood.
Seniors who graduated with honors, having a grade point average of 3.5-3.74, were: Lindsay Speed, Erica Smith, Danielle McLemore, Jay Butler, Melissa Taylor, Crystal Ross and Ashley Knight.