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High schools, paper spotlight seniors
Lexus Ward
Lexus Ward, 17, was the second student of the week selected at LCHS

Liberty County High School’s Celebrating Student Success dynamic team recently launched a new Senior of the Week endeavor that shines light on seniors who aren’t necessarily in the spotlight.  
“They looked at seniors who had good attendance, were passing their classes and on track to graduate and who were just really viewed as very positive young people,” LCHS Principal Paula Scott said. “I think they’re targeting students that might not otherwise be in the spotlight, but yet they’re really great students, great kids, have great relationships with people, lots of friends and aren’t necessarily getting the attention.”
History teacher Sarah Hein is spearheading the effort, which originates from the Georgia Leadership Institute’s suggestion that student achievements be heralded.  
Dynamic-team members make the selections together, and the first student recognized was Austin, Texas, native Kenneth Tyner, whose name was on the school’s marquee from Jan. 28-Feb. 1.
“It goes back to the ‘squeaky wheel’ idea …,” Hein said. “They do not misbehave. They are here almost every school day. These are the students that need to be recognized. This is a big thank-you to the students that are working hard doing what we ask of them.”
Panther honorees receive a preferential parking spot, their names on the school’s marquee, a swag bag with goodies, a pass to a home athletic event, a pass for free ice cream from the snack bar, a free dress-down day and recognition in the morning announcements.
Three more students have been recognized since the first week.
The effort will continue through the remainder of the school year, and the Courier is teaming with business sponsors to showcase the students within its pages.
Bradwell Institute also joins the program this week with its first pick, Ayonna James.
Bradwell Principal Scott Carrier said students “who perform well academically through hard work and dedication” will be selected by a collaborative effort of administrators, counselors and teachers.
He emphasized that many students are worthy of recognition, which makes it difficult to select the weekly winners.
“We have many students who work very hard each day because they have a strong understanding of the importance of a well-rounded education,” Carrier said. “These students don’t do the work for the recognition; rather they do it because they understand the benefit of getting a good education and in being involved in their school community.”
Keep with the Courier for a weekly showcase of both school’s seniors.

Kenneth Tyner, 17,
from Austin, Texas
Week 1 – Jan. 28-Feb.1
• What activities have you been involved in at LCHS? n/a
• What activities have you been involved in throughout the community? I did community service at the Midway Museum.
• What are your hobbies and interests? I like to play football, basketball and video games. I also like to listen to music
• What are your plans after graduation? To go to the Army, then a two-year college, then a four-year college.
• What is your favorite memory from LCHS? n/a

Lexus Ward, 17,
from Savannah
Week 2 – Feb. 4-8
• What activities have you been involved in at LCHS? I was involved in the Toys for Tots program.
• What activities have you been involved in throughout the community? I was involved in soccer at the Liberty County Recreation Department.
• What are your hobbies and interests? I am interested in reading mystery books and listening to music.
• What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend Augusta State University to major in biology then attend a medical institute.
• What is your favorite memory from LCHS? My favorite memory from LCHS is spirit week, where we could show our school spirit by wearing clothing for the theme of the day.

Fernon Wilkins, 19,
from Riceboro
Week 3 – Feb. 11-15
• What activities have you been involved in at LCHS? None.
• What activities have you been involved in throughout the community? I am involved with a mentorship program called GANG (God’s Anointed New Generation) from my hometown of Riceboro.
• What are your hobbies and interests? Hunting, fishing, chilling with friends and talking on the phone with my girlfriend, Sharron Carter. I also play games sometimes.
• What are your plans after graduation? I am going to Savannah Tech to finish up my welding pathway. Then I am going to find a job as a welder and start my own business one day.
• What is your favorite memory from LCHS? Having fun and enjoying my teachers who have motivated me to do well in life.

Michelle Roberts, 17,
from Colorado Springs, Colo.
Week 4 – Feb. 18-22
• What activities have you been involved in at LCHS? During my junior year, I was in the JROTC program.
• What activities have you been involved in throughout the community? I was bowling since seventh grade for the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). It was also called the Youth American Bowling Alliance (YABA) because I bowled every Saturday morning on Fort Stewart at Marne Lanes.
• What are your hobbies and interests? I love bowling, reading teenage books and hanging out with my family and friends
• What are your plans after graduation? To attend Georgia Southern and earn my bachelor’s degree in women’s health. I am still deciding if I want to join the Army when I finish college.
• What is your favorite memory from LCHS? The great teachers and friends that I have made since my freshman year.


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