Top students honored by The Gazette-Democrat Dr. Larry Peterson guest speaker

As some of the top students in the high school class of 2009 prepare to graduate in a world which depends on the latest in technology, they were encouraged to not forget about their humanity during a program presented in Union County.

The message was delivered by Dr. Larry Peterson, the president of Shawnee Community College near Ullin.

Peterson was guest speaker at a luncheon hosted by The Gazette-Democrat as part of the newspaper's 2009 Top Achievers program.

The Top Achievers program honors six students from each of Union County's four high schools for outstanding achievement.

Students from Anna-Jonesboro, Cobden, Dongola and Shawnee high school were recognized at this year's luncheon.

This year's Top Achievers are, by school:

Anna-Jonesboro Community High School: Michael Barker, Jared Cerny, Joey Flamm, Blake Goforth, Cayla Lingle, Dustin Young.

Cobden High School: Jonathan Albers, Ryan Brumleve, Kaylin Flamm, Adrian Garcia, Jenna Lehr, Hilary Sirles.

Dongola High School: Latoya Hogard, Kaitlyn Miller, Cody Palmer, Vincent Roberts, Allen Sadler, John-Michael Veach.

Shawnee High School, Wolf Lake: Jacob Gale, Brooke Hudson, Eric Lambdin, April Matlock, Timothy Mayberry, Clayton Murphy.

The luncheon was served in the parish hall at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cobden. Members of the church's St. Ann's Altar Sodality served the meal.

Students from Anna-Jonesboro, Cobden and Shawnee high schools attended the luncheon. Students from Dongola could not be present because of a prior commitment.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Peterson congratulated this year's Top Achievers. He said the Union County students were among the best in the country, suggesting that area students "don't take a back seat to anybody" in terms of their abilities and accomplishments.

"You are the best," Peterson said.

The SCC president told the students that the Top Achievers program "is all about you."

"You can and should be proud of what you have accomplished."

Peterson suggested that the students in the class of 2010 face the challenges of a global community like no other generation before them.

Peterson said that while technology is an important part of today's world, the students need to remember an important message.

"More than technology, you will need humanity," he said in closing. "We think a lot, but sometimes we fail to feel."

John Davis, executive assistant to the president of Southern Illinois University, was a guest at Friday's program.

Davis told the students that he was proud of their achievements, and encouraged them to continue to do well.

"I encourage you to do your best," Davis said.

Jerry L. Reppert, publisher of The Gazette-Democrat, joined in the praise for this year's Top Achievers.

Reppert encouraged the students to continue to do well, and then to eventually bring their skills and talents back to Union County.

Reppert also presented each of the schools with a monetary donation to be used for their academic programs.

Alumnus of year honored

Friday's program included the presentation of an Alumnus of the Year award. The program honors local residents for the service and commitment to Union County.

The award is sponsored by Union County Hospital District.

Randy Lambdin of Wolf Lake was honored as the 2009 Alumnus of the Year.

Lambdin is a local agribusinessman. He is currently serving on the Union County Board of Commissioners.

Two former alumni of the year were present at the Friday luncheon: Larry Karraker and Don Denny, both of Anna.

Top students honored by The Gazette-Democrat