West Central HS names 2016 valedictorian, salutatorian

FRANCESVILLE – Valedictorian Jerod Putt and Salutatorian Vanessa Murray will lead the Class of 2016 down the aisle at commencement ceremonies next month at West Central High School.

Jerod is the son of Brian and Tami Putt of Francesville, and Vanessa is the daughter of John and Jessica Murray, also of Francesville.

Graduation at West Central will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 29.

Jerod will attend Purdue University to major in agriculture systems management. After college he hopes to return to Francesville to help manage the family farm.

In school, he was a seven-year member of Student Council and served a term as president, and was a two-year member of National Honor Society, serving as vice president last year. He was a two-year member of Business Professionals of America, serving a term as treasurer.

He was also a 10-year member of 4-H, serving as a Health and Safety officer, president and parliamentarian.

His awards and honors include: DAR citizenship award, Outstanding male for Band and Choir, Bausch and Lomb, Math contest - sixth in Algebra 2, BPA state - ninth in abusiness management, 11th in advanced accounting, seventh in financial analyst team; Homecoming King, Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion for Dairy Starters.

Jerod is also a member of the Apostolic Church youth group. He enjoys playing basketball with his friends and bike riding.

 

Vanessa will attend Purdue University to major in business and English. After college, she plans to attend law school and eventually open her own law firm.

In school she was a member of Student Council, Sunshine Society, Business Professionals of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and National Honor Society.

Her awards and honors include Top Scholar ­ sophomore and junior years, Academic All­State in volleyball, and High Honor Roll all four years of high school.

Her extra­curricular activities included band, choir, color guard, volleyball manager, basketball manager, softball manager, golf, church activities, 4­H, volunteering, WCHS play.

Vanessa also loves to read and write, especially poetry. She enjoys photography, baking, and cooking. Her interests also include singing, playing music, traveling, and, of course, spending time with her friends.