King, Cherpak to lead Class of 2008

by JILL MAHON

Enterprise reporter

When Wellington High School senior Christy King graduates as Valedictorian for the class of 2008, it will be a bittersweet ending and an enormous accomplishment.

"I'm really excited about it," King said. "It's a huge honor and I've worked really hard for it."

King credits her parents for being her biggest supporters throughout high school and has participated in quite a few activities such as National Honor Society, Student Council, French Club, Key Club, SADD, Leadership Planning Committee as well as basketball and softball. Of those, she held numerous titles her senior year including treasurer of the National Honor Society and Student Council and vice president of French Club.

"I'll miss all my friends and being able to do all these activities with them," King said.

She currently works at Geyers in Wellington and has future plans of attending Ohio State University to pursue a degree in animal sciences and pre-veterinary studies. She is the daughter of Wade and Laurie King.

For Stephanie Cherpak, receiving Salutatorian status was also a well-earned achievement.

"I'm very proud of it," Cherpak said. "I worked really hard to get here and I'm excited to speak at graduation."

During her senior year, Cherpak has been president of Key Club and class treasurer as well as an ambassador for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership conference. She was also involved in Drama Club, Leadership Planning Committee, National Honor Society and cheerleading.

Cherpak said her parents have been a great influence and also credited guidance counselor Carolyn Abbey for being such an excellent mentor over the past couple years. She is the daughter of Bob and Sandy Cherpak.

"I'm going to miss how comfortable I am here. I know there's a lot of teachers here and students I can count on," Cherpak said.

Many of her activities outside school showcased a love for performance art such as her participation in Rockway Christian Music Academy and Ohio Dance Theater. After graduation, Cherpak will further pursue her interests by attending Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Ind., with a major in communications and a double minor in theatre and film studies.

Both girls were awarded a number of scholarships due to their academic achievements.