Mount Pulaski High School announces the Class of 2012

[May 30, 2012]  MOUNT PULASKI -- Thirty-five students were awarded diplomas at the 100th annual commencement ceremony at Mount Pulaski High School on Saturday in the high school gymnasium.

The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by Mount Pulaski American Legion Post 447. The Mount Pulaski High School band, under the direction of David Helm, played the traditional "Pomp and Circumstance" as the processional and recessional.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by graduate Matthew Southerlan. Opening remarks were made by graduate Allison Haley and by the 2012 class president, Audrey Maske. Principal Terry Morgan addressed the group, and scholastic achievement awards were presented by the principal and by Nancy Olander, guidance counselor.

Valedictorian Mark Foley and salutatorian Carly Powell addressed the group.

Diplomas were awarded by the principal and board members Diane Deppe, Doug Martin and Mike Toohey.

A senior slide show, coordinated by graduates Madison Leinweber, Audrey Maske and Matthew Southerlan, was presented.

Closing remarks were made by graduate Alexandra Conley, and the retiring of the colors by American Legion Post 447 concluded the ceremony.

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Mark Foley, valedictorian

Mark Foley was named valedictorian of the Class of 2012 at Mount Pulaski High School. Mark is the son of Robert and Sharon Foley of Mount Pulaski.

In addition to leading the class academically, Mark is a four-year member of student council, serving as president. He is a two-year member and co-president of National Honor Society.

Mark is a four-year member and captain of the varsity basketball team, a three-year member and state qualifier on the World-Wide Youth in Science and Engineering team, and a three-year member of the Science Olympiad team. He has also been a member of the Drama Club for four years and served on the prom committee.

He was named Senior-of-the-Month in February.

In the community, Mark earned his Eagle Scout rank with Troop 122 of the Boy Scouts of America. He was a 2011 delegate to Illinois Boys State, where he was elected secretary of state.

Mark plans to attend the University of Minnesota and major in finance and accounting.

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Carly Powell, salutatorian

Carly Powell was named salutatorian of the Class of 2012 at Mount Pulaski High School. Carly is the daughter of Linda Smith of Elkhart and Deron Powell of Mount Pulaski.

Carly is a high honor roll student and a member of National Honor Society. She has been a four-year student council member, serving as secretary her junior year and vice president her senior year.

She has been a cheerleader for four years, as well as a member of Spirit Squad. Carly also participated in Spanish Club, WYSE and Drama Club, and she served on the prom committee.

She was named Senior-of-the-Month in November.

Carly was chosen to attend Girls State, and she has been a member of her church youth group.

Carly has been admitted to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. She plans to attend medical school to become a pediatrician.

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Mount Pulaski High School Class of 2012

[Text from files received from Mount Pulaski High School]