Published: May 21, 2009 10:26 pm      

Greenville Christian holding graduation Friday

Greenville Christian School announces its 25th annual commencement exercises are at 7 p.m. today at Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

Sara Elizabeth Nelson has been named class valedictorian. Brittni Danelle Vaughn has been named salutatorian.

Nelson graduates with an overall numeric average of 99.98. She is the daughter of Dr. Jeff and Beth Nelson of Greenville and granddaughter of Pat Nelson, the late M. E. Nelson, and Jerry and Judy Shaver of Greenville.

Her accomplishments include High honor rRoll all four years, SADD Team (Students Against Destructive Decisions) for four years, National Honor Society, ACSI Distinguished Student in Academics and Leadership, academic diligence, TAPPS state competitor in literary criticism for three years, senior class treasurer, Servant's Heart Award, yearbook staff, and outstanding achievement in chemistry, pre-calculus, dual credit English, and dual credit biology. She was recently awarded the David Award for godly leadership and Outstanding Contribution for Yearbook, Athletics, and Academics. Sara is a Distinguished Student. She has been a part of the Mexico Mission trip for the past four years.

Sara is a GCS Iron Woman (playing all three sports — volleyball, basketball and softball all four years) and was named to the All District Sportsmanship Team in both volleyball and basketball and second team All District in volleyball, basketball and softball.

Sara has attended GCS since kindergarten.

Following graduation Sara plans to attend Baylor University and major in pre-med/biology with a minor in Spanish.

She has received the Baylor President's Gold Scholarship in the amount of $44,000 and is awaiting word on several other large scholarships.

Brittni Danelle Vaughn is salutatorian with an overall numeric average of 99.80.

Brittni is the daughter of Kenneth and Renee' Vaughn and the granddaughter of Leo and Pat Mauldin of Greenville, June Vaughn of Celeste and the late Kenneth Vaughn.

While at GCS, Brittni has served as captain of the Varsity Cheer Squad and vice president of the National Honor Society and Student Council. She was a SADD member for three years, choir all four years with competition honors, and received awards for Outstanding Achievement in chemistry, choir, Spanish II, and dual credit biology. A member of the TAPPS Academic Team, Brittni placed at the District level in literary criticism, science, and social studies. An ACSI Distinguished Student in academics, leadership, and fine arts, Brittni was recently awarded the Servant's Heart Award and was recognized for her enthusiasm. In past years, she received the Christian Character awards for availability and responsibility and the Joseph Award for facing adversity well. She has been on the high honor roll all four years of high school and has been awarded Outstanding Contribution in Student Council, academics, and cheerleading. Brittni is a Distinguished Student.

Brittni has also attended GCS since kindergarten and has perfect attendance all 13 years.

Brittni plans to attend Texas Woman’s University to pursue a degree in kinesiology and eventually earn a doctor of physical therapy degree. She is the recipient of a $48,700 TWU scholarship.