Shakamak students honored by Chamber of Commerce

Following dinner in a banquet room decorated in the blue and white school colors, students who earned a grade-point average of 3.5 or above were presented certificates by Chamber of Commerce President Andrea Pierce and Vice President Brad Duncan.

In his talk to the students, Ryan Sibray, youth pastor at Lawton St. Christian Church, reminded students that with their academic accomplishments they could achieve anything they wanted in life -- college, a good job, and material items.

However, he used the Bible character Nehemiah to illustrate ways in which a person could go above and beyond those goals.

Sibray explained that even though Nehemiah was living in comfort, he left that comfort to return to Jerusalem to rally people and help rebuild the walls of the city.

"Is your life going to account for more?" Sibray asked.

Hodge also praised the students for their achievements saying they not only achieved academically but accomplished multiple projects while in school.

Students who received certificates were Erika Enstrom, Casey Fougerousse, Amanda Gilbert, Kathleen Gilreath, Cassandra Holdaway, Chelsea Joyner, Scott McNabb, Alison Miller, and William Newton.

Other students receiving an award were Eric Salter, John Smith, Sydney Weinzapel, Lacy Ashcraft, Mathew Herrick, Sarah McDonald, Jeremiah Miller, Kayla Samm, Garrett Scott, John Stevenson, Alexis Williams, and Erin Wilson.