Farwell Area High School is proud to announce its Valedictorian, Salutatorian, High Honors, and Honors Graduates for the Class of 2021

Congratulations to the Farwell Area High School High Honors and Honors Students in the Class of 2021. High Honors students have a GPA between 3.5 and 4.0. Honors Students have a GPA between 3.3 and 3.49.

High Honors (Gold Cord) Students include: Madelynne Thrush (Valedictorian), Alicia Frost (Salutatorian), Abigail Bass, Elliana Dailey, Zachary Froney, Brendan Green, Michele Hamilton, Allison Lake, Kaden Lewis, Abigail Mayville, Xavier McNinch, Thomas Owen Murphy, Tyler Phelps, Liberty Shindorf, Jassmine Warner and Vincent White.

Honors (Silver Cord) Students include: Kylee Donelson, Alec Harrison, Brady Jones, Bradin Maxey, Mackenzie Phillips, and Kylie Smith.

Madelynne Thrush is Farwell High School's Valedictorian. The daughter of Jody and Dale Thrush, Madelynne will be attending Spring Arbor University to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Exercise Science. She has signed with the Spring Arbor Cougars for as a shortstop and will be receiving the Spring Arbor Trustee Scholarship and the Women's Softball Scholarship. Additionally, Madelynne has earned the Clare Kiwanis Scholar Athlete Scholarship, the Clare- Gladwin Board of Realtors Scholarship, the Larry and Mignon Laverty Scholarship, and the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship. Madelynne is a member of the Farwell National Honor Society and the Mid College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. By the end of the 2021 summer, Madelynne will have completed the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) through Mid Michigan College. She earned the BCAM Outstanding Senior Student Athlete Award, the Mary Pitchford Outstanding Senior Student Athlete Award, her academic bar, academic gold medals in English, Social Studies and Science, and a bronze medal in Mathematics her senior year. She is also a member of the JPC All Academic First Team. A four-year veteran in both and softball, Madelynne is a leader in both sports. In addition to FHS basketball and softball, she participated for two years in football and is a member of the Midland Lady Explorers and the Valkyries. She was previously involved in band and Science Olympiad. Service and community are very important to Maddy. Her largest commitment to service is her membership in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, building relationships with our youth. She has found the experience to be very rewarding. Other areas of service include working Sports Boosters Concessions, CMU Concessions, NHS Gifts from the Heart, NHS fundraisers, and yard clean-up. Recognized by both staff and her peers, Madelynne has been Student of the Month and was on Homecoming Court her sophomore year. She is part of the work study program and is employed at Red's Oakridge Party Store working in the kitchen as a manager. Madelynne's future goal is to become an athletic trainer for a high school or private practice and ultimately work at the college or university level. Alicia Frost is Farwell High School's Salutatorian. The daughter of April and Don Frost, Alicia will be attending Saginaw Valley State University to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Mathematics. She has earned the Dean's Scholarship, the Robert & Ellen Thompson Scholarship, and the Valley Housing Scholarship through SVSU. Additionally, she has earned the Isabella Bank Scholarship and the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship. Alicia is Farwell High School's Daughter's of the American Revolution Good Citizen which was voted on by her peers. This award encompasses leadership, service, character, and patriotism. In band, she earned the Patrick S. Gilmore Award. She is part of the JPC All Academic Second Team and earned her academic bar and academic silver medals in both Social Studies and Science. Alicia volunteers as a server at her church, teaches dance at Steppin Up Dance Studio, and is part of the National Ski Patrol through Snow Snake. As a member of Farwell's National Honor Society, she volunteers for the Gifts from the Heart and Mac and Cheese Drive events along with serving popcorn at lunch to help raise funds. She also volunteers her time as part of Class Council organizing and planning various school events. A four-year band member, Alicia plays the flute. She has earned her band letter and pin and is extremely proud of the band's MSBOA State Festival qualifications and performances at the Alma Marching Band Showcase where they earned first place finishes in 2018 and 2019. A four-year Science Olympiad participant, Alicia has earned two second place competitive ribbons. Outside of school she enjoys dancing, skiing, and hiking. Alicia's future goal is to teach and inspire students to love mathematics and learning itself.

Abigail Bass - High Honors. The daughter of Carrie and Gene Bass, Abigail is part of the Early College Program. She will complete the fifth year at Mid Michigan College and then transfer to Central Michigan University to earn a degree in Healthcare Administration. She has earned the Al Patterson Golf Scholarship, her academic bar, the academic silver medal in English, and the bronze medal in Science. Abby is a four-year veteran in band, student/class council, golf, and Science Olympiad. Through these organizations she has taken on leadership roles serving as drum major for the marching band, band council member, captain of the golf team, and vice-president of student/class council. In addition, Abigail is co-editor of the yearbook and is president of National Honor Society. During her senior year, Abby was on Homecoming Court. Athletically, Abigail is an all-conference golfer and has participated outside of school in the junior golf program. In addition to her rigorous dual enrollment coursework and extra-curricular involvements, Abby is employed at Buccilli's Pizza of Farwell through the work study program. One of her favorite service projects is Gifts from the Heart. For those that have seen the upgrades at the Kerwin Paesens Athletic Comples, Abby and her partner, Ella Dailey, donated supplies and their time to clean and decorate portions of the complex. Abigail's future goal is to help manage a medical organization and provide the best care possible to patients.

Elliana Dailey - High Honors. The daughter of Andrea and Mike Dailey, Elliana is part of the Early College Program. She will complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and then transfer to Central Michigan University to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Events and Recreation. She has earned her academic bar and the academic bronze medal in English. Ella is a four-year veteran in high school band playing saxophone and percussion. She participated in color guard during her senior year. Athletically, Ella has played golf for two seasons and outside of school she is actively involved in Newman School of Dance. She is a dance instructor and is part of the performance team. Leadership and service are very important to Ella. She is the organizer behind the scenes for both class and student council where she serves as president. She and her counterpart, Abby Bass, spent time this fall bringing new spirit to the athletic complex painting, refurnishing, and highlighting past athletes by displaying their photographs in the press box. In National Honor Society, Elliana serves as vice president. Other leadership roles include band council and yearbook. In addition to high school and dual enrollment classes, Ella works at Buccilli's Pizza of Farwell through the work study program and also works as a nanny. Elliana's future goal is to work for a non-profit planning events to raise money for various medical and social causes.

Zachary Froney - High Honors. The son of Terry and Kay Froney, Zachary is part of the Early College Program. He will complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and then transfer to Ferris State University to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Welding Engineering. During his senior year, Zach has earned the U.S. Marines Scholastic Excellence Award, the Michigan Competitive Scholarship Certificate of Achievement, and the academic gold medal in Mathematics. He is part of the JPC All Academic First Team. Zach has been part of the CTE Welding program for the past two years and is employed part-time at JD Metalworks. He has participated in football, track, , and powerlifting while in high school and was recognized twice by the staff as Student of the Month. He was voted on by his peers to be a representative on sophomore Homecoming Court. Zachary's future goal is to work as a welding engineer for a major automotive manufacturer or aerospace program. Brendan Green - High Honors. The son of Ben and Jeri Brown, Brendan is part of the Early College Program. He will complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and earn his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He has earned the Students of Promise Scholarship. During his senior year, Brendan earned his academic bar and the academic gold medal in Woods. A four-year veteran in football, Brendan was a captain and earned all-conference honorable mention as a tight end. A member of powerlifting since its origination 3 years ago, Brendan participated in state finals, finishing 7th in his weight class. He was on the 2020 Snowfest Court his junior year. Both a dual enrolled and CTE student, he has been a part of the CTE Criminal Justice Program for two years and is part of the National Technical Honor Society. At FHS, he is part of the Forestry and Woodshop Programs. Outside of school, Brendan works at Jared's ExpressMart. His favorite service project was helping sponsor the S4SD Safe Driver Program. Brendan's future goal is to become a police office and serve his community. Michele Hamilton - High Honors. The daughter of Michael Hamilton, Michele will begin her post-secondary education at Mid Michigan College to finish her MTA and then transfer to either Central Michigan University or the University of Michigan to study pre-medicine. Michele has earned the Eckersley Scholarship through Mid Michigan College, the Turn Around Award, the Paula Sullivan Memorial Scholarship, and the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship. She has been involved in bowling and worked at Burger King as a team trainer through the work study program. She is currently employed at Elm Creek LTD. Her favorite community service project is volunteering for the derby races during the summer, an event that has been part of her family for generations. Michele has been recognized as Student of the Month and has taken dual enrollment classes since her freshman year of high school. Michele's future goal is to leave the local area and become a cardiothoracic or general surgeon.

Allison Lake - High Honors. The daughter of John and April Lake, Allison is part of the Early College Program. She will participate in the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and earn her Associates Degree in Nursing. Allison is a dual enrolled student and has earned her academic bar along with her four- year awards in both and softball. She also played basketball for three seasons. Her freshman year, she was the Snowfest Representative. She enjoys sports and helping younger athletes develop their skills. Allison's future goal is to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and care for those in need. Kaden Lewis - High Honors. The son of Hugh and Darcie Lewis, Kaden is part of the Early College Program. He will participate in the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College to pursue a degree in nursing. He plans to transfer to Saginaw Valley State University to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. Kaden has earned the Al Patterson Golf Scholarship, the Clare Kiwanis Scholar Athlete Scholarship, and the U.S. Marines Distinguished Athlete Award along with his academic bar and bronze academic medals in Woods and Social Studies. He is also part of the JPC All Academic First Team. Kaden is a four-year veteran in football and golf and also participated in bowling and powerlifting. He was a football captain and all-conference honorable mention center. In bowling he also earned all- conference recognition. He was part of CTE Health Occupations as a junior and is a dual enrolled student. Kaden is a member of the Farwell National Honor Society and his favorite service project is volunteering for the junior golf program. Kaden's future goal is to either become an ER nurse or serve as a nurse in a private practice.

Abigail Mayville - High Honors. The daughter of Angela Gesinski, Abigail plans to attend Ferris State University to study Forensic Biology and Art. Through Ferris, she has earned the Woodbridge N. Ferris Dean's Scholarship. She has also earned the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship. Abigail is part of the dual enrollment program through Mid Michigan College, and she has earned her academic bar during her senior year. Abigail is a member of National Honor Society, a four-year member of Art Club, and has served on student/class council. Her favorite service project is working with wildlife rehabilitation. Abigail plans to incorporate both her love of Biology and Art into her future career goals.

Xavier McNinch - High Honors. The son of Rayann McNinch, Xavier plans to attend Ferris State University. He has earned the Woodbridge N. Ferris Dean's Scholarship through Ferris State and the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship. Through Students of Promise, he earned an award for the highest attendance in the program along with the Students of Promise Scholarship. Academically, Xavier earned the academic gold medal in Instrumental Music and honorable mention in science. He is part of the JPC All Academic Second Team. Xavier was crowned Homecoming King in 2020. He is a four-year veteran in both band and Science Olympiad and has participated in football, track, quiz bowl, DnD Club, puppeteers, and powerlifting where he finished fifth in the state his senior year. In track this spring, he earned first place in discus at the Jack Pine Conference meet. Xavier's future goal is to become a business to business marketing manager for a large company.

Thomas Owen Murphy - High Honors. The son of Thomas and Penny Murphy, Owen plans to enter the electrical apprentice program after graduation. He has been part of the dual enrollment and woodshop programs and earned his academic bar his senior year. A four-year band veteran, Owen earned the U.S. Marines Semper Fidelis Musical Excellence Award. Athletically, he is a four-year veteran in both football and and has been part of the powerlifting team since its inception three years ago. Owen's future goal is to complete the electrical apprenticeship program and join the workforce as an electrician.

Tyler Phelps - High Honors. The son of Mark and Robin Phelps, Tyler is part of the Early College Program. He plans to complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and then transfer to a university to complete his computer programming degree. Tyler has earned the Michigan Competitive Scholarship Certificate of Achievement, his academic bar, and the academic silver medal in Mathematics. He is a member of the JPC All Academic First Team. Tyler is a four-year participant in Quiz Bowl and has been part of the Robotics Team and the Dungeons and Dragons Club. Tyler is both a dual enrolled student and CTE student, enrolled in Digital Media for the past two years. At CTE, he earned the Most Improved Award this spring. Tyler's future goal is to become a software developer.

Liberty Shindorf - High Honors. The daughter of Amy Shindorf and Gordon Risbridger, Liberty plans to pursue a degree in politics. Her final college of choice is not yet decided. She is part of the JPC All Academic Second Team. During her junior year, Liberty was a foreign exchange student in Romania. At FHS she has participated in cross country and class council. Her favorite school involvements were participating in Mr. Wernette’s class and float decorating during spirit weeks. Through the work study program, she is employed at Four Leaf Brewery in Clare. Liberty's future goal is to travel to as many quirky places as possible and eat extremely good food. Jassmine Warner - High Honors. The daughter of Kevin and Tammi Warner, Jassmine is part of the Early College Program. She plans to complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and then transfer to Northwood University for a business degree. A two- year participant in the CTE Culinary Arts Program, Jassmine has earned the CTE Most Outstanding Award, the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement, and the 2021 Breaking Traditions Certificate of Recognition. At FHS, she has also earned her academic bar. She was part of Snowfest Court her junior year and Homecoming Court her senior year. Jassmine is secretary of the Farwell National Honor Society and is part of the National Technical Honor Society. Her favorite service project was the Cancer Paper Drive. She appreciated hearing about the experiences of each person and/or their family members. She is a four-year cross country athlete where she earned the JPC sportsmanship award and has previously participated in track. She is currently employed at both Buccilli's Pizza of Farwell and Elm Creek LTD. Jassmine's future goal is to own her own business. Vincent White - High Honors. The son of Amanda Anderson and Douglas White Jr., Vincent plans to attend Mid Michigan College for an Associate's Degree in Business Management. He has earned the Future Contractor Scholarship sponsored by California Contractors Insurance Services, the Larry and Mignon Laverty Scholarship, the Tony's Muzik Scholarship, the Son's of the American Legion Scholarship, the Central Michigan Veteran's Fund Scholarship, and the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship. He is a dual enrolled student and earned his academic bar his senior year. A four-year band student and member of Melodic Fusion, Vincent earned the Quincy Jones Award this spring. He is also a four-year veteran in both quiz bowl and track. During his junior year, he was part of the CTE Construction program where he continued to grow his love for carpentry. Vincent's future goal is to own his own construction company where he can build new homes and businesses and help his community thrive.

Kylee Donelson - Honors. The daughter of Eva Donelson and Jeff Tipton, Kylee is part of the Early College Program. She plans to participate in the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and then transfer to Central Michigan University for a degree in Business Administration. She is a dual enrolled student and earned her academic bar her senior year. In addition to her rigorous academic schedule, Kylee works at Four Leaf Brewery in Clare. She has been recognized by the staff for her hard work and dedication, being named Student of the Month in varying years. Kylee believes strongly in service to her community and one of her favorite involvements was making crafts with the senior citizens at Northwoods Nursing Home in Farwell. Kylee's future goal is to join the business world and make a difference in her community.

Alec Harrison - Honors. The son of Robert and Cynthia Harrison, Alec plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall and will receive the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship. He has earned the Michigan Competitive Scholarship Certificate of Achievement, his academic bar, and is part of the JPC All Academic Second Team. He has been part of the dual enrollment and woodshop programs in high school. Alec's college major and future career goal is currently undecided.

Brady Jones - Honors. The son of Tracie and Chad Jones, Brady is part of the Early College Program. He will complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College to pursue a degree in business. He is a four-year veteran in basketball, earning JPC Honorable Mention his senior year. He is a member of National Honor Society and is on the varsity baseball team. Brady was on Homecoming Court his freshman and senior years. His favorite service projects were working concessions and helping with basketball clinics for Hoopzone. He is employed at Buccilli's Pizza of Farwell. Brady's future plan is to work in the business sector or attend trade school to become an electrician.

Bradin Maxey - Honors. The son of Renae and Joe Maxey, Bradin is part of the Early College Program. He will complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and earn his welding certification. Through the CTE Welding program, Bradin earned the Above and Beyond Award this spring. He was awarded the Paesens Memorial Scholarship, his academic bar, and the Triple Threat Award for having participated for all four years in football, basketball, and baseball. He was also part of the bowling team his senior year. In football, Bradin served as captain for two years and earn Jack Pine Conference Honorable Mention in both football and bowling. In addition to athletics, he is part of the bass club, forestry, and the woodshop program. His freshman year he was on Snowfest Court. He is employed at Buccilli's Pizza of Farwell. Bradin's future goal is to become a welder or ironworker and continue to be active in supporting his community.

Mackenzie Phillips - Honors. The daughter of Matthew Phillips, Mackenzie plans to attend Michigan Technological University to major in Biology and minor in Art. She has earned the Steve Lee Grim Family Scholarship, the Jamie A. Blow Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Scholarship, the Lake Rod and Gun Scholarship, and the Farwell Area Scholarship Association Scholarship along with being awarded her academic bar. Mackenzie has been involved in Youth Action Council, Art Club, Drama, Quiz Bowl, Student Council, and National Honor Society. Her favorite service projects were helping out at the community center and making dog toys for the shelter. She has been Student of the Month and a participant in the 515 Art Gallery. Mackenzie's future goal is to earn her doctorate in wildlife biology. She hopes to travel as a biologist all over the world and help preserve our environment.

Kylie Smith - Honors. The daughter of Michelle and Steve Smith, Kylie is part of the Early College Program. She plans to complete the fifth year program at Mid Michigan College and then transfer to Central Michigan University for a degree in nursing. She earned her academic bar her senior year. Athletically, Kylie is a four-year veteran in both volleyball and softball and has participated in track. She is a dual enrolled student, part of the Art Program, and is employed at Four Leaf Brewery in Clare. She was crowned Homecoming Queen her senior year. Kylie's future goal is to become a nurse and continue working on her art, potentially starting a local business selling the pieces she creates.

Graduation Information: The Farwell High School and Timberland Alternative Education Classes of 2021 will officially graduate on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Kerwin Paesens Athletic Complex. Each graduate will receive four tickets for guests, two purple and two gold. These guests will have chairs reserved at the football field. Additionally, we will have our full Farwell High School Band for performance at the ceremony. If it unfortunately rains and the ceremony is moved inside, graduation will be held at the high school and each graduate would be allowed two guests with purple tickets accepted only. The band would not be present if the ceremony is moved indoors.