Grand Island Board of Education honors top 10 seniors

Story and photo by Alice Gerard

As a student in Huth Road Elementary School, Reagan Fast was assigned to a self-contained special education class.

“Because of my teacher, Mrs. Maving, and Mrs. Anderson, who is now my personal aide, and too many people to name, many of whom are in this room, I was supported in a way that allowed me to be part of a community and not just to succeed, but to excel,” Reagan told the Grand Island Board of Education at its March 13 meeting. “I am very happy with the options that I have right now. I know that 100% independence is a long-term goal that I may never achieve, but I will continue to work hard and not squander the education you have provided me. Thank you.”

Reagan shared that she intends to major in biology in college and that she has been accepted in several different schools all over the country.

Reagan was one of the top 10 graduating seniors recognized by the Board of Education. When asked what their post-graduation plans were, all said they intend to continue their education. Fields of study mentioned were aerospace engineering, environmental science, health science or kinesiology, law, engineering, pharmacy and architecture.

The top 10 seniors are Berin Celik, Sebastian Hefley, Matthew Rizzo, John Paul Szczublewski, Samuel Jayme, Natalyn Cordero, Megan Pinzel, Eden Johnson, Reagan Fast and Elizabeth Carpenter.