The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper

Senior salutatorian Scott Girard is a very detail-oriented student who enjoys working with hands-on learning. (Photo by Mary Beth Rader)

Student finishes high school with pride

By Diana Hatcher

May 13, 2005

Being in high school for four years allows a student to boast many achievements. This statement holds true for Scott Girard. Not only is he salutatorian for his graduating class, but he is also an accomplished golfer and forensicator.

Being selected salutatorian is a noble, exciting accomplishment for a high school student.

“I feel pretty honored because it takes a lot of work and dedication to achieve that status,” said Girard.

Girard holds a GPA of 3.98, giving fellow peers more of a reason to believe he deserves to be salutatorian.

“He has worked hard through his high school career; all of that has paid off,” senior classmate Abby Cunningham said.

Girard has played golf all four years of high school and has been an excellent influence on the younger players.

“He’s a senior leader and a good role model,” explained golf coach Jerry Bollig, “He is a hard worker, and hard work pays off.”

Though golf takes up much time outside of school, Girard doesn’t allow it to interfere with his education.

High school math teacher Alan Cunningham believes Girard is the kind of student who can make and accomplish goals.

“Scott is very thorough and conscientious. He doesn’t need a lot of instruction and has always expanded his knowledge base in math,” said Cunningham.

This is Girard’s first year out for forensics, and it has been very rewarding for him.

“It has allowed me to grow into a better person and become more outspoken with people,” said Girard.

Girard participates in oratory and extemporaneous speaking in forensics and is one of the novices who qualified to compete at state.

“I think I’ve done pretty well for being a novice and not being too sociable when I started it,” stated Girard.

Girard recently experienced an epiphany.

“My favorite memory from high school was when I realized that what happens in high school is nothing more than indicator, not an actual facilitator, of success,” explained Girard.

Like most seniors, Girard is excited to graduate but said he will miss some friends who he won’t get to see as much. Girard plans on attending Kansas State University, but as of now, is undecided on his major.