Ottumwa High School’s 8th Annual Stepping Towards Success Banquet was held at Bridge View Center on Thursday, March 22. The event recognized students in grades 10-12 who were nominated by a faculty member for improving or maintaining excellence in their academics, behavior, attendance, or overall citizenship.
Principal Cory Johnson handed out awards to 15 students who have taken steps towards a bright future. Students who were honored for their hard work and determination included: Tristan Boer, Gennifer Bowman, Shelby Bullock, Carmen Castro Villatoro, Makayla Davis, Trysten Ferguson, Christian Garcia, Abby Gravett, Chloe Hartley, Maria Horn, Destinee Juber, Hannah Lackey, Stanly Lojan, Takiyra McCall and Rose Smith.
Jeff Hendred was the keynote speaker. Hendred, an elementary principal and business owner, congratulated the students for their achievements and reminded them of how each and everyone one of them is unique and how through perseverance, their goals were achieved.
OHS senior, Chloe Hartley, was the student speaker. She not only acknowledged the efforts of those being recognized but also thanked the teachers who care and support students each day. She reminded the awardees to never give up and to remember they are not on this journey alone.
Special thanks to the following sponsors: Bridge View Center, South Ottumwa Savings Bank, Edward Jones-Dusty Stewart, Dr. Pepper Snapple, and Wal-Mart.
Chloe Hartley was the event's student keynote speaker. See her speech below.
Top Row: Chloe Hartley, Gennifer Bowman, Trysten Ferguson, Tristin Boer, Shelby Bullock, Hannah Lackey, Abby Gravett, Makayla Davis, Destinee Juber, Christian Garcia, Carmen Castro Villatoro, and Takiyra McCall.
Bottom Row: Stanly Lojan, Maria Horn and Rose Smith.
