LHS recognizes top students

PHOTO BY LISA CARNLEY These Lampasas High School seniors earned letter blankets at the annual Honor Awards Banquet. They include front row from left, Tiffany Landers, Bonnie Wallace, Molly Rogers, Vonzella Underwood, Savannah Burks, Michelle Benton, Taryn Brown and Kirby Crow; second row from left, Amanda Garrison, Brittany Ham, Marie Paddie, Jennifer Meyer, Alexi Bulloch, Erin Neely and Britanny Nuckles; third row from left, Katie Matthew, Ashley Stockman, Julia Garza, Leslie Shroyer and Katie Elder; back row from left, Clay Tyner, Heath Cofield, Kayla Krueger, Ashley Perkins and Monica Carpenter. Not pictured: Sarah Joyner. See related photos, page 2A.

With more than 35 years in the education field, Lampasas Mayor Judy Hetherly knows the value of education. She briefly shared some of her insights at Monday night's Lampasas High School Honors Award Banquet.

"This is one of the finest honors I have ever had, speaking to a group of students at the top of their class," said the mayor of her selection as keynote speaker.

Ms. Hetherly noted the importance of responsibility and the role it plays daily in everyone's life.

"You have to take responsibility for your actions. Sometimes that's tough, but it's very important."

She then used the word "responsibility" as an acronym, punctuating each of its letters with a specific meaning.

"R is for right. There is a right path and a wrong path. You must do things the right way."

"E" is for ethics, and "s" equals strong, she said.

Ms. Hetherly said "p" is for political and taking advantage of one's right to vote. "You should vote, and you should encourage your parents to vote."

"O is for others. You know there are other people, and you should do for them what you want them to do for you."

Other letters included "s" for significant, "i" for influence, and "l" for leadership.

"I is for important. It's important to remember where you came from," she said. "T is for thank you. Be sure to thank those who support you," said Ms. Hetherly. Finally, "y" is for you, said the mayor. "You're important to family, friends, to this state and to this country.

"I challenge each of you to take responsibility for your life."

Certificates and pins were presented to the top students in each class, and 26 seniors were given honor blankets.