2012 Aberdeen High School Honor Grads

These 12 Aberdeen High School seniors will lead the Class of 2012 at the school’s graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, at Stewart Field.

This year’s top scholars for Aberdeen High School are:

HAILEY JOYCE GIBSON

The daughter of Carrie Gibson of Aberdeen and Rich Gibson of Bend, Oregon, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend Washington State University to major in Journalism and will run cross country and track. She wants to become a writer for a major magazine. Hailey participates in the marching, pep and jazz bands at Aberdeen High School, and is a World Class Scholar and Running Start student. She was a captain of the track team and a captain, MVP, and 3-year state qualifier in cross country. She especially loved the time she spent working with the Outdoor School.

EMILY PENTTILA

The daughter of Cynthia and Philip Penttila of Aberdeen will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore., to pursue general studies with an emphasis in math. She wants to earn a bachelor’s degree that will enable her to work in a math-related field. Emily is a member of the Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, has participated in Food Ball, and has done volunteer work at the Grays Harbor Youth Center. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has played soccer and golf for four years, earning three varsity letters and twice participating in the district tournament. She has also been a member of the marching and pep bands at Aberdeen High School.

PAIGE WALLIN

The daughter of John and Linda Wallin of Aberdeen will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend the University of Washington and is interested in studying law. After earning her degree, she wants to complete law school and become a lawyer. Paige is a World Class Scholar, treasurer for the AHS Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, a Washington Scholars nominee, Business Week CEO and a member of the National Honor Society. She participated in Food Ball and served as co-chairperson for the Aberdeen Food Ball Cosmopolis Community Blitz, worked with the Youth Suicide Prevention Program and was a volunteer with the Relay for Life. She is employed at the Simpson Elementary After-School Program. Her favorite activity is to race go-karts, which she does at the regional and national level.

TIANA TAYLOR

The daughter of Kris Taylor of Cosmopolis and Travis Taylor of Chehalis will graduate with a 3.993 GPA. She plans to attend Western Washington University in Bellingham and major in education. She wants to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees and work as a teacher or guidance counselor. Tiana is active at Aberdeen High School in Future Business Leaders of America, yearbook, Honor Society, World Class Scholars, cheerleading, Outdoor School and as a Food Ball volunteer. She would like to thank her friends and family who have supported her in all she has done. Special thanks to Mrs. Ramsey, Mrs. Schrader, Doc, Mrs. Miner, Mrs. Moore, Mr. Patterson and Given for helping her get ready for college.

EVAN KUHN

The son of Gene and Carlene Kuhn of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.986 GPA. He plans to attend Grays Harbor College to study math, science or computers. Evan is a World Class Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. He enjoys reading and playing video games.

HUNTER LARSON

The son of Karin and Paul Larson of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.976 GPA. He plans to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane and is interested in studying business administration and medicine. He wants to graduate from Gonzaga with a Master of Business Administration degree and a minor in pre-med. Hunter is a Running Start student and a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He is a Eucharistic minister at his church and has worked as a counselor at Camp Bishop and as a lifeguard. Hunter is an outstanding athlete who played three years of varsity basketball and baseball, and four years of varsity golf, reaching the state playoffs in both baseball and golf.

SAMANTHA MAY

The daughter of Gregory May and Anne Marie Wong May of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.975 GPA. She plans to attend Carroll College in Helena, Mont., and will major in Biology. She wants to become an obstetrician. She is a Running Start student, a member of the National Honor Society, a World Class Scholar and attends St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She has been a gymnastics coach, lifeguard and has participated in the Washington Cultural Exchange. At Aberdeen High School, Samantha has participated in orchestra, the marching and pep bands for four years, varsity track for three years and varsity swimming for four years.

RACHEL SMITH

The daughter of Heather Smith of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.948 GPA. She is a member of the junior class who has completed her graduation requirements a year early. She plans to attend Stanford University in California and major in Psychology. She wants to become a criminal defense attorney. Rachel has coached girl’s soccer, worked at Dairy Queen, and participated in Running Start. She enjoys reading, writing, playing soccer, going to school and spending time with her mother. She wants to thank her mom for all she has done for her: “She is my hero! I love you, Mom!”

MORIAH EMARD

The daughter of Michael and Annette Emard of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.946 GPA. She plans to attend Grays Harbor College for two years before transferring to a four-year university. She is interested in studying history, archeology, anthropology, child development or teaching. She is a member of the National Honor Society and participates in Marching Band and the Relay for Life where she walked the full 24 hours in support of cancer research. Moriah has played her saxophone at local nursing homes for the past seven years and likes to knit, crochet and sing. She has received an Outstanding Student Masonic award, a People’s Choice Award and was chosen by a teacher to receive a “Selfless Act” button.

SARA CROWELL

The daughter of Lesley and Ron Howell and Keith and Marycel Crowell of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.935 GPA. She plans to attend the University of Oregon and major in interior architecture and international relations. She is a Running Start student, a member of the National Honor Society and a World Class Scholar. She has worked as a gymnastics coach and has also traveled to Europe as a People to People Student Ambassador. Sara has participated in band, art and the Project Best after school program at Aberdeen High School. She enjoys traveling and would like to travel overseas with a design firm to learn more languages and experience other cultures. She wants to thank her friends and family for their support over the years and the reminders to keep moving forward.

HAILEY MCDOWELL

The daughter of Jim and Melissa McDowell of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.935 GPA. She plans to attend Grays Harbor College to study business. She wants to go into finance or banking. Hailey has been a volunteer at St. Mary’s Feed the Hungry program and enjoys riding horses. She also earned a 2011-2012 TwinStar Credit Union internship.

KU’ULEI SIOLO

The daughter of John Matagora and Sue Siolo of Aberdeen will graduate with a 3.935 GPA. She plans to attend Lower Columbia College for two years to study international business and play fastpitch. She then wants to transfer to a Division I university to continue playing fastpitch. Ku’ulei has played four years of fastpitch and served as team captain. She is a member of the National Honor Society and World Class Scholars and has been a Business Week CEO and Business Week intern. In the community she has coached youth basketball at the YMCA and assisted with youth fastpitch clinics. She sends out a big thank you to her coaches and especially her parents for helping her be successful.