Ratcliffe selects Cass County students for award

Special to the Journal
 
Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) recently selected Vanessa Davis and Christian Oliver of Atlanta High School; Hannah Hamilton of Queen City High School; Isabella Kennedy of Mcleod High School; and Katelyn Roth and Cameron Priddy of Hughes Springs High School to receive the 2017 “Rising Lone Star” award.
The “Rising Lone Star” award recognizes extraordinary acts of self-sacrifice or community service demonstrated by high school students in Texas’ 4th District. The recipients are nominated for the award by their principals, administrators or counselors.
Davis was nominated for her leadership in the National Honor Society, student council and cheerleading squad. In 2016, she was honored as “Youth of the Year” for her passion for volunteering and work in the community. Oliver was nominated for his strong desire to help others. He’s been involved in numerous activities at his school and throughout his community, including the National Honor Society, student council and athletic programs. Additionally, he’s volunteered by helping out at the local primary and elementary schools, cleaning up the city and feeding the needy. 
Roth was nominated for participating in community events such as the Annual Trash Pick-up, chamber banquets and local festivals. As a student council sponsor over the past year, she has been an invaluable asset at all of the events. Priddy was nominated for his diligent work ethic, selfless spirit and his support of his local community. Priddy has been a loyal and active participant in chamber of commerce banquets, the pre-prom assembly, trash pick-up and Stomp for the Cure. 
Hamilton was nominated for her passion for helping others and for launching the Interact Club. During the past school year, she led the club in volunteering at events throughout the local area that have supported veterans, local girls shelters, firemen and policemen.
Kennedy was nominated for her devotion and strong work ethic both in the classroom and in the community. Over the past year, she has taken nine dual credit classes in order to graduate early while maintaining at least a 4.0 GPA. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club and was named homecoming queen.
“I’m certainly humbled to represent such inspiring young people throughout Texas’ 4th District who’ve gone to such great lengths to make a real difference in their schools and communities. The ‘Rising Lone Star’ award presents an excellent opportunity to showcase their inspiring stories,” Ratcliffe said. “I’d like to congratulate Vanessa, Christian, Katelyn and Cameron for being selected as recipients for this school year and encourage them to keep working hard to positively impact others well after they graduate.”