Top two South Ripley High School seniors honored
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

SR Valedictorian Adam Vogel challenges himself to excel

Whether it's completing an assignment, judging crops, playing the keyboard, or performing in a play, Adam Vogel will do what is expected of him and more.

He has excelled in academics, having attained a GPA of 3.96 and leading the Class of 2004 as Valedictorian. He has received the John Philip Sousa Band Award for outstanding participation in the high school band the past four years.

In addition, he has accompanied the junior and senior high school choirs during rehearsals and performances and received the Holdsworth Music Scholarship as a reward for his music ability.

As a four-year member of FFA (Future Farmers of America), Adam served as vice president this year and earned the Indiana State FFA Degree. He qualified for state competition in soil, forestry, and other contests.

During his high school career, Adam has participated as a member of the Academic Team, the Math Club, Social Studies Club, and Spanish Club. His scholarship, leadership, character, and service brought him membership in South Ripley's Chapter of the National Honor Society.

Selected as a finalist in the Lilly Scholarship Program, Adam will receive $1,000 and will represent the program as an ambassador, speaking to high school students concerning the value of education.

The son of Ralph and Lois Vogel of 5370 South Benham Road, Adam has one older sister who is completing her sophomore year at Purdue University. Adam's mother is a first grade teacher at South Ripley Elementary School, and his father is a long-time employee at Ohio Rod Products, Inc.

Adam will also attend Purdue, where he will major in agriculture and prepare himself for an ag-related career. He has already received a Valedictorian Scholarship from Purdue as well as a scholarship from the School of Agriculture.

He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Olean, where he participates in Luther League, the adult choir, and as accompanist for the children's choir. Adam is a member of both his church's team for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life and also the South Ripley Elementary School's team.

Presently he is president of his 4-H Club - the Brown Township
Achievers.

Highlights of his senior year, according to Adam, have included earning his state degree in FFA and being a member of the cast of "Trouble in Tumbleweed," the senior speech class musical comedy.

Other events he will remember from high school are the band trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City at the end of his freshman year. He will never forget seeing the twin towers just months before they were destroyed on September 11, 2002.

During his junior year, Adam was pleased to be selected to attend the Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow's Leaders at the University of Indianapolis. This is an annual event sponsored by U.S. Senator Richard Lugar for outstanding high school juniors. Adam and Jennifer Rogers represented South Ripley last year.

Adam looks forward to graduation and doing farm work throughout the community this summer. When college classes begin at Purdue, Adam will work his hardest to maintain good grades and to obtain a quality education. He knows where he is going, and he is mature enough to realize it is hard work and dedication that will get him there.

 

Salutatorian Rachel Rohrig prepares to give back through teaching

Through her work at Tyson Library and as a Sunday School teacher, Rachel Rohrig has determined she wants to be an elementary teacher. "It's a good way to give back to the community," she tells me as we talk about her plans after graduation.

Rachel has excelled in her high school curriculum, maintaining a grade point average of 3.95 and earning an honors diploma. She graduates second in her class and will be giving the Salutatorian speech at commencement on Saturday, May 29, at Tyson Gym.

Among her activities at South Ripley, Rachel has participated in softball for four years, is a member of the Student Council, co-news editor of Raiders Riot, the school newspaper, and a member of the yearbook staff.

Earlier in the year she was inducted into the South Ripley Chapter of the National Honor Society. Her other organizations include Spanish Club, Math Club, SAE, and Varsity Club.

She was a member of the cast of the speech class musical comedy "Trouble in Tombstone" presented on Saturday, May 15, in the South Ripley Cafeteria.

The oldest of four daughters, Rachel lives with her mother - Connie Rohrig, an ICU nurse at Dearborn County Hospital. Her father Wayne Rohrig owns and operates the meat locker plant in Milan.

Rachel has plans to attend Indiana University, where she will major in elementary education. "I have worked with younger children and have had a lot of fun with them. I enjoyed my participation in SAE, a club for those interested in education, and working in the summer reading program at Tyson Library."

During the school year, Rachel has worked at the library after school and every other Saturday. "I like working there a lot," she says as we discuss community involvement.

Rachel is a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Sunman, where she helps teach in the Bible School each summer and works with a nursery Sunday School class.

Noting that her senior year has
been a good one, Rachel says the highlight was getting to know her classmates better. "It's has also been great to have teachers that care for you and help you with your education."

Being the oldest of four girls has been an interesting experience as well, and Rachel notes that she will miss her sisters when she leaves for college. Her parents and family have been very supportive. "They all keep pushing me to do better."

She will miss many things at South Ripley - her friends and classmates, her teachers, working on the newspaper, practicing softball, taking field trips, and having access to computers and increased technology.

Yet she is looking forward to being an I.U. student and preparing for a career in teaching. She has faith to believe the future holds good things for her because she has set goals for herself that will continue to motivate her to be the best she can be.