DECATUR — Seven Decatur High School students were recognized for their academic achievements at the annual Chamber of Commerce honors banquet held at the Gallery Cafe on Monday.
Theresa Clements, Erick Aguirre, Zoua Lee, Arthur Lor, Jessie Lee and Gold Vang were awarded for being both honors graduates and Arkansas Scholars. Ashlie Garrett was also awarded for being an Arkansas Scholar.
“This is just a small way that the business people of Decatur and the Chamber of Commerce can thank you for your hard work,” Chamber of Commerce president Royce Johnson told the students.
This year, six of the graduating class’ 32 students - or 19 percent - were honor graduates, according to high school counselor Nancy Cotter. In order to be considered honor students, graduates must have at least a 3.5 grade point average all four years of high school. To become Arkansas Scholars, students must not have any grade below a C in core courses, have a 95 percent attendance rate and have taken a college bound curriculum, according to Cotter.
“Not many other schools can say 19 percent of their graduating class were honors students,” she said.
The students ate dinner among festive decorations, and each received a gift bag from local businesses.
“We really appreciate the chamber and all you do,” said high school principal Tommy Baker.
News, Pages 2 on 05/19/2010