As the school year comes to an end, graduates are preparing to say goodbye. Tomorrow a total of 29 graduates will receive their diplomas from Kirk Academy.
Graduation will take place at the Kirk Academy Gymnasium tomorrow night at 8.
Valedictorian
Among the graduates, Clayton Hunter Dugan has been named valedictorian. The son of Lawrence and Cindy Dugan, the valedictorian has been recognized for many accomplishments over the years. As a high school student Dugan has been named Who's Who Among High School Students each year. He has also been placed in the National Society of High School Scholars twice.
Dugan is also known for his leadership, through his participation in the Trent Lott Leadership Conference and the Rotary District 6800 Youth Leadership Conference.
Dugan's leadership has led him to other noted distinctions such as, president of National Honor Society, a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Grenada Rotary Club District 6800 Student of the Month, DAR Good Citizen, Special Distinction High Honors, Grenada Exchange Club Student of the Month, a National Honor Roll recipient, Kirk's Star Student, and Kirk Academy Scholar.
The valedictorian has also received numerous awards from the United States Achievement Academy which include: the academy's National Leadership Merit Award, National Math Award, National Science Award, and the All-American Award.
Fellow students have recognized Dugan as well, by naming him as Most Likely to Succeed.
During his high school years Dugan has played an active role in sports such as football, basketball, tennis, track, cross county. He also participated in the Student Council, Academic Bowl, K Club, Drama Club, Speech Club, Encore, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Dugan is also known for his position as class vice-president.
Even though school has played an important role in Dugan's life, he has given back to the community by assisting the food pantry, visiting nursing homes, performing summer mission trips, and helping fellow students by tutoring. Dugan is an active member of the First Baptist Church.
Salutatorian
Joining Kirk Academy's academic recognition is Salutatorian Kristina Megan McGonagill. The daughter of Jason McGonagill and Dana Gibbs, the salutatorian has achieved many accomplishments. McGonagill's high school career includes being named as Who's Who Among American High School Students a total of four times. She also has been recognized by the Untied States Achievement Academy as National Cheerleader Nominee and National Student Council Nominee. McGonagill enjoys academics a great deal, which led her to participate academic competitions such as the MATH Counts Competition and the Academic Betterment Competition, placing first in the district English category. As a Kirk Academy student, McGonagill has served as an active leader among fellow students. She has participated in the Lott Institute Leadership Conference, Delta State University Leadership Conference, and the Leadership Conference at Holmes Community College. She has also been invited to attend events such as the 2005 Inaugural Address and the Congressional Student Leadership Conference. McGonagill has also worked as MPSA State Student Council Secretary and has been named as a Kirk Academy Honor Society member twice.
While attending Kirk Academy, McGonagill has participated in the student government, Kirk Athletic Club, and the annual staff.
She's also known for her talents from her membership in Encore Showchoir and through participation in plays from drama and speech class. McGonagill's personality has led her to be voted by fellow classmates as Sweetheart, and Most Likely to Succeed.
Recently she was named as Kirk Academy Beauty. McGonagill's athletic ability has allowed her to serve as a Kirk Academy Raider Cheerleader, track, and basketball.
While her academic career has been successful, she works in the community in various ways. She has participated in charity events for the Crown Club, volunteered in Relay for Life, and has assisted the food pantry. She has also participated in Missionfuge of St. Louis and Chrysalis of Mississippi. McGonagill is an active member of Holcomb Baptist Church.