May 18, 2018
Prince Names 2018 Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Epistle Award Recipient
Emily Weaver and Luke Wells
Prince Avenue Christian School has named the Class of 2018 Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Epistle Award Recipient.
The 2018 Valedictorian, as well as Epistle Award Recipient, is Emily Weaver. Emily is the daughter of Chris and Tracey Weaver and has attended Prince for seven years. Emily is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient, won first place in Rhetorical Essay at State Literary Competition, is STAR student, and was chosen as Rotary Club student of the semester. All four years of high school, Emily was a Wolverine Scholar (earning the highest composite score that has been received during the current year at Prince on a pre-college entrance exam) and a Wolverine Academian (scoring in the top of her class in core class average).
During her years at Prince, Emily participated in Fine Arts playing in the Concert and Jazz Bands. She was also active on the Academic Team, in Interact and Beta Clubs, and in the National Honors Society. She participated in service projects through these clubs.
Emily was also selected as the Epistle Award Recipient by the faculty at Prince Avenue. The Epistle Award is given annually to the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, best represents what Prince values more than anything else – a Christ-like spirit that manifests itself in a desire to grow in the Lord and serve others for the glory of God.
Chemistry teacher Dale Autry describes Emily as one of the finest students he has ever taught. “She is supremely intelligent and hard-working, but more important is her obvious faith and character. The best thing about having Emily in class is her selfless attitude, which seems to compel her to constantly help and encourage everyone around her.”
Emily says that Prince has been a wonderful experience. “It has challenged me academically, given me many opportunities in arts, athletics, and service, and grown me spiritually. I have learned about my faith and been strengthened in it through Chapel and Bible classes, but all of my academic classes have also taught me to worship the Lord for His creativity, His intellect, and His love.” When asked what advice she would offer younger students, Emily says that doing their best at all times will leave students with no regrets. “Give your best every time, even when you don't feel like it, and you can be satisfied knowing that you gave your all, which is all the Lord asks of you.”
Emily attends Prince Avenue Baptist Church where she is active in the youth group. She plans to attend Auburn University and major in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
The 2018 Salutatorian is Luke Wells. Luke is the son of Thomas and Amy Wells and has attended Prince for ten years. Luke is in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, National Merit Scholar Program, the National Society of High School Scholars, and is a University of Georgia Certificate of Merit Winner. Luke was chosen for the Order of the Arrow in the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Luke has been a Wolverine Academian all four years of high school (scoring in the top of his class in core class average). In athletics, Luke was honored with the Richard Bell Character Award and chosen as All-Region Offensive Lineman. Luke was elected by his peers as Homecoming Representative his senior year.
Luke has participated in Prince athletics on the football and baseball teams and has run Track and Field. Luke has also played in the Prince Band and been on the Prince Academic Team. Outside of school, Luke works as a Veterinarian Assistant and is active in the Boy Scouts of America as a Senior Patrol Leader.
Luke attends Prince Avenue Baptist Church, is active in the youth group, and volunteers for security in the nursery.
Luke emphasizes to younger students the importance of always doing their best and depending on Christ. “There will often be times where it would be easy to give half effort on a job, and it is also easy to stray away from dependence on Christ.”
When asked about his years at Prince Avenue, Luke expresses an appreciation for the school and the teachers. “Not only is Prince a great school academically, it has teachers who truly care about you. It has also helped me create a defense for my faith and helped me grow in my relationship in Christ.”
Luke plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and study Mechanical Engineering.