The school year is drawing to a close and, not surprisingly, Dunbar’s senior class is becoming increasingly restless. Graduation parties, lazy summer afternoons, college orientation—there are so many things to look forward to following high school. However, on Tuesday, May 12th, students and faculty took a few moments to reflect on the past achievements of the class of 2009 at the annual Senior Awards night.

            There were a number of noteworthy speakers at this year’s awards ceremony, including Mr. Rod Brotherton, who recognized senior Allen Goins for his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. “This award comes directly from the President of the United States,” said Brotherton.

            Regarding his appointment to the Academy, Goins said, “There really is a lot that goes in to [being an officer for the Navy and Marine Corps]. If a person wants to strive for the difficult and doesn’t settle for the ordinary, they should try to see if this is for them.”

            There were also several emotional moments throughout the ceremony, most notably when the Jesse Higginbotham Spencerian Scholarship and the Hannah Landers Humanitarian Writer’s Scholarship were awarded to Kristen Pace and Elizabeth Hicks, respectively. Both scholarships are given in memory of two former Dunbar students who were very involved in the Dunbar community.

            Another touching award—the Heart of a Servant award—was presented to senior Laynie Boland for her service work in Dunbar’s special education classrooms. “This young woman worked individually with special education students and led group activities,” said Mrs. Lorraine Thomas. “She was a true friend; she even brought in gifts for the students.” 

            The coveted MSTC Most Outstanding Senior Award went to senior Scott Calvert, who “managed to find time to hold a job, complete his MSTC Research Project, participate in activities at his church, help establish the PLD Robotics Team, and successfully carry his MSTC class load,” said Mrs. Beverly Smith, MSTC facilitator.

            Perhaps the most prestigious award presented at the ceremony, however, is the PLD Faculty Cup. “The students who win the Faculty Cup are those who embody what [the staff of Dunbar] want all students to be like in high school,” said Mr. Anthony Orr, Dunbar’s principal. This year, senior class secretary Leslie Davis and treasurer Daniel Rouse were the recipients. “Leslie and Daniel are two examples of what Dunbar is about. They contributed to the school body and, ultimately, the school culture,” said Orr.

            Following the ceremony, students, faculty, and family members commented on the awards presented to the class of 2009. “People who do what they love are the ones who win the awards,” said senior Jackie Chance, recipient of the Delta Sigma Theta Debutante Scholarship, the Lexington Woman’s Club Service Award, and the Annbruce Madden Scholarship, among others.

            Senior Alex Parker added, “If everyone loves you, you will be recognized eventually.” Parker walked away with several awards, including a University of Kentucky Scholarship, the Luke Sink Memorial Scholarship, and the Concert Choir medallion.

            While there are many things for Dunbar’s senior class to look forward to over the next couple of weeks, there are also many important past achievements for them to look back upon. The school year may be drawing to a close, but the legacy of these seniors will remain at Dunbar for many years to come.