2023 Scholar Athlete Finalists

Bennett Logan

A two sport athlete, Logan graduated with a 4.3806/4 GPA and was named valedictorian of his class. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy.

Samyiah Wheeler

A varsity tennis letterman for all four years of her high school career, Wheeler graduated as salutatorian of her class with a 4.333 out of 4 GPA. Her Athletic Director described her as “a wonderful student who has been a great leader for our school system.

Tanner Slinkard

The basketball athlete worked hard on the court and in the classroom graduating with a 4.438 GPA and as salutatorian of his class.

Erin Urhahn

Named valedictorian of her graduating class with a 4.451 GPA, Urhahn was a three-sport athlete who excelled not only in athletics and academics but also held numerous leadership positions including Student Council president, NHS president, FBLA vice-president and cheer captain.

Thomas Frakes

Thomas Frakes earned a 3.982 GPA while playing 3 sports and earning 22 college hours through SEMO. He was named to multiple all-conference and all-district teams in football and baseball, 2 years all-state baseball. He was a 3 sport starter and member of Beta club and National honor society as well as other clubs. He received Bulldog Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Preston Goodnight

Named Student of the Year at Neelyville High School in 2023, Goodnight graduated at the top of his class with a 4.082 out of 4.0 GPA and completed 12 hours of college credit during his senior year while playing both basketball and baseball.

Ella Eaker

The basketball athlete achieved All-Conference, and All-District honors and completed 12 credit hours at Three Rivers College while in high school. She plans to continue her basketball and academic career at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN.

Tanner Pierce

A standout 2-sport athlete over his four years at Kennett, Pierce is a member of numerous student organizations including National Honor Society, Kennett Athletic Leadership Council, and Key Club. He has also volunteered for several local organizations and maintained a 3.56 out of 4.0 GPA.

Sophie Boone

A three-sport athlete, Boone graduated with a 3.99 out of 4.0 GPA and held numerous leadership positions during her high school career including Student Body President her senior year, Class President all four years, National Honor Society President, Key Club Public Relations, and FBLA Secretary.

Drew Klipfel

The two sport athlete earned basketball all-conference honors in 2023 and is ranked top ten in his class with a 3.959 weighted/3.864 unweighted GPA.

Aleya King

Described by her Athletic Director as “an exceptional athlete and person,” King is ranked in the top five in her class with a 4.02 weighted/3.907 unweighted GPA while being a three-sport athlete and a member of numerous student organizations.

Sam Cairns

Aside from playing soccer and baseball, Cairns has held leadership roles in numerous student organizations including National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the school spirit group while maintaining a 4.262 out of 4.0 GPA.

Megan Maxton

A four-year tennis and two-year soccer athlete, Maxton graduated eighth in her class with a 4.191 out of 4.0 GPA. She is a member of numerous student organizations including FBLA, NHS, and FCS and has volunteered with Special Olympics and the middle school Pickleball Club.

Maggie Hillin

As a freshman and sophomore, Hillin was the #1 ranked player on the Saxony Lutheran tennis team earning all-state honors and a 7th place medal as a sophomore in fall of 2023 with a 4.0 out of 4.0 GPA. Her Athletic Director describes her always trying her hardest to make herself and her teammates better.

Kennett Rampley

A track and cross-country standout, Rampley graduated with an 11.16 out of 11 GPA and has received multiple college scholarship opportunities for both track and cross country.

Madilyn Asher

Ranked first in her class with an 11.36 out of 11 GPA, Asher is earned Academic All-State honors three times in volleyball and was a member of the Cheerleading and track teams. In addition to her academic and athletic accolades, she is also a member of many school groups and an A+ Eligible student with over 250 hours of community service.

Kaylee King

A basketball and volleyball standout, King has earned numerous athletic awards during her high school career including two-time Missouri Class 2 Player of the Year, three-time Class 2 All-State honors, and all-time school leading scorer with 2,965 points. She graduated first in her class with a 4.3 out of 4.0 GPA.

Lucas Robertson

Ranked 11th in his class with an 11.091 on a 10.0 scale, the wrestling standout earned fifth place in his division at the Missouri State Championships, as well as several other championships throughout his career. His second all-time in school history in varsity wrestling wins.

Sydney Kramer

A four-year letterman in volleyball and soccer, Kramer earned academic all-state honors her junior and senior years and was a member of numerous student organizations including NHS, Pep Club, and Student Council. She was the class Vice-President her sophomore through senior years and graduated 19th in her class with a GPA of 10.917 on a 10.0 scale.

Ashlynn Presley

Presley graduated at the top of her class with a 4.054 GPA on a 4.0 scale and earned numerous academic and athletic honors in volleyball and softball. Also a member of the cheerleading squad, Presley was a member of numerous student organizations holding several leadership positions. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi to become a family practice physician.