The valedictorian for the Beech Grove High School Class of 2017 is Michele Jennings. She is the daughter of John and Amy Jennings. Michele achieved a 4.35 grade point average on a four-point scale for her high school academic career. She has been accepted at DePauw University and plans to graduate with a major in biology. Her career goal is to become a neo-natal physician. She also plans to play volleyball for the Tigers.

Michele’s academic accomplishments are numerous.  She was a recipient of the BGHS Academic Achievement Award, Top Ten Scholar Athlete Award, Bausch and Lomb Award, I Dare You Award, Woirhaye Award, Academic Honors Diploma, President’s Education Award and Marion County Principals’ Outstanding Scholar Award. Her academic success also earned her entry into the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.  She has been selected for the Outstanding Student Award in the language arts and science departments at BGHS.

She was a member of several groups at BGHS.  She participated in Jubilaires, Hornet Mentors, the tutoring program, DECA, prom committee, FCCLA, Spanish Club, Student Leadership Team and student council. 

Athletically, Michelle is an accomplished volleyball player. A four year letter winner, she was selected team captain, most valuable player, winner of the “We Before Me” award and Newport award. She was chosen to the All- Marion County team as a junior, as well as the Academic All-State team as a senior.

Michele has been extremely active in volunteer and community events. In addition to her busy academic schedule, she took part in numerous programs such as youth volleyball, Relay for Life, Coins for the Cure, Toys for Tots, and Pennies for Patients.  She took leadership roles in the Riley Dance Marathon, Champions Together and Brian’s Trike Race for the Indiana School for the Blind.

Connor Carter has been named the salutatorian for the graduating class of 2017 at Beech Grove High School. He is the son of Susan and Greg Carter.

His academic awards include the BGHS Academic Achievement Award, President’s Education Award, Academic Honors Diploma, and Marion County Principals’ Association Outstanding Scholar Award. His grade point average for his high school career is 4.31 on a four-point scale.

Connor was active in extra-curricular activities during his four years at BGHS. He was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, math academic team and Spanish Club. As a member of the tennis team, he was selected MVP twice and also named to the All-ICC team.

Volunteerism was also an integral part of Connor’s time while enrolled at BGHS.  He participated in the miracle mile program to support leukemia research and worked in the youth tennis program. Within the walls of BGHS, he helped with graduation set up and the NHS painting project.
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Connor seeks to further his education with a major area of concentration in accounting. He plans to accomplish his educational goals at Indiana University.