“We are DecaturProud to present our top academically-achieving students for the Class of 2023,” the school announced in a press release.
Keegan Cox and Ashlynn Leight are Co-Valedictorians, both with GPA’s of 4.65. Alexis Petty is the Salutatorian with a GPA of 4.55.
Here’s a look:
Keegan Cox is the son of Callie Bazley. He plans to attend Purdue University, majoring in Computer Science.
He attended the Blue Academy and Decatur Middle School. During his years at Decatur Central, Keegan played on the football team for four years, competing at the varsity level as a junior and senior. He competed on the Academic Team for three years, winning second in state with the Math Team as a sophomore.
His best high-school memories include both challenges and successes during football playoffs, as well as excelling academically in Advanced Placement courses.
“Thank you to my family for their educational presence,” he said. “My Nana and Mom both went back to college and have been a great example and support system for me with continuing ahead and my outlook.”
Keegan is also Decatur Proud, saying, “Because we have a great culture, one big family! There is nowhere you can go at this school and not be accepted; everyone is caring and willing to cater to your needs.”
Ashlynn Leight and the daughter of Connie and Gray Morgan and the granddaughter of Kristina Long and Jesse Leight.
She plans to attend Indiana University Bloomington and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health or Biology, with the goal of then attending dentistry school to become a DDS and Orthodontist.
Ashlynn attended the Gold Academy, Stephen Decatur Elementary and Decatur Middle School. At DCHS, she participated in Choir for four years and Show Choir for three years. Ashlynn is the Head Dance Captain of the Varsity Mixed Goldenaires, a senior leader for the Football Hawk Block, and participates in Student Voice for New Tech.
Ashlynn says she is Decatur Proud because, “Decatur has created a safe place for me to be myself and always encouraged me to be me and stand out as proud of who I am.”
When asked if she would like to recognize anyone, Ashlynn said, “I would like to thank my family. They have always supported me in everything I do. I’ll save the rest for my speech.”
Alexis Petty is the daughter of Jammie Petty and Billy Petty.
She plans to attend Rose Hulman University and pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with future hopes of entering the Aerospace Industry.
Alexis attended Valley Mills Elementary and Decatur Middle School. While at Decatur Central, she was a four-year member of the Golf Team, as well as National Honor Society and Art Club. Her best high school memories were going to all the football games with her friend Isabel, participating in spirit days, and the Hawk Block.
“I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me to be my best and my siblings for challenging me and giving me competition,” she said.
Alexis is Decatur Proud because, she says, “Decatur has given me so many opportunities to do what I wanted, like clubs. Kind teachers have helped me through things.”