Betts earns title of valedictorian
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
DECATUR ó Claire Betts earned the title of class valedictorian for Decaturís class of 2008 with lots of hard work.
The daughter of Mark and Gaye Betts, Claire has lived in Decatur all her life and is a 12-year graduate of the Decatur School District.
She is a member of the Academic Challenge Education team, the National Honor Society and the Student Council. She is also a honor graduate and Arkansas Scholar.
In addition to her academic achievements, Claire has participated in basketball, softball and track. Outside school, Claire is very active in her church youth group, and says she really doesnít have time for much else.
Claire has done very well academically. High School Counselor Nancy Cotter said Claireís grade point average is above 4. 0 because of the college-level advanced placement courses she has taken.
Claire said prayer and hard work have been the keys to her success. She has made sacrifices like staying home to work on homework instead of going out with friends, or staying up late to work on a school project when she felt like going to bed.
One thing that has motivated Claire to succeed is watching her parents put her older brothers through college. She set a goal to earn financial aid for college, and focused on earning a high score on the ACT test and getting good grades. Claireís work has paid off. She was presented with over $ 53, 000 in scholarships at last weekís awards night.
Teacher James Garner said Claire is a wonderful student and a great person.
ì She is one of the rare students who knows what she wants and is willing to do the work to get it, î he said.
Claire said her favorite classes are anatomy and physiology and art. She took as many science classes as possible though high school to prepare herself for a college major in nursing. She plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and earn a bachelors degree in nursing, and then possibly continue in school to be a nurse practitioner.
ì I really like the idea of helping people get well, î Claire said. She explained that patients need people who are there for them physically and emotionally.
She said nursing is a way to help people all over the world. She may consider becoming a medical missionary after she finishes college.
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