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Lyndon Institute Announces Class of 2019 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

April 29th, 2019


Head of School Twiladawn Perry is pleased to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Lyndon Institute Class of 2019. 

The valedictorian of the graduating class at Lyndon Institute is awarded to the student who receives the highest weighted grade point average during their tenure at the school. The student to realize that accomplishment for the Class of 2019 is Connor McClure. In his role as valedictorian, Connor will present the valedictory address during the school’s Commencement ceremonies in June. 

Connor’s outstanding academic achievements are marked by passion, diversity, and commitment. While he has focused on rigorous Advanced Placement and honors courses, Connor has also challenged himself in Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Architectural Engineering, and Bike Tech as well. Connor has earned distinction through his selection in the National Honor Society, being a four year member of Student Council, and serving as the President of his Junior and Senior class. 

Connor has been a three-sport athlete and captain of the volleyball, basketball, and baseball varsity teams and was elected to the second team All-State volleyball team. As an athlete who cares deeply about giving back to his community, Connor helped to create an equipment drive at Lyndon Institute to support the Lyndon Area Youth Baseball and Softball, and has worked with area youth at the Cabin Fever Baseball Clinic throughout his four years. 

Connor is the recipient of a Green and Gold Scholarship and plans to attend the University of Vermont to study Exercise Science and Nutrition. Between his junior and senior year, Connor graduated from the Governor’s Institute of Vermont for Health and Medicine. This experience will certainly benefit him as his goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. He is the son of Kevin and Amy McClure of Lyndon, VT.

The salutatorian for the graduating class is awarded to the student who receives the second highest weighted grade point average during their tenure at the school. The student to realize this accomplishment for the Class of 2019 is Abigail Ham. She will present a Commencement invocation address during the Baccalaureate ceremonies in June.

Abigail has had a rich and diverse academic career at Lyndon Institute. As well as carrying a very rigorous academic load, Abigail has followed her passion for culture, knowledge, and community. During her four years, she has participated in the National Junior Classical League, the LI Latin Club, and Scholars Bowl. Abigail has repeatedly won distinction in the Vermont Poetry Out Loud Competition, Certamen (hosted at Yale and Harvard), and both the American Legion Oratorical Contest and the Rotary Speech Contest. Most recently, she was awarded first place in the state-wide essay contest for SchoolChoice in Vermont. Her roles in National Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society, and Student Government illustrate her desire to serve the LI community. Along with all these interests and accomplishments, Abigail has also found the time to participate in theater productions, the school newspaper, track, and the pep band. 

Abigail is planning to attend Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan to study Classical Studies and PreMedicine. She is the daughter of Patrick and Sarah Ham from Sheffield, Vermont. 

Perry says, “We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of both Connor and Abigail. Both of these students not only dedicated themselves to academic excellence, but have embraced and excelled in numerous other opportunities throughout their high school careers. By doing so, they have set an ambitious example for their classmates. Congratulations, Connor and Abigail!” 

Baccalaureate for the Lyndon Institute Class of 2019 is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 2nd in the Alumni Auditorium. It will be followed directly by Commencement which will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Robert K. Lewis Field. Dr. Gregory J. McCormick, alumnus of the Class of 1991, will serve as Commencement speaker.

Posted in the category Commencement.