Emily Clark enjoyed a pretty active freshman year at Montgomery County High School in the 2022-23 school year, being a member of the Scholar Bowl, the basketball cheerleading team and the Homecoming court and working as a manager of the football team.

Even though she was involved in plenty of activities, Clark found time to hit the books. She was an honor student in her freshman year and was awarded with her academic success on Sept. 21 by being one of 56 students receiving academic awards at the annual MCHS Academic Honors Brunch at the school’s gymnasium.

“It was great,” said Clark, who is a sophomore. “I personally enjoy seeing everybody else be happy with their accomplishments because I’ll be in the school with a lot of these people for the next two or three years. So you will grow to know the upperclassmen a lot. I made some great friendships that I will never forget. I really like seeing other peoples’ achievements.”

The Academic Honors Brunch recognizes students for their successful academic work. It began with the students and parents having breakfast. Then, academic awards were handed out to sophomores, juniors and seniors. A student must have an annual grade point average of 3.7 or higher, be active in the school and community and have a strong attendance rate to receive an academic achievement award from MCHS.

“Excellence does not happen by accident,” MCHS Principal Brian Ernst said. “It was a result of purposeful effort and dedication. The mission of the Montgomery County R-II School District is to promote lifelong learners to become productive citizens. The students being recognized are leaders in learning. They are well on their way to leading our community as productive citizens in the future.”

The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Academic Honors Brunch. Several people helped set up the event such as MCHS secretary Kasey Burwell, counselors Amy Davis and Casey Dillon-Chipman, language arts teacher Julie Ellis and students Olivia Shaw, Morgan Koch, Brendan Craven, Avery Leu and Malia Rodgers.

“They did a very nice job of putting all of this together,” Clark said.

Craven, a junior who earned an academic letter, went to the Academic Honors Brunch for the first time. He said he was thrilled to be one of 19 juniors to get an academic award.

“It feels like a ‘we made it’ kind of feeling,” Craven said. “I think that’s really memorable in my eyes. It’s also cool to see the other people like the Class of 2026 spring up and see who is prosperous there.”

Clark was one of 13 members of the Class of 2026 who earned an academic letter. Last year, Clark was one of three football managers, one of seven basketball cheerleaders and nine members of the Scholar Bowl team. Clark said one of the best highlights in her freshman year was doing well in the classroom.

“I love being in school,” Clark said. “I love learning everyday. Like my dad would always say, ‘Knowledge is power.’”

Clark said her goal is to continue being successful in school for the next three years.

“If you think you can do it, then you’re already halfway,” Clark said. “That’s like a big motto I live by because you have faith in yourself, you can accomplish anything. So I’m just looking for good grades, make plenty of more friendships and make memories I could remember forever.”

Gaelyn Allen was one of 24 seniors who earned academic awards. She made her third appearance at the Academic Honors Brunch.

Allen has been successful in the classroom since her first day at MCHS on Aug. 25, 2020. She currently has a 3.88 grade point average and is a member of the Student Council, FBLA and National Honor Society.

“I always have been very competitive when it comes to being towards the top of the class or the ‘smartest.’ I like to be on the top of the game,” Allen said. “I like the thrill of knowing that I am trying my hardest and giving it my all. I actually did really well. I really enjoy being in the top of my class and I still enjoy being in the top of my class. It’s really crazy how many kids in my class who are actually really smart and academically involved. It’s quite overwhelming.”