The Top 10 graduates for Atascocita High School’s Class of 2009 gathered on May 21 at a breakfast in their honor in the school’s library. The event was hosted by senior class officers and attended by teachers, parents and administrators.

Graduation coordinator and House Principal Sarah Davis said there are 698 students graduating in the Class of 2009.

Students received stoles and medallions representing “Top 10” to wear for commencement. Students were also given two roses, one for their parents and one for a teacher, to thank them for their support, encouragement and inspiration.

“You have set your goals and met them. Grades reflect what you know, but you’ve learned so much more,” said AHS Principal Dania Rovegno, giving leadership collaboration and service as examples. “I want to recognize parents for their love and support. You have each played a great role in their success.”

The 2009 Top 10 AHS Graduates:

Valedictorian Kelsey Thompson plans to attend The University of Texas, major yet to be decided. Her activities at AHS included band, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. She attended Pine Forest Elementary and Atascocita Middle schools.

Salutatorian John Cody Evans plans to study business/finance at The University of Texas – Austin. He was AHS student of character, AHS most likely to succeed and vice-president of the National Honor Society. He attended Pine Forest Elementary and Atascocita Middle schools.

3-Michelle Gregory will attend the University of Texas – Austin to study biomedical engineering. She was active in band, National Honor Society and Confirmation Team. She attended Pine Forest Elementary and Atascocita Middle schools.

4-Julie Lim plans to attend The University of Texas –Austin where she will pursue her interests in international business. She was an active participant in the Latin Club, Science Olympiad and Texas State Junior Classical League. Lim attended Pine Forest Elementary and Atascocita Middle schools.

5-Dixie Leung plans to study biology and English at The University of Texas – Austin. She was active in the National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America and Key Club. She attended St. Martha’s Catholic School, Timbers Elementary and Atascocita Middle schools.

6-Michael Turnell plans to study physics at Harvey Mudd College, part of the Claremont Consortium of colleges, Claremont, Calif. He was active in National Honor Society, TMSCA/UIL math contests and tutoring. He attended Pine Forest Elementary and Atascocita Middle schools.

7-Fatima Amin will attend The University of Texas – Austin.

8-Jason Varndell plans to attend The University of Texas – Austin, major yet to be decided. His activities included the marching band, the Humble ISD Student Advisory Committee and four years as lifeguard/pool manager. He’s a former student of Oaks Elementary and Timberwood Middle schools.

9-Emily Lo plans to attend The University of Texas – Austin, McCombs School of Business, where she will study international business and linguistics. She was active in the State Science Olympiad, received the John Philip Sousa Music Award, and completed 14 years of Chinese school. She is a former student of Oaks Elementary and Timberwood Middle schools.

10-Tamara Marie Dallefeld will study business at The University of Texas – Austin. Her activities at AHS included cheerleading, choir, National Charity League and she was a recipient of the Mary Issacks Award. She is a former student of Timbers and Maplebrook Elementary schools and Atascocita Middle School.

Photo: Atascocita High School announced their top 10 graduates last week and honored them during a breakfast at the school. Top graduates left to right, front to back are: Kelsey Thompson, John Cody Evans, Michelle Gregory, Julie Lim, Dixie Leung, Michael Turnell, Fatima Amin, Jason Varndell, Emily Lo and Tamara Marie Dallefeld. Photo by Kathy Parks