Lakehill Preparatory School's Class of 2009 now stands at the threshold of new beginnings and opportunities, looking forward to the future yet remembering where they have been.

As each graduate prepares to make a new home, many leave behind the place they have called home for most of their lives.

This year's Valedictorians, both graduating with a 4.0 grade point average, are Alina Rich and Mac Werther.

Rich, who has attended Lakehill since kindergarten, will attend the University of Texas in the fall where she will study aerospace engineering. She is the daughter of Veronica Rich.

She has been a member of the Pan-American Student Forum, where she served as treasurer and vice president, and National Honor Society, where she served as Community Service Chair. Rich was also an active member of the Rock Climbing Club. Her honors include Headmaster's High Honor list, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish National Honor Society, National Spanish Exam Bronze Award, Dennis Birenbaum Scholarship, the Toni Clay Math Gold Medal Award, and the President's Education Award.

She was accepted to Boston University where she received Boston University grants in the amount of $13,000 per year, University of Southern California, and the University of Texas, where she received the Dallas Texas Exes Scholarship valued at $2,000 and the Texas Honor Graduate Certificate, which covers two semesters of tuition and fees.

Werther, who has been at Lakehill since first grade, will attend Vanderbilt University, where he will major in foreign languages and business. He is the son of Steven and Kathleen Werther.

Werther has been a member of the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National French Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Pan-American Student Forum, French Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. He also served as president of his sophomore class and president of the National Junior Honor Society.

As a member of the varsity tennis team, Werther placed fourth in district singles. His academic awards include the Dr. Glenn A. Kidder Scholarship, Principal's High Honor Roll all four years, the English Gold Medal Award, French Gold Medal Award, Spanish Gold Medal Award, and President's Education Award.

He was accepted to the University of Kansas and Vanderbilt University, where he received a Vanderbilt Grant for $41,500 per year.

The Salutatorian is Alan Cox. Cox, who has attended Lakehill since kindergarten, will attend Oklahoma State University, where he will study business administration and participate in the Honors Program. Cox is the son of Douglas and Elaine Cox.

He has been involved with the National Honor Society, Pan-American Student Forum, Rock Climbing Club, and Fine Dining Club, and most recently served as treasurer of the senior class.

Cox also has been a valuable member of the varsity baseball team and was named second-team All-District his junior year and Honorable Mention All-District his senior year.

His academic honors include Mu Alpha Theta, National Spanish Honor Society, President's Education Award, National Honor Society Award, the Citizenship Award, and Mr. Lakehill.

Cox was accepted to Hawaii Pacific University where he received the Ka'Imi'liki Scholarship of $5,000 per year, Kansas State University where he received the Purple and White Scholarship valued at $7,000 per year, Oklahoma State University where he received the Nonresident Achievement Scholarship valued at $8,000 per year, Southern Methodist University where he received the University Scholar Award and the Rotunda Scholar Award valued at $5,500 per year, St. Edward's University where he received the Trustees' Distinguished Achievement Scholar Award valued at $11,000 per year, Tulane University where he received the Founder's Award valued at $17,000 per year, and the University of Arkansas where he received the Leadership Award and Resident Tuition valued at $6,500 per year.

All Lakehill graduates will continue on to college. The members of the Class of 2009 took their final walk across the Lakehill stage on May 29 in Lakehill's 36th commencement ceremony.

Courtesy Photo

Mac Werther — Lakehill Valedictorian

Courtesy Photo

Alan Cox — Lakehill Salutatorian

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