By Staff
Pair tie for this year's top honor
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Although each of the 16 senior honor students at Hartselle High School deserves praise for their academic achievements, two of this year's seniors have excelled to the head of the class and reached a stalemate in the bid for top graduate.
Teresa Kilborn and Matthew Broom have tied for the distinguished honor of 2004 HHS valedictorian. The 2004 HHS graduating class has 187 seniors.
Kilborn has been accepted to Auburn University, where she received Presidential, Math and Science, Board of Trustees, Academic and Valedictorian scholarships. Although she has not declared a major, Kilborn is strongly considering pursuing a degree in pre-pharmacy.
"Hartselle High School offers more competitive classes than most schools," Kilborn said. "I feel it has really prepared me for college."
Kilborn has been an active member of the volleyball team, student council, Key Club, SADD, HOSA, NHS, BETA, Youth Leadership and Latin Club. She is the daughter of Richard and Marcie Kilborn.
Her advice to next year's seniors-"Don't give up on classes and don't get senioritis."
Broom has been accepted to The University of Alabama, where he received Presidential, Alumni and Mechanical Engineering scholarships. He plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
Broom attended UA last summer for five weeks of Capstone Summer Courses and is excited about returning as a full-time college student this fall. However, Broom will not forget the many fond memories his graduating class has shared.
"My fondest memory is probably the senior car in the homecoming parade," Broom recalled. "We bought it for $180, cut the top off and painted it. That was the best."
Broom has been an active member of NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, SADD, HOSA, FFA, FBLA, Latin Club and the tennis team. He is the son of Mike and Lisa Broom.
While Kilborn and Broom may seem like natural competitors, vying for the top academic position in their graduating class and attending rival universities, both graduates agree there is no animosity between them.
"It's been a healthy competition among us," Broom said. "Among our entire class," Kilbron added.
Hartselle High School's graduation ceremony will be held Friday, May 28 at 7 p.m. at J.P. Cain Stadium.