Each year, South Harrison honors the top 20% of graduating seniors from South Central and Corydon Central at its annual Academic Excellence Banquet. Last weekend, students gathered to celebrate their academic achievements, receiving individual recognition and enjoying a catered lunch. The event also featured a keynote address from a former South Central graduate. Students attended the ceremony alongside friends and family, celebrating their hard work and academic success.
This year’s keynote speaker was Grace Riley, a 2017 graduate of South Central High School. Following her graduation, she pursued a degree in Law and Public Policy at Indiana University, graduating in 2021. She then continued her education at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned her law degree in 2024. Today, she works as a family law attorney in Colorado.
During her speech, Riley shared valuable lessons from her time at South Harrison, emphasizing the importance of trying new things—even when they feel uncomfortable. She stated, “I took engineering classes here. I took woodshop. I took the bus to Corydon for government and AP Biology. None of these things were easy. None of them were comfortable. And I can say categorically that I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t done them.”
She added, “At this point in my life, I think it is just as important, if not more so, to learn what you do not want to do and the things you are not as good at as it is to figure out what you do want to do.”
She concluded her message by encouraging students to challenge themselves, ask questions, and not be afraid to seek help, emphasizing that these actions will bring them closer to achieving their goals.
Dr. Eastridge and School Board President Mary Mathes presented the following students with their awards:
Adams, Aubree — Butler University
Blackburn, Cardon — Undecided
Blackburn, Quincy — 4-year college
Blackman, Payton — Indiana University Southeast, Accounting
Crain, Brayden — Purdue University
Dickinson, Jillian — Army National Guard
Eve, Kathryn — Indiana University Bloomington
Fleener, Dyksilyn — Purdue University, West Lafayette, Wildlife Science
Gable, Logan — IBEW Apprenticeship Program
Greene, Lincoln — Purdue University
Haskins, Anna — Indiana University Southeast
Hignite, Skilee — University of the Cumberlands or Kentucky Christian University
Hoggard, Wanda — Indiana University Southeast
Hope, Charlotte — Indiana University Southeast
Houchins, Jenna — University of Southern Indiana
Inman, Dane — Purdue University
Jones, Anna — Ball State University
Keith, Maggie — Bellarmine University, Physical Therapy
Kitterman, Kaelin — Indiana University Bloomington
Koons, Skylar — Indiana University Southeast
Leghart, Peri — Indiana University East
Leisure, Raeleigh — Indiana University Southeast
Likes, Jackson — University of Louisville
Miller, Avery — University of Southern Indiana
Miller, Caleb — Indiana University Southeast
Prenatt, Jocelyn — Ivy Tech Community College, Veterinary Nursing
Pollison, Stella — Ivy Tech Community College, Cybersecurity
Pavey, Lilliana — Indiana University Bloomington
Schmelz, Ava — Indiana University Southeast, Business
Santoyo, Ruth — Indiana University Southeast
Schreck, Olivia — Indiana University Southeast
Schreck, Wyatt — University of Louisville
Sevilla, Benjamin — Purdue University
Shearer, Haelley — Purdue University
Sheeks, David — Indiana University Southeast
Shires, Brandon — Purdue University
Stilwell, Madison — Butler University
Tipton, Isabella — Indiana University Southeast
Welch, Gracie — Ball State University
Withers, Reese — Anderson University
Wolfe, Stella — University of Southern Indiana
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible, including Tim Bec 2 Catering, SHCSC administration, staff, and Grace Riley. Most importantly, congratulations to our seniors for their outstanding academic achievements. We are so proud of all you have accomplished!