FROM STAFF REPORTS

As we put together our graduation special section — which you can find in section C in this issue of the Shelby County Reporter — we knew we had something special.

But we know that every year.

It’s a privilege to be allowed to share the stories of several exceptional Shelby County high school seniors every year.

In years past, we asked local guidance counselors and principals to nominate seniors to be featured in a section called “Nine who Shine,” which highlighted nine students from across the county. This year, we simply had too many fantastic submissions to only feature nine. Instead, we featured a student from the 14 high schools that nominated students.

This year’s sections features students from schools big and small, public and private.

The students have gone above and beyond in some way during their high school careers. They are valedictorians, artists, volunteers, athletes, musicians and future

leaders in business, medicine, music and the military.

Here is a brief snapshot of some of the students featured in this year’s graduation section. Make sure to take time to read through their stories because they are truly inspirational.

• Briarwood senior Jacob Lamb suffered an incredible loss last year when his mother passed away after a recurrence of breast cancer. Jacob, however, handled the tragedy with a tremendous amount of grace and fortitude. A member of multiple teams and organizations, he also co-chaired the school’s Relay for Life team for the second year in a row.
• Montevallo High School valedictorian Meredith Goggins will be the first person in her family to study for a bachelor’s degree. She also graduates at the very top of her class for the third time, after earning valedictorian status in fifth and eighth grades as well.
• Katelyn Molan, a Thompson High senior, started her own non-profit organization as a freshman at the school. “His Special Hands” aims to help special needs children by providing them with education tools, such as tablets.

We know every one of Shelby County’s high schools has countless students like these, and we’re proud of every one of them. Congratulations to the Class of 2015!