By John McCallum
Editor 

Hetrick and Emert named CHS valedictorians

 

Last updated 6/4/2015 at 9:52am

Bonnie Long

Cheney High School class of 2015 valedictorians Sonora Hetrick and Keith Emert.

Sonora Hetrick and Keith Emert have been named valedictorians of the Cheney High School graduating class of 2015. Both students achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Hetrick moved to Cheney from the Spokane Valley in the summer of 2011. Both of her parents work at Eastern Washington University, and she has two brothers and a sister.

Science and language arts have been Hetrick's favorite subjects while in high school, although she said she likes almost all of the classes she's taken, including reading and literary analysis and anything that challenges her. Her favorite teacher is Mary Margaret Pratt because "she is so passionate about what she teaches."

"She can't help but make others passionate about it too," Hetrick added.

Hetrick has been involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honors Society, Spanish Club, Drama and youth group. She lists her favorite hobbies and interests as "sleeping and relaxing in my spare time" but also likes to read, watch movies, hike and do yoga.

Some of the highlights of her school career have been whenever class has been held outside, having a "hug-off" with a fellow student each Friday and becoming so engrossed in a classroom discussion that "time didn't drag slowly along."

Hetrick plans on attending the University of Washington, but hasn't decided on a major or career path yet. She said she's looking forward to the urban setting of Seattle, but will miss some of the things about home.

"The security of being dependent on someone like my parents, and having a set schedule everyday," she said.

Emert came to Cheney two years ago from Kelso, Wash. when his parents relocated here for work. He has five siblings.

Emert said science and math are "fascinating" so his favorite classes have been anything related to STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. As such, his favorite teacher is math and physics instructor Jeff Butler.

"He was able to keep subjects that don't appeal to all students interesting," Emert said.

While at CHS, Emert has been involved in Key Club, Spanish Club, Debate Club, DECA, FBLA as well as serving on the Cheney Youth Commission. For hobbies, he said he likes to collect Star Wars and Lord of the Rings paraphernalia.

Emert has received a full scholarship to attend the McCormick School at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He plans on studying chemical engineering.

Emert said going to football games was one of the highlights of his senior year. He was one of the "CHS Boys" who "stripped down and painted up - go Hawks!"

Emert will miss his friends, teachers and everyone that comprises the Cheney community, but after taking the summer off to relax, he is "excited" to begin his collegiate career at Northwestern.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.

Author Bio

John McCallum, Retired editor

John McCallum is an award-winning journalist who retired from Cheney Free Press after more than 20 years. He received 10 Washington Newspaper Publisher Association awards for journalism and photography, including first place awards for Best Investigative, Best News and back-to-back awards in Best Breaking News categories.

 

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