Jasper Grade School held their 2024 commencement ceremony last (Tuesday) night with 22 8th grade students receiving their diplomas. This year’s Valedictorian is Alex Basnett, son of Aaron & Molly Basnett and Chrystal Basnett. Co-Salutatorians are Paisley Barbre, daughter of Chad & Jessica Barbre and Naomi Hernandez, daughter of Gracie & Trevor Hinkle. The American Legion Awards went to runners-up: Mya McGowan, daughter of Jason McGowan & Andrea Stocke and Blake Hutchens, son of Andy & Lora Hutchens. Winners are: Reagan Basnett, daughter of Eric & Rhiannon Basnett and Grant Otey, son of Christopher & Mindy Otey.
The Jasper Essay Award went to Livia Rankin, daughter of Amber & Jason Phllips. The Citizenship Award went to Paisley Barbre, daughter of Chad & Jessica Barbre and Carter Johnson, son of Stephanie Johnson & Don Johnson. The Leadership Award was won by Reagan Jackson, daughter of Megan Jackson & Brian Jackson and Grant Otey, son of Christopher & Mindy Otey.
Twelve students were named Honor Students who maintained a grade point average of 4.75 or above the entire school year. Those students are:
Paisley Barbre, daughter of Chad & Jessica Barbre
Alex Basnett, son of Aaron & Molly Basnett and Chrystal Basnett
Reagan Basnett, daughter of Eric & Rhiannon Basnett
Serenity Dagg, daughter of Kenny & Amber Dagg
Kale Gregory, son of Breanne Medler & Kent Gregory
Charlie Harrison, son of Bud & Hannah Harrison
Naomi Hernandez, daughter of Gracie & Trevor Hinkle
Blake Hutchens, son of Andy & Lora Hutchens
Reagan Jackson, daughter of Megan Jackson & Brian Jackson
Mya McGowan, daughter of Jason McGowan & Andrea Stocke
Grant Otey, son of Christopher & Mindy Otey
Livia Rankin, daughter of Amber & Jason Phillips
Two long time educators at Jasper are retiring at the end of this school year. They are Cindy Ellis and Diane Kelley. Both teachers have a combined 66 years of dedicated service to Jasper Grade School.