Toccoa Rotary Holds Top Five Banquet

The Toccoa Rotary Club held the Top Five Banquet last night at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center. 

The event is to honor the top five percent in grade point average for graduating seniors at Stephens County High School. This year’s top five included eleven seniors: Ian Douglas Allen, Drema RayAnn Beavers, Sydney Beth Craig, Robert Lee Durand, Erick Aron Escanuela, Ethan Edward Fernandez, Kristiane Eileen Knickerbocker, Nikkil Vipul Patel, LeeAnna Marie Ritchie, Margaret Lizette Smith,and Lauren Diane Swenson.

Also honored at the banquet were the top five students academically in grades 6th-11th. The guest speaker of the night was Leon Osborne, owner/CEO of Osborne Wood Products. Osborne shared with  the students the importance of working together.

“You’re here tonight because you are achievers. That’s great. I would encourage you to look to connect with those around you. Look to be a strength to them and let them be a strength to you,” said Osborne.

Osborne told the students that he was proud of their hard work and success.

“Hang on to those values, hang on to those actions, and they will stand by you as you make the decisions in the future. Decisions about where or are you going to school, where are you going to work, what relationships you are going to pursue,” said Osborne. “These are decisions you are facing today. Twelve years behind you and the rest of your life ahead of you.”

Senator John Wilkinson, Representative Dan Gasaway and representation from Senator Doug Collins’ office were also at the banquet and presented awards to Star Student Ian Allen, Star Teacher Erin Potterf, and West Point Appointees A. J Howard and Nikkil Patel.

Toccoa Rotary Club President Tammy Riddle said it was a great night all around.

“A full house, the students, parents, the speakers, it was just a fantastic evening,” said Riddle.
The Toccoa Rotary Club awards each Top Five graduating senior a $1000 Scholarship to apply to their education.