We salute the top students at Milan

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Aiming high must be the norm for the Milan High School Class of 2011. There was not just one valedictorian but three who will share the honor: Katie Dickey, Elaina Voss and Arielle Noel.

For each of the valedictorians, their mothers were the most influential person during their high school years. Kaitlin Dickey, daughter of Mary and Dave Lynch and Ron Dickey, said that her mother is the reason she has done well in school.

"She gave me the much needed encouragement that has propelled me through many experiences," she said. "Her strong will and beliefs made it possible for me to strive for success."

Elaina Voss, daughter of David and Michelle Voss, said about her mother, "She has been an awesome role model from day one."

Arielle Noel’s mother Holly advised her, "Keep your mind open, it’s a big world out there. Explore it!"

Activities and athletics were also a part of their high school experience. Dickey participated in cross country for four years and was the team captain and voted most valuable runner each year.

Dickey also participated in track, varsity soccer and was the varsity wrestling manager for four years.

Academic teams included membership in the Academic Super Bowl in English and Fine Arts and the Spell Bowl. She was a member of the art club and the National Honor Society. She was the recipient of a Butler Academic scholarship.

Noel's athletic activities included volleyball, softball, and basketball. She was the Mass Media/Yearbook editor and was a member of the newspaper staff. She also participated in the drill team and band.

She served as a senior mentor, was a member of the student council where she served as president during her senior year and the National Honor Society. She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Milan Methodist youth group.

Scholarships include those from Butler University, Ripley County Community Foundation, Hoxworth Blood Center and she was a Lilly Scholar finalist.

She was an Indianapolis Star Academic All-Star Regional finalist; Wendy Heisman state finalist and was named the Ripley County DAR Good Citizen winner.

Voss played volleyball, basketball, track for four years and was a cheerleader for three years. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Class Club and was a senior mentor.

She served as the 2010 graduation hostess and was named the April 2010 National Young Leader, Homecoming Queen and was first runner- up for Indiana's Homecoming Queen contest.

Scholarships received include those from Butler University, SEI Communications, Dearborn County Hospital, Rising Sun Regional Foundation, Hank Voss Scholarship, Milan Volunteer Fire Department, Milan Scholarship foundation, and Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department.

Salutatorian Brian Voss' parents, Brian and Deb Voss, were his biggest influence during school. "They taught me to be a leader," he said. "And most importantly to keep a strong faith and family background."

Voss participated in a variety of athletics such as tennis, basketball and golf. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Class Club, National Honor Society, Student Council and the German Club.

He was a senior mentor, served on the prom committee and was the football statistician for four years. He has been a member of the Milan United Methodist Church for 18 years.
Scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship from Purdue University, the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance scholarship, the Henry Voss scholarship and the Lawrenceburg Eagles scholarship.

For the valedictorians, their plans for the future include studies at Butler University. For Dickey, she will explore her future options with an undecided major. Noel will enter the university's exploratory program as well. Voss will study Biology through the pre-med curriculum.

Brian Voss will enter Purdue University to study Management.

All graduates hope to leave their mark on their fellow students. What do the top graduates of 2011 hope to leave their fellow school mates?

For Dickey, she would like to be remembered for her hard work and dedication to the tasks given to her.

Noel wants to be known as one who did good for those in need and for the encouragement she gave to others to be the best they could be.

Elaina Voss would like to be remembered as a leader after serving as class president junior and senior years, homecoming queen and senior mentor. "I could have never been more honored to lead my class and represent my school to the community," she said.
Brian Voss said, "I hope my classmates remember me as trustworthy, faithful and a good friend."

Each one had some final words of wisdom for the next graduating class. Elaina Voss recalls her nervousness the first day of high school. Looking back, she said that she wishes she had cherished each day.

"Relax and enjoy what you are doing at the moment," said Dickey.

"Stay on top of your work load," said Noel. "But be sure to have fun and enjoy every minute."

"Don’t wish anything away. Make the most of your senior year because it goes fast enough," said Brian Voss.