We salute top students
at JCD

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Becca Wagner, daughter of Dennis and Flora Wagner of Napoleon, and Jac-Cen-Del’s 2011 Valedictorian, discovered her career path while eating lunch with her friends. “My favorite part of the school day is lunch because I get to hang out with my friends and talk,” said Wagner. “This helped me realize that I should choose a career where I get to interact with others because I love being around people.”

She will attend Marian College in the fall to study nursing and will play basketball as a Marian Knight. She earned the Comcast Leaders and Achievers scholarship and the 40/8 Nursing scholarship.

Athletics played an important part in Wagner’s time at JCD. She played varsity basketball for four years and varsity softball, cross country and track for two years. She earned the ORVC Basketball Mental Attitude award and was a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

She was also a member of the FFA, SADD, student council, art club, National Honor Society, Sunshine Society, and the art academic team and served as the senior class secretary.

Her sister, Val, was a big influence in her life because she strives to do her best at everything, according to Wagner. “She’s my best friend and an amazing role model for me,” she said.

For Salutatorian Nicole Wirth, daughter of Mark and Roseann Wirth of Napoleon, an accident led her to make her career choice. “I’m very clumsy,” she said. “And after I broke my ankle, I had to go through a session of physical therapy. That’s what made me want to get into that field.”

She will attend the College of Mount St. Joseph to major in Athletic Training and to get her doctorate in Physical Therapy. She earned the Sunshine Society Health Career scholarship and the Sam Walton scholarship.

Wirth was active in the Sunshine Society, Student Council, SADD, National Honor Society, and served as class president and yearbook editor.

Two women were Wirth’s influence during high school. “My mom is always pushing me to strive to be the best that I can be and has always supported me in all that I do,” she said.

JCD Guidance secretary Cindy Rimstidt influenced Wirth as well. “She has always been there giving me information about colleges and scholarships and helped me with the many questions I have had,” she said.

Both seniors have words of advice for the next senior class. “Life is a roller coaster,” said Wagner. “There are ups and downs along the way, but it’s bound to even out.”

Wirth advises, “Believe in yourself and follow your dreams.” She encourages others to work hard for what they want and to not allow others to say you cannot do something. “Dream as if you’ll live forever and live as if you’ll die today."