Grace Ashmore (Valedictorian)

My favorite high school memory is definitely the high school art show my junior year. One Saturday morning, the other AP Art students and I helped Mrs. McVay, the art teacher, display pieces we had worked so hard on all year. We bought cupcakes and went on at least two wild goose chases for ice to put in a bucket with some drinks. Less than ten people showed up, but I got to show my parents around the high school, and I will never forget my mom’s face when I showed her the portrait I had painted of her on her wedding day.
As far as teachers go, I definitely can’t pick just one who impacted me the most, though Mr. York, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Norton are all very high on my list. So, I’ll just go with the principal. I went through some rough patches in my high school journey, but whenever I stepped out of line, Mr. Wright never failed to remind me of my potential and deliver appropriate consequences for my actions. I always felt seen in his office, and I know I’m not the only student who has felt that way.
I plan to attend Southern Arkansas University in the fall to pursue a degree in Psychology/Social Work. From there, I will work toward obtaining my Master’s degree in order to become a licensed professional counselor, and I will follow God wherever He leads me.

Erin Spears (Salutatorian)

My favorite high school memory was making our eco-columns in Mrs. Smith’s AP Environmental class! We all had so much fun and learned so much.
One of the most impactful teachers I had at Genoa was Mrs. Riley. I always loved taking her classes, and she has truly been one of my favorite people throughout high school.
I’m going to Ouachita Baptist University in the fall to major in Biology and one day become a pediatrician.

My favorite high school memory would have to be all the spirit and homecoming weeks we had, and Homecoming Court. Dressing up for silly themes with all my friends was always so much fun—something I always looked forward to. Homecoming week was my favorite because it led up to the football game and the Homecoming dance. Being on Homecoming Court was also an amazing experience, one that I will always cherish.
The most impactful teacher I had at Genoa Central was Mrs. Smith. She taught me science all four years of high school and truly made a difference in my life. She never failed to remind me that I could do anything I set my mind to and to never let others discourage me from trying. I could always come to her with questions or complaints, and she would always listen and try to help. Her classes and lessons sparked a love for science I previously didn’t have—one that I know will shape my future.
After graduation, I plan to attend UA Fayetteville, where I’ll be majoring in Biology on either the pre-med or pre-dental track. I hope to one day attend medical or dental school to further my education and pursue a career that will allow me to give back to others.

My favorite memory as a whole would be playing sports because of the coaches and the kids I was with.
My most impactful teacher would be Melodie Smith. Not only was she a great teacher, but a good person to come to for advice and a friend. She truly went above and beyond.
My plans after graduation are to go to Texas A&M University in Texarkana to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am also currently interning at Domtar to help prepare me for my future endeavors.

My favorite high school memory is definitely basketball season as a whole. We had a good season, and the team and coaches made it a very fun experience.
The staff members that had the biggest impact on me were Mrs. Smith and Coach Hamilton. I had Mrs. Smith for four years, and she led me to pass two science AP classes. Coach Hamilton was my basketball coach and made basketball season so much fun!
My plans after graduation are to attend the University of Central Arkansas to pursue my Exercise Science degree, continuing on to my doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy.

My favorite high school memory is when I got to compete in an FFA event for the first time.
Mrs. Leigh, my agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
I plan to attend Southern Arkansas University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and then attend grad school at the University of Central Arkansas to one day become a wildlife researcher.

My favorite high school memory is getting to march with the Dragon Band at War Memorial Stadium.
Mr. Gray is the most impactful teacher I had throughout school.
I will be attending UA Fayetteville in the fall to study Music/Pre-Med.

Cheering with my friends under the Friday night lights was electric, fueled by adrenaline and school spirit. Hours of practice and goofing around together built a strong bond, making us feel part of something bigger than ourselves. Win or lose, the night would end with us all eating together. Surrounded by laughter, shared stories, and the comforting rhythm of friendship, those dinner nights brought out our sense of belonging and community, creating memories that still bring a smile to my face.
My most impactful staff member was Veronica Whitehead.
After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Arkansas Cossatot, where I plan to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

My favorite high school memory was cheering on the sidelines at games and hyping up the crowd.
The teachers who impacted me the most would be Mrs. Whitehead and Mrs. Leigh. They not only taught me the course but also life lessons.
My plans after graduation are to attend UAHT to get my associate’s degree in Business and then move to a university to further my degree and get my MBA.

My favorite memory from high school is the school-hosted trip where I had the opportunity to visit Greece and Italy. It was a dream come true!
The teacher who impacted me the most was Mrs. McVay, my art teacher. She encouraged me and other students to always be true to ourselves.
After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Central Arkansas and pursue a degree in General Business.

I would say my favorite high school memory would have to be the senior sunrise with my classmates and spending time on the baseball field with some of my best friends.
The most impactful staff member to me was Mrs. Morton because I knew if I needed anything, she was always there and doing everything she could to help.
I am attending Texas A&M University Texarkana to pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree.