Diplomas to be handed out this Sunday, May 16
CAPAC — This Sunday, May 16, Capac High School’s Class of 2021 will mark the conclusion of their high school education. Staff and board of education members will hand out diplomas in a 2 p.m. ceremony outdoors at the football stadium.
It marks the second year that Capac’s Commencement ceremonies will be held outdoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like the class before them, it’s been a challenging year for Capac seniors but they’ve got big plans and optimism for the future.
The following Capac High School students have achieved academic success in their high school careers and earned distinction as the Class of 2021’s Top Ten.
Bryce Scott Tank, Valedictorian with a 4.0526 GPA, is the son of Tara Cascaddan and Brian Tank and is a big brother to Liviya Tank.
Despite not participating in sports until his 9th grade year, Bryce has obtained an affinity for a spectrum of athletic activities. Bryce has accomplished numerous milestones from track and cross country to football and wrestling. Long walks on the beach is how Bryce likes to spend his “me time.” Bryce plans to enroll at Wayne State University in the fall, complete a bachelor’s degree, and graduate medical school to become an aspiring anesthesiologist.
Brian McLaren, Salutatorian with a 4.0 GPA, is the son of Brian McLaren and Krystal Snyder.
Brian participated in wrestling in his freshman year and then turned his mindset toward becoming an entrepreneur. In his sophomore year, Brian spent his spare time bulk buying and selling candy. In his junior year, Brian taught himself about real estate and investing in stocks and bonds, and started his own family clothing company his senior year. Upon graduation Brian plans to join the workforce and have his business under way.
Karter Slayton, graduating with a 3.9211 GPA, is the son of Douglas and Heather Slayton and brother to Conner, Devin, D.J., and Anniese.
In his senior year, Karter has developed an interest in creating digital music and has been enjoying his last few high school classes. Outside of education, Karter loves hanging out with his friends, looking at art and listening to music and being part of Dungeons & Dragons Club. Karter plans on attending St. Clair County Community College in the fall and moving on to Oakland University to study art related studies, animation, writing, and/or digital music creation.
Gabrielle Lulis, graduating with a 3.8684 GPA, is the daughter of Elizabeth and Candido Ramirez-Nunez and sister to Marisa, Christian, and Sophia.
Gabby has been an active member of the Mock Trial team throughout her high school career. She is also passionate about art, writing, and welding. Over the past two years she has been pursuing welding in the St. Clair TEC program and plans to attend St. Clair County Community College to continue in the field.
Christina Helzer, graduating with a 3.7895 GPA, is the daughter of Jeff and Tammi Helzer. She has five siblings—Catherine, Cerenity, Jeff, Cierra and Zayden.
Throughout her high school years Christina took part in National Honor Society, Student Council, FFA and cheerleading. When Christina is not in school or working, she enjoys being around animals, sports, and hanging out with her friends. Christina plans to attend St. Clair County Community College in the fall for a nursing degree.
Dianna Zuniga, graduating with a 3.7632 GPA, is the daughter of Maria Hernandez and Noe Zuniga and sister to Noe Jr, Jose, Yaritza, and Gael.
Throughout her high school years Dianna has been in Yearbook for three years and an editor of the annual publication for two. Dianna is a member of the National Honor Society and currently holds the position of Secretary. Outside of school she enjoys creating art, working with kids, watching Netflix, traveling, and spending time with family. Dianna plans on attending St. Clair County Community College in the fall.
Ruby Sancen, graduating with a 3.7105 GPA, is the daughter of Jesus Aguilera and Martha Villegas and resides in the village of Capac.
Ruby participated in track in her Sophomore year of high school. Outside of school, Ruby’s interests include chilling with her best friend, cooking, drawing, and binge watching anime. Ruby plans to take a gap year in order to discover her hidden affection in a specific career field.
Dylan Brecht, graduating with a 3.6842 GPA, is the son of Bud and Andrea Brecht and brother to Kayla and Dakota.
Dylan’s passion for baseball and cross country engulfed him throughout high school, leading him to play on the varsity teams for both sports. When Dylan has spare time he enjoys playing piano, basketball, and hanging out with his friends. He plans to enroll at Oakland University in the fall to begin his bachelor’s degree.
Reed Goddeeris, graduating with a 3.6579 GPA, is the son of Peter and Karrie Goddeeris and a brother to Raya.
Reed has been a member of the National Honor Society his junior and senior years and served as NHS President his senior year. Reed has been on the track team and ski club throughout his high school career. Reed plans on attending St. Clair County Community College in the fall to pursue his dreams of becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Haleigh Hansen, graduating with a 3.5789 GPA, is the daughter of Jodi and John Hansen and sister to Paige.
Haleigh has been a member of the National Honors Society, Mock Trial, and the high school softball team, and enjoys playing hockey in her time outside of school activities. Haleigh plans on attending St. Clair County Community College after graduation.
Editor’s note: Many thanks to Shawn Muter, Capac High School’s building manager, for compiling this year’s Top Ten.
