Editor’s note: Dryden High School determines their top academic honors using a formula that combines GPA and SAT scores. As a result, Miya Wolff is the Class of 2021 valedictorian and Claire Sobek is the salutatorian. The following Top Ten lists students based on their GPA rank.
DRYDEN — The time has come for Dryden High School to send off the Class of 2021 with words of encouragement and well wishes. The district’s commencement ceremony is on tap for this Sunday, June 6, at 5 p.m. on Stremler Field.
Among the group of graduates set to receive their diplomas in a few days’ time are those seniors who were the top academic achievers and comprise Dryden’s Top Ten for 2021.
They are as follows:
Erin Boettcher graduates with a 4.0 GPA. Her parents are Annie and Garry Boettcher.
While a student at Dryden High School, Erin was involved in volleyball, track, National Honor Society, SADD and National Travel Club Volleyball.
Her plans for the future include studying accounting and getting a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University with the possibility of going to law school.
Traveling is one thing on Erin’s “bucket list” that she hopes to tackle.
“I love to travel and I would like to travel across Europe and visit castles, landscapes, and all that Europe has to offer,” she said.
Miya Wolff also graduates from Dryden High School with a 4.0 GPA. Her parents are Scott Wolff and Kimberly Riley.
Miya’s recent school and community involvement includes National Honor Society, Dryden Red & Black Newspaper, band, student council, robotics, NTHS, drama club, basketball and softball.
Her plans for after graduation include attending U of M – Ann Arbor to pursue a degree/career in mechanical or computer engineering.
One thing on her bucket list is “to take a trip to Alaska or Iceland to see the northern lights and to go hiking.”
Ella Kage graduates with a 3.992 GPA. Her parents are Rick and Shannon Kage.
As a Dryden student, Ella has participated in cross country, basketball, track, National Honor Society, and Fuel Up To Play 60.
After graduation, Ella plans to attend Grand Valley State University to pursue a degree in social work.
Someday she hopes to take a “road trip across the country with my sister, Abby.”
Natalie Embree is completing her high school career with a 3.991 GPA. Her parents are Darlene and Chuck Embree.
During her time at Dryden High School, Natalie participated in volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, and National Honor Society.
Her plans for the future include attending Oakland University to get a degree and pursue a career in the medical field.
Travel is also on Natalie’s bucket list, specifically exploring Europe.
Erin Paton graduates from Dryden High School with a 3.981 GPA. Her parents are Debbie and Tim Paton.
Erin’s recent school and community involvement includes varsity volleyball, National Honor Society and SADD.
Her plans for the future include studying physiology at Michigan State University.
One item on her bucket list is to go skydiving.
Alyssa Daoud is graduating with a 3.979 GPA. Her parents are Elizabeth Wolentarski and Bashar Daoud.
While a student in Dryden, Alyssa took part in National Honor Society, SADD, Fuel Up to Play 60 and varsity volleyball.
Her post-high school plans include attending Michigan State University in the fall where she’ll major in physiology and work in the medical field.
Traveling the world is one item on her bucket list.
Caitlin Belleville graduates with a 3.974 GPA. Her parents are Colleen and Larry Belleville.
At Dryden High School, she was involved in SADD and National Honor Society.
Caitlin plans to earn her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s degrees in Public Administration from Oakland University.
“One thing I would put on my bucket list would be to travel the country,” Caitlin said.
Reed Hall is graduating with a 3.965 GPA. His parents are Ray and Lori Hall.
At Dryden High School, Reed took part in cross country (captain), track (captain), baseball, drama, National Honor Society, senior class vice president, SADD and Fuel Up to Play 60.
After graduation, Reed plans to attend Macomb Community College as part of the early college program through Dryden High School.
An item on his bucket list is to run a marathon someday.
Teagan O’Bryan is graduating with a 3.902 GPA. Her parents are Sean and Aimee O’Bryan.
While at Dryden High School, Teagan served as National Honor Society president, senior class treasurer, co-president of the Four County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, DECA chapter president and District Council member, Virtual Enterprise Student Influencer and Imagineers Firm CEO, National Technical Honor Society member, varsity cheer captain, track, cross country.
She plans to attend Northwood University to pursue a dual degree in Business Management and Sustainability in their four-year BBA/MBA program and Honors program.
“I want to go into the field of business management, hopefully finding a career such as working as a CEO or Sustainability Director where I can encourage more eco-friendly practices within the business industry,” Teagan said.
Something on Teagan’s bucket list is to attend a TED Talk live.
Riley Knox rounds out the Top Ten with a 3.837 GPA. Her parents Craig and Deanna Knox.
While in school, she participated in varsity softball, varsity basketball, National Honor Society, and SADD.
Riley plans to attend Oakland University and major in social work and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.
One item on her bucket list is to go skydiving.
Many thanks to Dryden School’s Lori Hall for compiling the Top Ten list.
