DRYDEN — It’s time for Dryden High School to celebrate the academic success of their 2023 graduates. Dryden seniors will gather one last time to celebrate their achievements and receive their high school diplomas on Sunday, May 25 at 6 p.m. ceremony at the Dryden High School Gymnasium.
Dryden’s Top Ten students for the Class of 2023 are as follows:
Evan Shirling – Valedictorian
GPA: 3.990
Rank: 1/40
Parents: William and Tina Shirling and they have been two of the most influential people in my life. I’m proud to be their son and to have learned from the examples that they have set for me. I played football for two years and earned my associate degree in business administration from Macomb Community College.
Future plans: Once I return from serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Martin Barker III
GPA: 3.858
Rank: 2/40
Parents: Martin and Melanie Barker
Activities: I am a two-time varsity baseball captain and a member of the National Honor Society.
Future plans: I plan to further my education at Western Michigan University and dual major in chemical and paper engineering.
Most Influential Person: My dad is the most influential person in my life because he taught me his work ethic and showed me the man I want to become.
Cherity Owens
GPA: 3.692
Rank: 3/40
Parents: Nicole Owens and Damon Owens
Activities: Lapeer County Education and Technology Center.
Future plans: Majoring in psychology at SVSU 2023-2027
Most Influential Person: The most influential people in my life are my friends.
Gabriel Hofmann
GPA: 3.685
Rank: 4/40
Parents: Cary and Tina Hofmann
Activities: Lapeer County Ed Tech – Automotive
Future plans: Attending NASCAR Technical Institute starting 08/07/23
Most Influential Person: Thank you to Anthony Hoskins for mentoring me and guiding me in both automotive and life.
Faith Loveday
GPA: 3.680
Rank: 5/40
Parents: Adam and Lisa Brown
Future plans: Attend Michigan State University to get my veterinary degree.
Most Influential Person: my mom
Skylar Graham – Salutatorian
GPA: 3.577
Rank: 6/40
Parents: Michael and Dana Graham of Dryden.
Activities: Skylar has been a part of National Honor Society, girls varsity soccer, girls varsity volleyball, and dual enrolled at Macomb Community College for all four years of high school. She participated in National Club Volleyball, and worked at Veda’s Uniques and More in downtown Dryden. Skylar Volunteered at the Dryden Elementary School as a teachers aid, and volunteered for the Dryden Boosters.
Future plans: Skylar will be attending Michigan State in the James Madison College for political theory and constitutional democracy, to accomplish her dreams of becoming a prosecuting attorney.
Most Influential Person: Skylar’s parents are the most influential people in her life as they both have always supported her in everything she does, and taught her how to work hard for the things she wants in life.
Jessica Voss
GPA: 3.570
Rank: 7/10
Parents: Sean and Amy Voss
Activities: Lapeer EdTech Center
Future plans: I am attending University of Michigan Flint to get my bachelor degree to become a nurse.
Most Influential Person: The most influential people in my life are my parents because they push me to keep going and never give up.
Adeline Tresnak
GPA: 3.505
Rank: 8/40
Parents: April and Brian Tresnak
Academic Honors: NCTL academic honor, 45 credits with Macomb Community College, 3.6 high school GPA.
Sports: Volleyball, softball, track (multiple honors from volleyball- All-League First Team 2021 AND 2022)
Future plans: Play volleyball at Macomb Community College, earn a basic horticulture certificate, go on to do something with plants.
Most Influential People: Most influential people in my life – My parents and my brother (Ian), volleyball club coaches, high school teachers.
Rilynn Lindsay
GPA: 3.492
Rank: 9/40
Parents: Danielle and Ryan Lindsay
Activities: volleyball, basketball, softball
Future plans: Attending Adrian college for supply chain management. She will be riding for their equestrian team.
Most Influential Person: The most influential people in her life are her parents.
Hunter Niehaus
GPA: 3.477
Rank: 10/40
Parents: Eric and Carol Niehaus
Activities: Attended Ed-tech my last two years of school, participated in the Macomb Community College Engine build off through Ed-Tech
Future plans: I am starting work right out of high school
Most Influential People: Anthony Hoskins (my Ed-tech teacher), my brother and my sister.
Editor’s note: Many thanks to Kimberly Fleming, Dryden High School Counselor/ Yearbook Advisor, for compiling this year’s Top Academic Achievers.
