Top Three WV 2020 Grads Recognized
WATER VALLEY – The top three graduates in the Water Valley High School Class (WVHS) of 2020 were named last week. Coulter Clement is valedictorian, Blayne Clark is salutatorian and Grant Burress is historian. The students were recognized last Wednesday as WVHS Principal Drew Pitcock and counselor Jonathan Barnes made a surprise trip to each top grad’s home to present plaques and congratulate them on their accomplishments.
Pitcock, who has served as WVHS principal for five years, reported the three top graduates exemplify the strong character, integrity and resilience of the entire Class of 2020.
“That is what they are known for,” Pitcock said about the 65 members of the class, “and the same thing with the top three. “You could not find a better group of young men.”
Pitcock also said the entire class will be remembered for their strong school spirit. He cited that spirit as a factor in the decision to push the graduation date back a month to allow a more traditional ceremony so that parents and school faculty can celebrate with the students.
“Graduation is a culmination of all their hard work. And it is not just for them, it is also a day to celebrate with the faculty members who have been there with them. It is important to give them the best graduation we can under the circumstances. I guarantee the community, teachers and the faculty members want it for them just as bad as they want it for themselves,” Pitcock explained.
The graduation is set for June 26 at Bobby Clark Field at 7 p.m.
Valedictorian
Coulter Clement is the son of Lance and Andrea Clement and has attended Water Valley School District since starting school. He was on the Principal’s Honor Roll all through school and was inducted into the WVHS Hall of Fame this past semester. Throughout his years in high school, Clement has received numerous highest awards each year. He has held multiple leadership positions during high school.
Clement was a member of the Cross Country and Track teams and is the reigning 3A Cross Country State Champion. He was also named to the 2019 Clarion Ledger Cross Country All-State team. Clement was also named to the 3A Cross Country All-State team during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. During the 2019 track season, he was the state runner-up in the 3200 meter run. Clement has also held numerous district titles in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter runs throughout his track career. He is also a 4.0 scholar athlete.
Clement will attend Mississippi College in Clinton where he accepted an Honors College Scholarship and Music Scholarship. He will pursue a music/worship leadership degree.
Clement shared that he is honored to represent WVHS as the 2020 valedictorian.
“I am thankful for each and every person who has helped shape and support me throughout this journey. I would not be where I am today without the constant encouragement and guidance that I have received from so many,” Clement shared.
Salutatorian
Clark began attendance in the Water Valley School District in 2014 and was recently inducted into the WVHS Hall of fame. He has participated in the Blue Devil athletic program in football, basketball and baseball. Through the years, he has received awarding including Baseball Region 2 3A MVP and Pitcher of the Year 2019, MAC All State Team Pitcher 2019, All Region Fire Team Pitcher 2017 and 2019 and Honorable Mention Quarterback 2018. He was also a member of the 2018 State Championship Football Team.
During his entire school career, Clark has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll. He has received awards for highest averages in several subjects as well as advanced level scores on state tests. His Algebra state test placed him in the top three percent of students in the state.
Clark will attend Mississippi Delta Community College with an academic and athletic scholarship. He will be a member of the Mississippi Delta Trojans baseball team and will major in Pre-Health Professions, Physical Therapy.
Clark is the son of Hal and Jill Clark. He extends thanks to his family, friends, teachers and coaches who have supported him throughout his educational journey and helped him earn the honor of salutatorian.
Historian
Burress attended Water Valley School District throughout his educational career. He was on the Principal’s Honor Roll and was inducted into the Water Valley High School Hall of Fame.
Burress was a member of the Water Valley football and baseball teams for six years. He was a member of the 2018 3-A State Championship team where he was chosen as the C-Spire Scholar Athlete of the game. During his football career he was selected as All Region 2-3A First team Linebacker, All Region 2-3A Super 22 Linebacker, WCBI All-End Zone Linebacker, 3A All State Honorable Mention, Oxford Eagle All Area Linebacker, Lifetime Football Captain, and chosen to play in the NEMFCA All Star Classic Football game. In baseball, Grant was chosen as All Region 2-3A utility player.
Grant is the son of Steve and Kellie Burress. He would like to thank his past teachers, coaches and the administration for their support and encouragement during his educational career. In the fall he will attend the University of Mississippi, where he was accepted into the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honor College. He will pursue a degree in Biology and plans to attend medical school.
All three top grads are members of the Water Valley First Baptist Church. A full report on their accomplishments will be included in the Herald’s graduate section that will be published in the June 18 edition. An annual tradition, the section will feature all 65 graduates in the class.
