At a banquet earlier this week, South Decatur Jr./Sr. High School students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement.

South Decatur principal Bob Hacker welcomed the students and their guests to the school’s cafeteria. He thanked superintendent Dr. Dan Roach and assistant superintendent Connie Nobbe, as well as the members of the school board who had shown up to support the students.

“Tonight, we honor what schools are supposed to honor most, academic prowess,” Hacker explained.

He went on to say that doctors, business people, and agriculture experts have all come from South Decatur. According to Hacker, South has always had an excellent academic curriculum that has enabled past students to achieve great things.

The event also celebrated the final chapter of high school for the 79 graduating seniors.

The first honorees of the night were the members of the junior high’s academic team, who were followed by the senior high academic team students. The school made special recognition of the fine arts academic team, who had finished with an impressive third place showing at the state competition.

“That’s pretty good,” teacher and presenter Karen Hudson told them.

Next, Kelly Fox, sponsor of the National Honor Society, inducted new members into the exclusive group, which seeks to recognize students not only in academic achievement, but leadership and character attributes as well.

The students and parents then were provided a meal before watching a video of a recent trip to Washington D.C. Several students were fortunate enough to go on the educational trip, and senior Jamie Huff created the video that the banquet attendees enjoyed.

The evening was closed with the presentation of the National Honor Society collars and the recognition for the students who would be graduating with Academic Honors Diploma.

“This is the highest honor an Indiana high school student can receive,” Hacker said.