DAYTON - Students from area high schools were honored in an Outstanding Student Award Program ceremony at Masonic Lodge 26 in Dayton on April 30. The awards were sponsored by the Waitsburg, Dayton and Pomeroy Masonic lodges.

Randy Turner welcomed guests, Mark Scott presented the flag and Steve Kazda offered the invocation. The guest speaker was Dayton lawyer and Washington State Representative Terry Nealey. Nealey shared personal experiences and anecdotes while encouraging students to develop four characteristics: work hard, control your fears, have a strong support group and develop relationships. Representatives from each school shared accomplishments and interests of each student as they presented the awards.

Pomeroy High School Principal Doug La Munyan presented sole Pomeroy applicant Bryan Mc- Greevey with both the Junior Achievement Award and Outstanding Junior Achievement Award.

Prescott Principal Dr. Jodi Thew announced Prescott Junior Achievement Award Winners: Alesandra Diaz, Selena Duran, Blanca Quiroz and Carlos Sandoval. Diaz and Villalvazo received the Outstanding Junior Achievement Award. Senior Emily Wilson received both the Senior Achievement and Outstanding Senior Achievement Awards. Mason presenter Turner said the senior awards are a relatively new Mason's award and that not all the schools are aware of it.

Left: Dayton award winners: Matthew Warren and Sarah Phillips

Waitsburg High School Principal Stephanie Wooderchak introduced Waitsburg Junior Achievement Award winners: Devin Acebedo, Bailey Edwards, Luke Alexenko, Owen Lanning, Talen Larsen, Chance Leroue, Emma Philbrook, Samantha Walker and Paige Wood. Larsen and Philbrook won the Outstanding Junior Award. "We debated for about an hour and a half on the Waitsburg students. They were so close - the spread was only one or two points," said Turner. Senior Katelynn Martin won both the Senior Achievement and Outstanding Senior Achievement Awards.

Math instructor Dave Phillips stood in for High School Principal Andy Maheras to present both the Junior Achievement Awards and Outstanding Junior Achievement Awards to Sarah Phillips and Matthew Warren.