Area school inducts 10 seniors into hall of fame

For more than 40 years, North Augusta High School annually has named 10 seniors to its Hall of Fame.

During each ceremony, parents of the recipients would sit in a designated section among the entire student body as the winners were announced. For the first time Tuesday, the parents waited back stage, but their children didn't know that.

Senior Logan Smith looked for her parents, Kyle and Tracy Smith, when she walked into the gym.

"When I didn't see them, I didn't think I was going to get it," Logan said. "My parents did a good job of keeping this a surprise from me. It's a huge honor, and I'm fortunate to be a part of it."

The other Hall of Fame recipients are Bentley Sam, Rebecca Rudisill, Vinny Miller, Jillian James, Matthew Larry, Clara Formby, Will Harley, Jennifer Grimm and Will Harris,

Principal Todd Bornscheuer was delighted to participate in the Hall of Fame event for the first time in 2011.

"Just hearing all the accomplishments of these students," he said, "it seems like the event has grown since last year. It's awesome to have the entire student body see it, so that younger students can aspire to this kind of recognition."

A total of 32 seniors were nominated for the Hall of Fame by their classmates. Faculty members then selected the winners through a plurality vote.

"We are also aware," Bornscheuer said, "that there are many other seniors who have accomplished and given so much to North Augusta High School. We applaud your efforts, as well."

Vinny Miller, the 2012 S.C. Football Player of the Year, was also surprised when his named was called. He was even more astounded when about 25 family members and friends emerged from backstage to greet him.

"It was great to see all of them," said Miller, who like all the Hall of Famers has been active in school and beyond. "I like to give back to the community has much as I can."

He has known most of the other winners since elementary school. It's cool, he said, to have something else like this honor to share with them.

Jillian James has been active with several clubs and the culinary arts program. She is most proud of her contributions to the 5/2 Break Bible Study group, the Meet Me at The Pole group and Spark Worship.

"God has allowed me to be a leader in school and a spiritual leader for my peers," James said. "This award means a lot. It's a great honor that all my hard work the last four years is appreciated by my peers and the faculty."

A National Merit semi-finalist, Rebecca Rudisill has served as a junior volunteer at University Hospital and as a "Volunteen" at MCG Children's Hospital.

"I'm very proud of her," said her dad, Tracy Rudisill. "She has worked hard in and out of school and has always been a good student. It's been fun to see her grow as a person and become more confident."

Matthew Larry called the Hall of Fame selection as humbling. He has long been motivated by the desire to achieve a good education.

"But it's about more than doing the work," he said. "It's about community service, working around school and building strong relationships with other people."

Kyle Smith spent 17 years at North Augusta High as an administrator, and Logan spent much time around the facility as a kid. She was long aware of the Hall of Fame awards.

"It was something I wanted, but I didn't do all the activities for that," she said. "Still, it's nice to be recognized for it. It's a huge blessing to be among a group of people like this."