January 17, 2012

• National Merit Commended students Joshua Cutler and Stefanie Mundhenk were recognized for their achievements by GHS principal Jeremy Ross. They were also 34,000 nationwide to earn the distinction through the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program.  Cutler (right) is pictured with Ross.  Mundhenk was unable to attend.
• GHS choir students Blake Bridges and Jessica Taylor were honored for earning positions in the All-State Choirs of the Texas Music Educators Association.  This marked the third consecutive year for Bridges to make the state ensembles.  Pictured are:  back – GHS choir director Greg Doss, Ross; front – parent Christine Bridges, Blake Bridges, Jessica Taylor, and parent Byron Taylor.
• As the first GHS Band member to make it to the All-State Band since 1994, Zach Morgan was recognized for his musical talent and strong work ethic by director Mark Eastin.  Morgan (center) is pictured with (right to left) Eastin, parents Lauri and John Morgan, and Ross.
• Pirate football head coach Scotty Pugh introduced seven players who received Academic All-State honors from the Texas High School Coaches Association.  Pictured are:  back – Ross, assistant coach Will Hedrick, assistant head coach Jay Pugh, Scotty Pugh; middle – Slade Boynton, Brent Condit, Quade Gibson, Nick Tull; front – Tyler Jones, Dakota Morgan, Michael Horn.
• GHS teacher Connie Stone was honored for receiving the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award from the University Interscholastic League.  The UIL academic teach coach led accounting teams to state championships in 2010 and 2011.  Stone (center) is pictured with career and technology education director Judy Gentry and Ross.