Banner County names Gifford 2016 valedictorian and Cross salutatorian

Banner County’s valedictorian, Megan Gifford, and salutatorian, Paige Cross, encourage future graduates to participate in every opportunity, work hard and enjoy high school life.

“Participate in everything you can, and always remember to enjoy yourself,” Gifford said. “When you reach the end of high school, it will seem like it took no time at all.”

“Make sure you cherish every moment you have in high school, because no matter how much you hate it, you will not want to graduate,” Cross added. “Work hard in your classes from freshman year so you accumulate a higher GPA and participate in all the activities you possibly can.”

Both Wildcat leaders were active throughout high school. Gifford took part in volleyball, track, band, FFA, state fair, Youth Engaged in Leadership Activities, One Act plays, speech, Children of the American Revolution and student government.

“It has been my privilege to participate in a wide variety of activities,” Gifford said. “Since I go to a small school, more participants are always welcome, no matter their specific skill set.”

Cross too participated in FFA, volleyball, 4-H, basketball, One Act plays, student council, and Youth Engaged in Leadership. She added basketball and Circle of Friends as well as Nebraska High School Rodeo and she served as the Kimball County PRCA Rodeo princess for one year and queen for two.

Some of Cross’s favorite high school memories come from the activities she engaged in.

“My favorite high school memory is either when my volleyball team beat Sioux County in three set or the game against Minatare, my junior year, when I scored 22 points and was named Athlete of the Week.”

Gifford’s favorite memory also came from a chosen activity.

“It would have to be the time I made it to state speech finals,” she said. “My coach for the year was Stephanie Cooper, who is super cool. I had never made it to finals before, and I was pretty nervous and really excited.”

In a small school, where everyone knows everyone else, according to Gifford, it is difficult to name favorite teachers, and while she and Cross named different educators as their favorites, the teachers shared a commonality – drive.

“The best teach I have had is probably my history teacher, Mrs. Hilbert,” Cross said. “She is a tough teacher, but it is the kind of tough that students need. She pushes her students to do their best whether it’s with sports or academics.”

“Wow, this is a really hard question,” Gifford added. “After all, all teachers (at least all of those I have known) are in their profession because they care about students and want what is best for them. Those who made us practice would have to be Mr. Bob Cooper and Mrs. Nancy Olsen, our math teachers.”

Gifford added that Brittany Cooper, Banner County’s English teacher taught her the value of hard work and effort.

“But all of the teachers at Banner County High School really care about the students and are willing to help them when they need it,” Gifford concluded.

That support was echoed in the homes of both of these young leaders as well.

“My mom is probably one of y biggest supporters, but my dad is definitely the loudest. I can always go to Mom if I have questions or need help with anything and my dad will always be there to cheer for both my brother and I,” Gifford said.

“My biggest support definitely came from my family,” Cross agreed. “They help me through hard times and we have been through a lot together. I’m thankful that they are willing to let me rodeo for the NHSRA. That has allowed us to spend a lot of quality time together and grow closer.”

Gifford’s future plans are to attend the University of Nebraska – Kearney and earn a degree to High School English teacher.

“I would like to get a job at a small school like the one I am from,” she said. “Someday, I may become a college professor.”

As her plans take Gifford away from her hometown she will miss the rural atmosphere of Banner County, she said.

“The teachers know all of their students by name and know a bit about each of them,” Gifford added. “Everyone is really understanding and caring and that is why I will miss all of them.”

Cross will attend Chadron State College and she plans to earn a degree in education as well, albeit elementary with a sub-plan in early childhood development.

“I will definitely miss my friends and the endless opportunities of extra-curricular activities. I was lucky enough to have a pretty amazing class and grew close with each and every one of them,” Cross said. “I would like to thank my parents, siblings, teachers and classmates from pushing me to work for my goals and putting up with me for so long. It can be a difficult task at times.”

“I want to thank my mom and dad, Meri and Tracy Gifford. They have always been really helpful and supportive and they have always kept me on the right path,” Gifford added. “Family is almost everything, and I have the best family possible. I would also like to thank all of my teachers, coaches, bus drivers and others who made my high school experience not only possible, but truly amazing and fabulous.”