Hunsaker named KHS valedictorian, Daum salutatorian

Kimball High School’s top graduates of 2016 are Alisha Hunsaker, valedictorian and Danika Daum, salutatorian. Hunsaker, daughter of Jared and Susy Hunsaker, and Daum, daughter of Mitch and Michele Daum have both attended Kimball Public Schools from the beginning of their education.

These two outstanding young ladies have served as leaders for classmates, academically and athletically, throughout their years at Kimball schools and they will lead the class of 2016 one last time through commencement ceremonies in the KHS gym on Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m.

Hunsaker participated in volleyball, track and field, band and student council in all four years of high school and added cheerleading her sophomore through senior years, as well as choir, show choir and National Honor Society her junior and senior years.

Daum competed in basketball, volleyball, student council and track and field all four years, and participated in One-Act plays her freshman and junior years of high school while she added STAND in her sophomore and senior years. Daum was inducted into the National Honor Society her sophomore, junior and senior years and added Mock Trial, Show Choir in her junior and senior years.

As competitive athletes, both Hunsaker’s and Daum’s favorite high school memories revolve around beloved extra-curricular activities.

For Hunsaker, it was when her sophomore year cheer team won first place at the state competition.

“It was so great knowing all the hard work we had put in over the year had paid off!” she said.

Daum’s favorite memory was being named WTC Player of the Year just this year.

“It was such a tremendous honor and I couldn’t be more grateful,” she said. “I could not have done any of what I did without my team beside me.”

During their rise to the top of their class both ladies have had support from family, friends and teachers.

“We have so many great teachers, it is hard to choose just one (as the best),” Hunsaker said. “For me, the best teacher has been Mrs. Hiles-Smith. All four years I’ve had band first period and it is great starting the day with her happy attitude!”

Hunsaker added that she feels Hiles-Smith, the band teacher and NHS sponsor, is a great woman who genuinely cares about her students.

“Thanks, Mrs. KH-S!” she added.

Though she had a lot of support in high school, her parents have always been her biggest supporters, according to Hunsaker.

“They have set a high standard for me in life, but especially academically. It is because of their hard-working examples and support that I am valedictorian today,” Hunsaker said.

Daum feels that the best teacher is Erin Aerni.

“She is the most personable teacher in the school, but she is also the toughest,” Daum said. “She has a way of teaching that makes her material easy to grasp. I enjoy her class every day.”

Daum too said her family provided the most support, but her biggest advocate and ally has been her mom, Michele.

“She would constantly stay late nights in the gym with me when I just couldn’t get the right set or make that one shot,” Daum said. “She helped me in all sports I competed in and I am truly thankful for her.”

Hunsaker enjoyed history classes with Mr. Dea and Mrs. Ferguson the most at Kimball High, as these terrific teachers have instilled in her a love of learning about the past. She plans to attend Southern Utah University to study graphic design.

Daum found her favorite class, Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, to be challenging, fun and the best preparation for her next course of study.

“Mr. Maas challenged me and I learned so much. I enjoy learning about the body and look forward to pursuing my career in the medical world,” Daum said. “I am continuing my volleyball career at WNCC next year and plan to major in Pre-Med.”

Close friendships built throughout the years is what each of these ladies will miss the most following graduation but they are both grateful for the continued support they will have.

“The thing I will miss the most about high school are the close friendships and life-long relationships I have made with my fellow classmates, teachers and coaches here at KHS,” Hunsaker said. “I’d also like to thank my best friend, Danika Daum, for always being there and constantly lifting me up.”

“I will definitely miss all the kids I grew up with. We have spent so many days together, and I could only wish for more,” Danika added. “I would like to thank my family for believing in me even when I didn’t; for supporting my choices and making me into a strong, independent teenager.”

To future high school graduates, in Kimball and across the country, Hunsaker said, “It feels like just yesterday I was walking in the doors as a freshman! High school goes by so fast, and while it isn’t fun all of the time, it has been amazing. My advice is to get involved and make friends; enjoy every second you can, because its over before you know it!”

“To all future graduates, high school is a time of judgment; don’t let any judgments get to you,” Daum concluded. “Don’t let anyone define who you are as a person, student or athlete. You are unique and beautiful and no one should change that. Just be yourself and don’t change for anyone.”