Top 10 percent honored at annual Walk of Fame

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press

The Copperas Cove Education Foundation recognized members of the class of 2018 with its annual Senior Walk of Fame. 
Attending were the top 10 percent of this year’s graduating class, 50 in all, along with their parents. Other guests of honor included teachers selected by each student as having the most impact on them and their educational experience. 
Before the meal, a presentation of colors took place along with an invocation and pledges to the flags, and Etta May Kirkpatrick, foundation president, recognized members of the CCISD board of trustees, Superintendent Joe Burns, and other district leaders present.
She also expressed the significance of the students’ achievements. 
“Seniors, being a graduate in the top 10 percent of your class, you have proven yourself to be someone who strives for excellence. We are proud of you and honored to recognize you this evening.”
Burns addressed the top 10 percent, whom he called the “fantastic 50.”
“First, for this group, we know that it’s not easy to be in the top 10 percent of almost 500 graduates. There’s a lot of people working each and every day, that you’ve got to be diligent to stay ahead of or they’ll catch you. Diligence and hard work pay off. Sometimes, it’s just absolute perseverance. That diligence will carry you a long, long way.” 
He also said the top 10 percent were there because of commitment to excellence, even when things get tough. 
“You leave a big gap when you walk out of here Friday night. You’re a phenomenal group, probably one of the most talented group we’ve ever worked with,” Burns said. “I know if it’s in your power, you’re going to change the world for good.”
He also called the teachers “the absolute heartbeat and backbone of what we do at Copperas Cove ISD.”
Each of the seniors had selected a teacher or staff member who had a significant impact on them and their education. 
At each place setting, there was a printed program which included a photo of the student with their teacher, along with a statement of why the senior chose this particular person and one word that described that individual. The teachers, in turn, also had comments about the student who selected them.
Also on Tuesday evening, the Copperas Cove Education Foundation awarded a four-year scholarship totaling $4,000 to Emma Bodisch, who was selected from among a group of applicants by a foundation scholarship committee for the award. 
The Walk of Fame is held annually by the Copperas Cove Education Foundation to honor the top 10 percent of the graduating class. The foundation also raises funds not only for the Walk of Fame banquet, but funds teacher grants every year for teachers in the Copperas Cove Independent School District.