The Akron Park Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at the Akron City Hall. Siouxland Community Foundation representatives will present a grant to the

board.

The Plymouth County

Democrats will hold their regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, May 21 at Lally's Eastside Restaurant, 125 Plymouth St. NE, Le Mars. All interested

Democrats are invited to attend.

The Albert E. Hoschler

American Legion Post

No. 186 is having a special meeting.

The Albert E. Hoschler American Legion Post No. 186 will begin their celebration with a parade at 10 a.m. Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day). The parade will include legionnaires, auxiliary members, Girl and Boy Scouts, and the Akron-Westfield Marching

Band. A flag raising ceremony will be held downtown. A program honoring veterans will be held in the Akron City Park following the parade. After the program, the Legion Auxiliary women will serve a luncheon for veterans, their families and the community. Watch for more information next week.

Check out the special

pull-out graduation supplement on Pages 11-18 in this issue. A-W graduation is May 20 at 2 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Silver Leaf Estates

and Oz Homes and Lending are holding an opening debut at the new housing project located on the old hospital property.

 Silver Leaf Estates and Oz Homes & Lending will be providing free lunch at the Senior Citizens Center on Thursday, May 24 at 11:30 Call Barb Mitchell at 568-3120 to reserve your meal. Guided tours will be available after lunch until 2:00 p.m. Transportation will be provided.

By Julie Ann Madden

They are the 11th class in Akron-Westfield Community School history to have more than one valedictorian. In addition, the Class of 2007 is tied with the Class of 2002 for having five valedictorians. The largest number of valedictorians that A-W classes have ever had is seven, a tie between the Class of 2004 and 2006. The Classes of 1991, 1995, 1999 2001 and 2003 each had two valedictorians. The Class of 2003 had three, and the Class of 2005 had four. Unless their finals grades change from 4.0, the Class of 2007's valedictorians are Savanna Bice, Tana Colt, Allison DeRocher, Kelsie Harvey and Susan Meerdink. Final grades are not calculated until today (Wednesday), said A-W High School Principal Derek Briggs. Brittney Miller is this year's salutatorian. “Hard work,” is what made it all possible, said Susan. “Dedication,” said Brittney Miller. “Priorities,” said Tana “Late nights,” said Allison DeRocher.

“Sleep deprivation,” said Savanna Bice “You have to balance your time,” said Susan. That is also advice they'd give to underclassmen. “Don't over-book yourself,” said Susan. “Like extracurriculars, school and

work.” “No joke,” said Allison. “Remember to have fun,” said Tana. “Be involved in whatever you want to be involved in,” said Savanna. “It's the one time when you are actually going to figure out what it's

you like.” “Take the classes you want now because you're going to have to pay for them in college,” said Allison. They will take with them an appreciation for what was given to them: all the opportunities a small school offers and small classes where people actually know each other. And don't forget the memories, including Homecoming, state championships and Lakeside Labs. The six young women have a message for their families and the A-W community. “Thanks,” they said, adding: • For supporting us; • For all the opportunities; • For buying all the products we've sold for every fund-raiser we've had; and • For going to all of our activities, including sporting events. Thank you to our parents, our teachers, school administrators, coaches, players and fans. Although it's only a few days until they officially end their high school days, the six are already planning to make their mark on the world. Each is planning to attend a college this fall.

Savanna Bice

Savanna, the daughter of Pat and the late Tom Bice of Akron, is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in choir and jazz choir, large group speech, Spanish Club, Lakeside Lab, the Big Sioux River Tributary Project and bowling. She enjoys reading, shopping and hanging out with friends. She plans to attend Western Iowa Tech Community College where she will complete her general education studies before transferring to a four-year college to study environmental science.

Tana Colt

Tana, the daughter of Tammy and Todd Colt of Akron, is a member of the National Honor Society and

St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She has played on the volleyball, basketball, softball and track teams. Tana is a Silver Spur school store manager. She enjoys scrapbooking and boating. Tana will be attending Briar Cliff University this fall where she will major in pharmaceutical studies and play basketball and softball.

Allison, the daughter of Joyce and Doug DeRocher of Akron, is a member of the National Honor Society and St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Ellendale. She is active in individual speech, Lakeside Lab, Spanish Club, the Big Sioux River Tributary Project and a Silver Spur school store manager. Allison enjoys working at Fareway Stores, travelling and hanging out with friends. Allison is going to study journalism

at Iowa State University this fall.

Kelsie, the daughter of Chris and Brad Harvey, is a member of the National Honor Society and she has been the Student Body President this year. At A-W, she is a cheerleader, Danz Squad dancer, and golfer. She has been active in Student Council, large group speech, individual speech, band, choir, Lakeside Lab, school theatre, FFA, Spanish Club, the Variety Show, FFA Project Pals and School Improvement Committee. Kelsie has been a Middle School mentor and a Talented and Gifted Program student. Kelsie is also a member of St. Patrick 's Catholic Church, the Johnson Juniors 4-H Club, Plymouth County 4-H Council, Northwest Area 4-H Council, Akron Depot dancer, a Big Sister, and PALS Inc. Program. She is employed at the Akron Chiropractic Center. Kelsie has held numerous leadership positions and earned many awards and honors during her high school career. Kelsie will be attending Iowa State University to study business this fall.

Brittney Miller, the daughter of Felicia and Kirk Miller of Akron, is a member of the National Honor Society and Union Creek Lutheran Church. She plays on the Westerner volleyball, basketball and

track teams. She is also involved in choir, band, Student Council and Lakeside Lab. Brittney enjoys

listening to music and hanging out with friends. Brittney will be attending Iowa State University where she will study business.

Susan, the daughter of Dee and Kim Meerdink of Hawarden, is a member of the National Honor Society and Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron. At A-W, Susan is a member of the National Honor Society and is active in band, choir, large group and individual speech, FFA, the Big Sioux River Tributary Project and Lakeside Lab. She is also active in the Johnson Juniors 4-H Club and bowling at Akron Lanes. Susan plans to study environmental science at the University of Iowa this fall.