The 2023 DeKalb County High School Valedictorian, Robert Wheeler, and Salutatorian, Amelia Atnip, were recognized last week by the Tennessee General Assembly after a resolution was introduced by State Representative Michael Hale.

The resolution for Valedictorian reads as follows:

“WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this legislative body should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and

“WHEREAS, Robert S. Wheeler is one such exceptional student, who was recently named Valedictorian of the 2023 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and

“WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Mr. Wheeler has achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and

“WHEREAS, in his remarkable high school career, Mr. Wheeler has earned an exemplary grade point average while participating in numerous extracurricular activities, including Beta Club, FBLA, basketball, and the ACT 29+ Club; and

“WHEREAS, his display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for his future success as he pursues his goal of becoming a physician; and

“WHEREAS, Mr. Wheeler’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for his mother, Kim Wheeler, his school, and his community; Robert’s father, the late Scott Wheeler, would be deeply proud of his son as well if he were with us today; and

“WHEREAS, Robert Wheeler’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this legislative body; now, therefore,

“BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that we commend and honor the 2023 DeKalb County High School Valedictorian, Robert S. Wheeler, on his impressive academic achievement and extend to him our best wishes for a happy, successful future.”

The Resolution for Salutatorian reads as follows:

“WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this legislative body should pause to pay tribute to those students who, through their natural talents and unflagging commitment to academic excellence, have distinguished themselves in the classroom; and

“WHEREAS, Amelia Atnip is one such exceptional student, who was recently named Salutatorian of the 2023 graduating class at DeKalb County High School; and

“WHEREAS, through diligent study, steady composure during examinations, and steadfast commitment of time and talent, Ms. Atnip has achieved outstanding academic success and joined the ranks of the best and brightest students in Tennessee and our country; and

“WHEREAS, in her remarkable high school career, Amelia Atnip has maintained an impressive grade point average while participating in numerous extracurricular activities, including cheerleading, FBLA, Service Society, Science Club, Literature Club, Spanish Club, and ACT 21+ Club; and

“WHEREAS, her display of intellectual aptitude and ambition surely bodes well for her future success as a student at Middle Tennessee State University; and

“WHEREAS, Ms. Atnip’s noteworthy achievement is a tremendous source of pride for her parents, Jessica and Chris Higgins and Jason and Karen Atnip, her school, and her community; and

“WHEREAS, Amelia Atnip’s dedication to excellence is clearly deserving of the respect, admiration, and commendation of the members of this legislative body; now, therefore,

“BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that we hereby commend and honor the 2023 DeKalb County High School Salutatorian, Amelia Atnip, on her impressive academic achievement and extend to her our best wishes for a happy, successful future.”

The DCHS Graduation will be Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m.