Claude James Hill III has earned the title of Salutatorian of the class of 2014 at Ascension of Our Lord School (A.O.L.). He has attended A.O.L. since kindergarten and has remained on ‘A’ Honor Roll every year for the past eight years (1st – 8th). In addition to maintaining academic excellence, Claude has participated in several athletic organizations at A.O.L. He played football in sixth and eighth grade, and basketball and baseball in grades fifth through eighth. He realizes the discipline needed to maintain his grades and be an athlete.  Claude has been a member of BETA Club for three years, Student Council for four years, and 4-H for two years.

A.O.L.’s eighth grade graduation took place May 14.  What an extraordinary night for Claude! He received many accolades for his achievements.  Claude received a trophy for:

 

• ‘A’ Honor Roll

• Highest Average in Algebra I (9th grade course)

• Highest Average in English I (9th grade course) –tied w/valedictorian

• Highest Average in Physical Science (9th grade course) – tied w/valedictorian

• Highest Average in World Geography (9th grade course) – tied w/valedictorian & classmate

• Highest Average in Spanish I (9th grade course)

• Highest Average in Religion – tied w/valedictorian

• Academic Athlete Award

Certificates for:

• Second highest score on St. Charles Catholic placement test (scholarship recipient)

Plaques for:

• Salutatorian

• Beta Club President

• 4-H Vice President

Ribbon for:

• Computer Art – Honorable Mention

Pin for

•Reader at Mass

During his salutatorian address at graduation, he quoted Dr. Martin L. King, Jr,  “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education,” informing the congregation that A.O.L. teachers along with his parents have built his character with academic, physical, and spiritual educations.  His parting words were directed to his classmates, “In high school, you will come across challenges and I pray all of you will have the determination to successfully conquer those challenges because determination is the reason I’m standing before you now.”  He ended with a quote from Duke Ellington, “Life has two rules: Number 1, never quit! Number 2, always remember rule number one.”  Claude plans to live by those words as he continues his education and athletic career at St. Charles Catholic High during the fall. 

Claude is the son of Dr. Juanita Hill and Mr. Claude Hill, Jr. He is the brother of Lela Hill (A.O.L.’s class of 2012 Valedictorian).