Douglas High school commences high achievers

More than 300 students graduated on Friday with some of the highest achievements Douglas High School has ever seen.

A total of 88 students graduated with honors, the most since the program started in 2021. Forty-seven students earned cum laude with a GPA of 4.0-4.9, 37 students earned magna cum laude with a GPA of 4.9-4.99, and four students earned summa cum laude with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

Douglas High School also had a recipient of the National Merit Scholarship Award, which is only received by about 7,000 students nationally and Kevin O’Connell was chosen as one of them. He accepted a four-year scholarship to the University of Reno.

This year, 17 graduates participated in the Jump Start program, a partnership with Western Nevada College where students earn dual credits and can earn an associate degree. Of the 17, six completed year one and 11 completed year two and graduated with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

Douglas High School Principal Michael Rechs expressed praise and gratitude to the graduates, faculty and parents in attendance.

“First to an amazing faculty and staff, their dedication, time and energy have supported our graduates in reaching their goals,” he said. “To the parents, thank you for the support and team work that has helped your graduate get to this moment. To our students, thank you for the way you have supported each other over and over. Thank you for the service to our community, for high achievements, for never giving up, thank you for your competitiveness both in the classroom and out of the classroom.”

Also recognized were the employee of the year and the teacher of the year.

“These awards are special because they are voted on by their colleagues,” said Rechs. “Our staff of over 100 people voted for these awards.”

School safety monitor Lea Morgan was named employee of the year.

“She is the voice greeting students in the hallways, building relationships and a sense of community,” said Rechs. “She is an example of how to maintain expectations in a kind and caring way. She is dedicated to our community and our school. She puts her whole heart into serving students and she is a constant encouragement to her colleagues. Our students have clearly expressed how much they love her and how they will miss her.”

Rechs also recognized paraprofessionals Alita Sack and Nancy Brazeau, and teachers Amy Sando and Teresa Freitas for their service to Douglas High School and wished them well on their retirement.

The teacher of the year award went to English teacher and activities Director Karen Lamb.

“She is described as a true difference maker, loyal, determined, and organized,” said Rechs. “She works to understand what every student is going through and still challenges them to do their best.”

Aside from teaching, Lamb handles basketball operations, baseball announcer, volleyball scorebook, union president, planning the school year’s activities and dances with the leadership teacher, and helping to organize graduation.

“Simply put she is everywhere and she clearly loves DHS,” said Rechs.