MARSHALL — Josie Bodine and Hannah Thurman have been named valedictorian and salutatorian for the Parke Heritage High School Class of 2023. The graduation ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. May 27.
“I have had the opportunity to spend half of my school day in an elementary classroom for the last two years and this has shown me how much I love teaching,” Bodine said.
She is a student in the education profession class offered through the Wabash River Career and Technical Education program. As a part of this class, Bodine works with a first grade classroom at Rockville Elementary. Working with students and experiencing firsthand the many joys as well as challenges of teaching has guided her in the decision to attend Butler University majoring in elementary education as she will pursue a career as an elementary teacher.
Bodine is the recipient of the 2023 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar Award, which provides funding for her to attend any Indiana college. She will be graduating with academic honors and has been listed on the Distinguished Honor Roll. As a member of the Parke Heritage Early College program, she will be participating in the Ivy Tech graduation ceremonies held in May and will receive a certification for completing this program. The Early College Program allows students to earn college credits.
During high school, Bodine has been a member of the varsity cheerleading squad for four years, FCCLA, Student Council, FFA, FCA, Interact Club, girls tennis team and is a 10-year 4-H member. She is also a member of the Marshall Federated Church and the Faithbridge Church Youth Group.
She earned a gold rating in the fashion construction category at the 2022 FCCLA State Leadership Conference, which advanced her to the national contest where she earned a silver rating. Bodine has competed in local pageants, including receiving the second runner-up title in the Parke County Fair Princess Pageant in 2022, and the title of 2021 Rosedale Strawberry Festival Miss Strawberry Queen.
“I truly think that the key to having good grades and being successful academically is not completely dependent on intelligence, but instead depends on a person’s determination,” Bodine said. “I have strived to work my hardest since a very young age. My family told me and continues to remind me that you can do anything if you just set your mind to it. I enjoy learning and growing academically, and I credit determination for my success.”
The daughter of Pat and Sharon Bodine of Marshall, she is grateful for the support that she has received from her family and community.
“The last four years have brought cherishable memories, and I have always felt supported by many people in my life both for my academics and extracurriculars,” Bodine said. “The friendships that have been formed will absolutely be remembered. My teachers have had a huge impact on me, and have helped me find what I want to pursue after high school. Even though high school is coming to an end, I am ready to move to the next chapter, but I appreciate what high school has done for me.”
Like Bodine, salutatorian Hannah Thurman has learned to find a balance with her studies and activities.
“As someone who is very involved, I am usually very busy,” Thurman said. “I try to use my time wisely in and after school to get my homework done so I don’t have to stay up late doing it. Asking a lot of questions is another good way to grow and fully understand the content. Having friends and family around me who support me has helped me to succeed in many ways.”
She has participated in volleyball and tennis for the past four years. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Drama Club. She served as the secretary of the class her junior year and is currently the vice president of the student council. She is also a member of the Faithbridge Youth Group and Rockville Christian Church.
As a member of the volleyball team, Thurman earned the Academic All-State Award for the 2022-2023 season. She will also be graduating with academic honors and has been listed on the Distinguished Honor Roll. She has also participated in the Early College Program and will be participating in the Ivy Tech graduation ceremonies.
“The early college program will allow me to enter college as a sophomore,” Thurman said. “This will not only save me money, but I should go straight into nursing classes. I have decided to go into nursing because I love helping people. I have known for a long time that I want to go into nursing. I want to help people not only medically, but personally as well. I will constantly be around all kinds of people from all different backgrounds with varying needs. While the people may change, I can remain constant.”
The daughter of Jason and Sandy Thurman of Bloomingdale, Hannah plans to attend the University of Southern Indiana to major in nursing.
