By Kay S. Pedrotti This year’s Lamar County high valedictorian, Juliette Henry, and salutatorian Kelby Flournoy, could be said to be a matched pair, especially in the scope of their achievements. While they are different in appearance – blonde Juliette is tall and brunette Kelby is not – they are very similar in their academic, athletic and musical accomplishments. Both are exceptionally friendly, giving, caring and dedicated to their Christian faith. They are extraordinary vocalists and have earned many honors and awards for chorus and other performances. Juliette was on the cross country team and Kelby ran track. Besides being so well-rounded, the two young women have communication skills and can answer spontaneous questions in an interview, adroitly and with humor. Asked their favorite high school experiences, the two named occasions when they were working with others. Juliette said, ‘The 2014-15 cross country season was the best ever, not just by statistics but in the closeness of the team. We were a family together with our excellent coaches. For the seniors, knowing it would be our last year together made it seem even more special.’ She added that her experience tutoring children in the elementary school also was a highlight for her, as well as being able to take classes at Gordon State College. Kelby also took GSC classes and was a cheerleader. She cited as a highlight ‘cheering in the Georgia Dome’ when Lamar County went to the state AA football championship game. Kelby had similar feelings of ‘family’ about the track team and cheerleaders. She also felt she had a ‘personal best’ solo at Literary Competition, though she did not place: ‘I was so happy doing that.’ Their least favorite part of high school, though they agreed it’s very necessary, was ‘all that testing.’ Juliette will attend Covenant College in north Georgia but has not yet decided on just one career path. She said she would like to combine physical therapy with teaching special needs children. This summer she begins training to be a cross country runner at Covenant. Kelby will attend Mercer University to study biochemistry and molecular biology on her way to becoming a doctor specializing in oncology. Kelby’s desire for becoming an oncologist rose from several experiences with cancer in her family, in particular the death of a beloved aunt from breast cancer. Juliette is a member of Dayspring Presbyterian Church in Forsyth, where she works with Anchor of Hope Foundation to provide academic, recreational and social interaction with autistic and other special needs children for a ‘Parents Night Out.’ Kelby is a member of Rock Springs Church and attends Antioch Baptist Church, where she sings and solos with the adult choir. At RSC, she leads worship for youth and children. Kelby has a younger brother, Reid, who is seven; her parents are Robert and Donna Flournoy. Juliette’s parents are Rolfe and Janine Henry and her siblings are Natalie, Phillip, David, Joseph and Margaret. Both made it clear that achievement for them is not about glory but is done to be the best witness to Christ possible and to live a life that helps others. Achievements of Juliette Janine Henry: National Honor Society; Georgia Certificate of Merit; perfect score on AP exam in college language arts; Junior Class President; Dean’s List at Gordon State College; Georgia EMC delegate to Capitol Youth Tour; one of 25 statewide chosen from her voice part for All-State Sight Reading Chorus; Governor’s Honors program; Top Trojan; captain and chaplain, varsity cross country; Taylor Davis Memorial superior student athlete award; second in region in Literary competition trio singing; Beta Club; 4-H; intern at Lamar County elementary and math tutor for middle and high school; Ridge Haven Camp intern; praise band and adult choir at Dayspring Presbyterian. Achievements of Kelby Morgan Flournoy: Four years’ honor roll and perfect attendance in high school; Georgia Certificate of Merit; Dean’s List at Gordon State College; two years GHSA Region 4AA Literary girls’ solo champion and runner-up; cheerleading academic award for Highest GPA four years; Five Star Award from Rock Springs Church; National Honor Society; four years chorus, cheerleading, competition cheering, varsity track and field, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club and HOSA; leading monthly worship at Heritage Inn; performing National Anthem at sports and community events; recreational cheerleading coach; assistant to elementary school chorus instructor; and an annual Navajo Reservation Mission Trip.
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