GALLIA COUNTY — A weekend of tearfully proud parents and relieved teenagers lies ahead, as four high schools in Gallia County prepare commencement ceremonies. Gallia Academy High School (GAHS) will hold their graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. tonight, and River Valley High School’s (RVHS) commencement ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. this evening. South Gallia High School (SGHS) and Ohio Valley Christian School (OVCS) will both be holding graduation ceremonies at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 26. While the three public schools will convene at their respective buildings, OVCS will meet at the First Baptist Church auditorium.

There are tentatively 176 students set to graduate as part of the Class of 2012 GAHS.

The representatives of the top 10 percent of the graduating class for GAHS include Alyssa Lucas, M. Boeing Smith, Daniel Schneider and Jessica Ward.

Lucas, daughter of Bob and Wendy Lucas, will be attending Ohio Wesleyan University with a major in biology pre-med and a minor in English.

Smith, son of Johnna Jorgensen and David K. Smith, will be attending Wittenberg University with a major in chemistry and math.

Schneider, son of Karen Schneider, will be attending The Ohio State University with a major in mechanical engineering.

Ward, daughter of Mark and Annette Ward, will be attending Cedarville University and will be majoring in pharmacy and chemistry.

There are tentatively 115 students set to graduate as part of the RVHS Class of 2012.

The valedictorian for the RVHS Class of 2012 is Abby Hammond. Lindsey Polsley and Adam Johnson have been named co-salutatorians.

Hammond is the daughter of Ron and Lori Hammond. Her school and community activities include National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Flag Corps, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Drama Club, 4-H, and part of the Haitian relief effort through mission trips. She has also participated the WSAZ Best of the Class and is a Gallia County’s Franklin B. Walter Scholar. Athletically, Hammond participates in swimming. Her future plans include attending The Ohio State University, where she will major in biology and pre-optometry.

Polsley is the daughter of Carl Polsley and Norma Ellcessor. Her school and community activities include National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Art Club and 4-H. Polsley plans to attend Shawnee State University to major in nursing.

Johnson is the son of Reid and Diana Johnson. His school and community and activities include National Honor Society and National Beta Club. Adam is also part of the Sanctify Drama Team. Adam has been selected as one the individuals for the University of Rio Grande’s new SENSE program.

Also representing the top 10 percent of the RVHS Class of 2012 are: Katharine Blodgett, Mary Waugh, Bethany Misner, Emily Coleman, Sonja Rankin, Aaron Harrison, Derek Flint, Nathaniel Shuler and Adam Clagg.

There are tentatively 57 students set to graduate as part of the SGHS Class of 2012.

Valedictorians for the SGHS Class of 2012 are Christina Howell and Cassandra Strait. RuthAnna Witmer has been named salutatorian.

Howell, daughter of Amber Raymond and Ryan Howell of Gallipolis, will be attending Marshall University with a major in criminal justice.

Strait, daughter of Angela and William Strait of Crown City, will be attending Marshall University with a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice.

Witmer, daughter of Rhonda and Raymond Witmer of Crown City, will be attending Marshall University with a major in social work.

Also representing the top 10 percent of the SGHS Class of 2012 are Tori Duncan and Makayla Wells.

There are eight seniors graduating from OVCS Saturday.

Valedictorians include Jennifer Blevins and Benjamin Tillis.

Blevins, daughter of David and Paula Blevins of Bidwell, Ohio, plans to attend Otterbein University and major in early childhood education.

Tillis, son of Don and Gina Tillis of Rutland, Ohio, plans to attend Ohio University and major in nursing with plans for a master’s degree in anesthesiology.

For a complete list of graduating seniors, see the Graduation Keepsake inside today’s Gallipolis Daily Tribune.