CASSOPOLIS — Some of Cass County’s best and brightest were recognized by county leaders Thursday evening.

The Cass County Board of Commissioners recognized the high school valedictorians and salutations from classes of 2018 in Cass County. Though most of the valedictorians and salutatorians from Cass County were not present at the board of commissioners meeting Thursday, the meeting room was still at capacity, as it was filled with the families of several top students from Cassopolis High School, Dowagiac Union High School, Edwardsburg High School and Marcellus High School.

“I would like to comment to all of you, congratulations,” said Commissioner Terry Ausra. “You all have accomplished something great.”

At the meeting, commissioners from each district introduced the students from their districts, discussed their merits and presented them with a certificate of recognition.

From Dowagiac Union High School, Haley Soderbloom was the only one of the school’s five valedictorians and salutations to attend the meeting. Other Dowagiac valedictorians include: Lewis Hartsig, Justin Lyle and and Drew Vaickus. Dowagiac’s 2018 salutatorian was Alexis Hale.

As Soderbloom was in attendance, she was recognized by Commissioner Ausra.

“Please join me in welcoming Haley Soderbloom,” Ausra said to the audience Thursday evening. “She is the daughter of Paul and Cari Soderbloom, who are also in attendance. Haley is one of the 2018 co-valedictorians at Dowagiac Union High School. In high school, Haley was a member of the National Honor Society, of which she was vice president, a member of the student senate, the Rotary Interact Club, Front Row Crew and Chieftain Heart. Haley has been a volunteer mentor at Justus Gage Elementary School, a student at Debbie Werbrouck’s School of Dance Company, a member of Patchwork Dance Company and a lifeguard at Fitch Memorial Day Camp. … Her future plans are to attend Hope College in the fall and pursue a double major in dance and kinesiology.”

Ausra went on to list Soderbloom’s academic achievements, which included the All-A honor roll and the academic award of excellence, before presenting her with her certificate.

“Congratulations,” he said. “Best wishes to you, Haley.”

After all the valedictorians and salutatorians were recognized, Soderbloom went around and shook the hand of each commissioner.

“Thank you,” she said to one commissioner. “It means a lot.”

The commissioners recognized not only Soderbloom, but several of 2018 recently graduated seniors.

“I think it is great all the work you have done,” said Commissioner Michael Grice to the graduates. “I hope to see you all back here and taking care of the community.”

“I’m very proud of Cass County and our students,” added Commissioner Dixie Ann File. “You guys have made quite the accomplishment.”