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1998 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She earned high honors in high schooland was named a state scholar resulting in her becoming valedictorianof the 1998 graduating class. During her farewell speech shechallenged fellow graduates to take responsibility for their ownlives, for pursuing their goals regardless of others who might try tosteal that dream. She continued by recounting her own experience 2years prior when she was kidnapped at knifepoint and forced to drive250 miles to a remote area of Missouri where she was sexuallyassaulted. Despite being naked and bleeding profusely, she managed toescape and ran over 2 miles to safety. The man was later arrested andimprisoned. 3/9/99 Champaign, Champaign Co, IL. Now in college at the Universityof Illinois and a member of the US Navy ROTC drill team, she wasawarded the Single Gold Academic Achievement star by the Navy for a3.0 grade-point average. |
| The ceremony was held in outdoor ceremony in the Friendship Garden. |