From the classroom to the basketball court, from the track to the auditorium, to beyond the walls of their school, Brown County High School’s Class of 2023 has dedicated themselves to their studies, athletics, clubs, activities and their community.
There are 16 students who earned summa cum laude honors this school year.
Starting with the class of 2019, Brown County High School no longer names a valedictorian or salutatorian. Instead, students can earn the tiered honors of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude, as is done in college.
Summa cum laude students have to complete 48 credits in approved coursework; earn an Indiana academic honors or technical honors diploma; and earn a cumulative grade-point average of 4.0 or above. Students are ranked for honors after completing seven semesters.
These are the biographies this year’s highest-honored graduates wrote for themselves.
Aidan Schilling
Aidan Schilling
Aidan Schilling is the first born and only son of Aaron and Giselle Schilling. He is ranked in the top three in his class. Aidan works at Brozinni’s Pizzeria and is taking an IT certification course at Brown County’s Educational Services center. Additionally, he is currently a member of our school’s Technology Department, involved with Cross Country and Track, as well as National History Day. Aidan has also established himself as a distinguished freelance writer through his participation in History Day and by garnering multiple awards throughout his high school career. After high school, he will attend Indiana University [Bloomington] to pursue an education in computer science and foreign languages.
Joey Denison
Joseph Denison
Joey Denison is the only son of Lesley Denison and Dan Denison. Over his high school career Joey participated greatly in the performing arts at Brown County. First serving as a Lighting chief for the theatre his sophomore year, and later serving as the Technical Director for his Junior and Senior year. On the rare occasion he wasn’t running tech, he could be found in the limelight. He played electric & upright bass for Jazz band for all four years of high school and acted in the shows “Almost, Maine” as Randy and “Shrek the Musical” as the Bishop. Joey also participated in the school’s student run business Eagle Manufacturing as a CNC Mill operator. He recently represented Brown County & Eagle Manufacturing on the national level at the AASA’s National Conference on Education. Outside of school, he also volunteers regularly at Mothers Cupboard Community Kitchen and has since 7th grade. More recently he started serving on the Board of Directors for Mothers Cupboard. Joey is proud to represent Brown county as the class of 2023 Lilly Scholar. He plans on attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology next year to study Mechanical Engineering.
Londyn Koester
Londyn Koester
Londyn Koester is the daughter of Wayne and Joanne Koester. She is ranked third in her class. Londyn is President of Student Life for student council, president of history club, vice president of National Honor Society, vice president of Interact Club, and vice president of Science Honor Society. She is also a member of Spanish Honor Society, a senior class representative, and has received the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate. This year she has tried a couple new activities such as Yearbook and Winter Cheerleading. Londyn has also been involved in volleyball and tennis throughout her high school career. Being a four year varsity athlete for both sports, she has accomplished multiple achievements. One of her biggest athletic accomplishments was beating the school record for volleyball career digs. On top of her athletic career, Londyn has also worked at the IGA for 5 years. Outside of school, she helps volunteer within her community. Her favorite place to volunteer is in the Head Start classrooms because it helps her gain experience as a future teacher. Londyn will be attending Ball State University to double major in elementary education and special education. She would like to thank her family and teachers for supporting and pushing her throughout her high school career.
Cole Bowman
Cole Bowman
Cole Bowman has been a student with the Brown County school system for 12 years, and in that time has accomplished many academic feats and exploits. He has kept the lights on stage for the past 4 years, and helped in eight productions throughout his theater career. After graduating, Cole plans on attending Indiana University for a bachelor’s in computer science.
Elizabeth Roush
Elizabeth Roush
Daughter of Kevin and Kristi Roush, Elizabeth Roush appreciates pursuing the avenues uncharted by her elder brothers, though she occasionally follows in their footsteps. Elizabeth currently works as the Senior Lifeguard at the Brown County Community YMCA and has worked there for two years. She thoroughly enjoys serving her community in this capacity, as well as challenging herself and her colleagues so they may provide the best care possible. Elizabeth competes in two varsity sports, Track & Field and Volleyball, each for four years. A hip injury cut her high school Basketball career short, but she found a home serving as the team’s statistician these past three seasons. She received the Superintendent’s Award her Junior track season, and Academic All Conference her Senior volleyball season. Elizabeth presides as President of both Interact Club and National Science Honor Society, she also serves as Vice President of History Club. In addition to her elected positions, Elizabeth participates in both the National and National Spanish Honor Societies, as well as The Way of The Eagle/Student Council. She partakes in the Senior Leadership team, where she currently helps plan graduation. In addition to qualifying Summa Cum Laude, Elizabeth will graduate with the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate and the knowledge of being a Lilly Endowment Scholarship Finalist. She maintained a 4.0 GPA or higher all four years of high school. The teachers of Brown County High School selected Elizabeth to represent the school in the Daughters of the American Revolution Essay Contest in the fall, where she won the district for the local Ten O’Clock Chapter and had the opportunity for her essay to compete at the state level. She acquired both Biomedical and Spanish Student of the Year awards for four years; and Elizabeth obtained the AP U.S. History Student of the Year her senior year. Elizabeth plans on attending the University of Southern Indiana in pursuit of a degree in the medical field.
Chase Austin
Chase Austin
The oldest son of Trent and Mandy Austin, Chase Austin is ranked 8th in his class. He has served as the president of Student Council for two years, and is also a part of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and is a Senior Class Representative. Chase has run cross country and track for 4 years. In cross country, he is an individual sectional champion, 4x WIC All-Conference, 4x Republic All-Area, 2x state qualifier, 2x Academic All-State, and was 3A All-State. In track, he is a state qualifier in the 1600m run, and was also named Academic All-State. Chase will attend Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, where he will run Division 1 cross country and track, and will double major in finance and accounting.
Milly Patrick
Milly Patrick
Milly Patrick is the daughter of Jeff and Lisa Patrick. She is ranked 6th in her graduating class. She played volleyball for 4 years and softball for 1 year while also playing club volleyball throughout high school. She has also participated in clubs such as Spanish Honor Society and Senior Leadership. Her junior year, she received an AP Scholar award and was also selected for the College Board Rural and Small Town Recognition Program. She has received Academic All State and is also a recipient of the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate. She started working at the Brown County Water Utility for the ICE program her senior year where she was then hired on as a part time employee. She plans to continue to work there throughout the summer and her beginning years of college. Her future plans include attending Ivy Tech to obtain an associates in medical imaging to become a radiologic technologist.
Hadley Gradolf
Hadley Gradolf
Hadley Gradolf is the daughter of Martin and Chrysti Gradolf. She is ranked 7th in her class. Hadley is president of the National Honors Society, vice president of communications for Student Council, part of the senior class leadership, and is an active member of History Club as well as Spanish Honors Society. Hadley has participated in Track and Field and Cross County all four years of her high school career. She is Brown County’s first four time state qualifier for any sport, due to her success in Cross County. She also qualified for the state meet in Track and Field in 2022. She has worked at The Wild Olive in Nashville since her sophomore year, and has spent her summers volunteering and working at Camp Palawopec for the past 3 years. Hadley has volunteered her time in her community at events like the Hilly Half Marathon, the Christkindl Market, and the Chocolate Walk, and the Stuff a Stocking event. Hadley has committed and signed to run Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field at Indiana State University this coming fall. She plans on studying Environmental Geoscience and has been accepted into the Honors College. She looks forward to making the world a better place.
Naje Bedja
Naje Bedja
Naje Bedja is the son of Azzedine and Shannon Bedja. Naje is ranked 10th in his class. He is the vice president of the Brown County High school band program, and has been heavily involved in its ensembles throughout the years. Since his freshman year, he has participated in wind ensemble, marching band, jazz band, pit orchestra, and ISSMA solo and ensemble events. Naje has also been involved with the Brown County High School guard program for the past two years, serving as a member of the winterguard. Outside of school, Naje is an Indiana Bandmasters Association musician, performing at the regional and district level since middle school, and at the state level earlier this year. In addition to his involvement in band, Naje is also a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. After high school, Naje will attend Purdue University, studying pharmaceutical sciences and joining their All American Marching Band and indoor musical ensembles.
Ethan Spiece
Ethan Spiece
Ethan Spiece is the son of C.J. Spiece and Holly Homan. He is ranked 9th in his class. Ethan played football for 4 years, ran track for 4 years, and played basketball for 1 year. He is also a captain of the Football team. Ethan was involved in Spanish Honor Society for 2 years. After graduation he will attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where he will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering. He will also continue to play football and run track at Rose-Hulman. Ethan would like to thank Meghan Kinkead and all his coaches for helping him return to sports after his ACL surgery.
Katie Tipton
Katie Tipton
Katie Tipton is the Daughter of Gretchen and Nate Tipton. Katie is ranked 12th in her class. Katie serves as the treasurer for Interact Club, secretary of National Honor Society, as well as Captain of the Varsity Girls Basketball team. Katie has been a three sport athlete during her time at Brown County High School, having participated in volleyball for 3 years, soccer for 1 year, basketball for 4 years, and tennis for 4 years. In addition to sports, Katie is active in many clubs including Student Council, Spanish Honor Society, Science Honor Society, National Honor Society, History Club, and Interact Club. In the past she was part of Keep Brown County Beautiful, and volunteered at Mother’s Cupboard. She has been awarded the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate, along with Academic All Conference twice. She has worked at the Brown County State Park Pool since her sophomore year. After high school Katie plans to attend Indiana University to study business and accounting at the Kelley School of Business, to later become an accountant.
Hannah deWeerdt
Hannah deWeerdt
Hannah deWeerdt the daughter of Steve deWeerdt and Marie Cecil. She has participated in history club, played soccer for one year, tennis for three and golf for two. In her time on the golf team she placed at WIC both years she has played. Outside of school she put in hours working at shops in the town of Nashville to save up for school. After high school she intends to go to flight school at the Greenwood airport.
Oliver Tincher
Oliver Tincher
Oliver Tincher is the child of Melissa and Jason Tincher. He is ranked 11th in his class. Oliver was in Serenade Show Choir for 1 year, and has been in Rhapsody show choir for 3 years. He has been a Rhapsody section leader and dance captain for 1 year. He has been heavily involved in after school theatre, being in Hair & Makeup Crew for 3 years, and Lighting, Costuming, and Construction Crews for 1 year apiece. He has been the understudy for a lead role for 2 shows, in a minor role for 1 show, in a large role for 1 show, and in a lead role for 2 shows. He has been infrequently involved with Students for Equity, Bring Change to Mind, D&D Club, and he was a D&D club Dungeon Master for 1 year. He is a fill-in volunteer for Mothers Cupboard. He is also a member of National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. After high school, he will attend IU Bloomington, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Innovative Entrepreneurship. Armed with his degree he hopes to one day start a series of businesses to make the world a better place in small ways.
Jamie Bube
Jamie Bube
Jamie Bube is the daughter of Mike and Sharon Bube. Jamie has participated in Brown County soccer for 3 years and track (distance) for one year. Jamie has done competitive speech and debate for 14 years starting at the age of 5 and a 4-H member for 10 years. In addition to being selected for National Youth Leadership Forum in Medicine, she has been awarded the Governors Work Ethic Certificate, the secretary for the Interact Club, National Honors Society, Science Honors Society, and was awarded an educational trip to Washington D.C. Some of her academic accomplishments include being invited two years by Purdue University to display her teaching aid about animal behavior, 2021-2022 Academic All-Conference, 2021-2022 Outstanding Medical Interventions Student, 3 year Honor Roll, 2023 WIC Academic Award, and 2023 Varsity Athletics Versatility Award. Jamie has enjoyed studying at both Brown County High School and Ivy Tech. Through IUPUI Medical Pediatrics Center for Cancer Research, in 2023, she participated in an educational lab that further prompted her interest in science. Jamie will attend Indiana University – Bloomington in the Fall and pursue her research interest in becoming a Physician’s Assistant or a Pediatric Neonatal Nurse.
Basil Grimes
Christopher “Basil” Grimes
Basil Grimes is the child of Jacque and Chris Grimes. The family moved to Brown County when Basil was about to start his 7th grade year. Basil held a job at a shop in Nashville called The Candy Dish, which they worked at from the spring of their 8th grade year until this past winter. Basil was a part of the Science Olympiad in 8th and 9th grade. In the summer of 2021, Basil became the first Logistics Manager of Eagle Manufacturing, and will finish their high school career with teaching someone new to take the position. In the winter of their Junior year, Basil joined the BCHS Theatre Department as the publicity chief, and has designed posters, banners, postcards, and programs for Mamma Mia!, Almost, Maine, and Shrek! The Musical. Basil also designed merchandise during Shrek that was sold during shows, as well as crew t-shirts that the crew were able to wear during shows. Basil plans on taking their academic ventures to new heights in the fall of 2023, when they start attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. Basil recognizes that without the amazing teachers and friends they found at BCHS, the future of their life would look much dimmer than it does now.
Madalyn Purlee
Madalyn Purlee
Madalyn Purlee is the daughter of Randi Pollard and Larry Purlee. She is ranked 10th in her class and is an early-grad junior. Madalyn is the sales manager of Eagle Manufacturing, Secretary of Science Honors Society, and Rotary Liaison for Interact. She also participates in Prom Committee, National Honors Society, History Club, Yearbook, and Science Academic team. Madalyn has also been a varsity member of Cross Country for two years and Track for three years along with managing the football team. Outside of school, she has danced at Le Rose Dance Academy for thirteen years, competing at On Pointe and Ticket to Broadway. Madalyn is also part of Spread the Love. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to spreading encouragement and positivity to children with disabilities. Madalyn plans to continue her education at Purdue University studying Landscape Architecture.
