Solomon Nackashi, a four-year member of the varsity cross-country team, competes in the Mountain Invitational in Helen, Georgia on Oct. 27, 2021. Nackashi was named the Clarke Central High School valedictorian on May 23 and will be remembered by his school counselor Heidi Nibbelnk. “In addition to being an outstanding student, Solomon is a kind and thoughtful human being,” Nibbelink said. “He’s been a delight to work with, and I have no doubt he’s going to build a creative and fulfilling future.” Photo by Emily Costley
The Clarke County School District released the valedictorian and salutatorian for CCHS on May 23.
The Clarke County School District officially announced the Clarke Central High School valedictorian and salutatorian on May 23 in a press release.
Senior Solomon Nackashi, a four-year member of the varsity cross country team, was named valedictorian and will matriculate to Georgia Institute of Technology this fall. Nackashi’s impact on faculty and staff has left a positive impression.
“In addition to being an outstanding student, Solomon is a kind and thoughtful human being,” school counselor Heidi Nibbelink said. “He’s been a delight to work with, and I have no doubt he’s going to build a creative and fulfilling future.”
Social studies department teacher Tyler Graves, who was Nackashi’s adviser, agrees.
“From my earliest days working with Solomon, it was readily apparent that he was in possession of an extraordinary intellect. However, as intellectually gifted as he clearly is, those who know Solomon are acutely aware of the reality that it is not his academic credentials that define him,” Graves said. “Rather, it is his unimpeachable character and the positive impact he has on those he interacts with that make Solomon the exceptional individual that he is.”
Senior Natalie Soper, a member of the Gender Equity Movement, National Honor Society (NHS), and Ecology Club, was named salutatorian.
Natalie Soper, a member of the Period Project, holds up a sign with a QR code for a Google Form on the Freshman Academy Hallway in May 2021. Soper, the 2023 Clarke Central High School salutatorian, was a member of multiple student service-oriented organizations during her four years of high school. “She wants to see change in the world and realizes that change starts with her,” Science department teacher Regina King, Soper’s adviser, said. “So it is no surprise that she has initiated several community-based projects at the school. She is well-liked and respected by both peers and teachers.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
Soper has been on the all “A” Honor Roll since her freshman year and was a 2022 National Merit Finalist. She will be attending the University of Georgia in the UGA Honors Program in the fall.
Soper’s commitment to her school community resonated with her school counselor Darline Coleman.
“Natalie is a driven and very compassionate person,” Coleman said. “She wants to see change in the world and realizes that change starts with her. So it is no surprise that she has initiated several community-based projects at the school. She is well-liked and respected by both peers and teachers.”
“Natalie is a driven and very compassionate person. She wants to see change in the world and realizes that change starts with her. So it is no surprise that she has initiated several community-based projects at the school. She is well-liked and respected by both peers and teachers.”
— Darline Coleman,
school counselor
For Soper’s adviser, science department teacher, Regina King, the salutatorian’s drive and genuine nature during the last four years were memorable.
“Natalie has been an enthusiastic learner, a friend, and an inspiration to many of us here at CCHS,” King said. “She pushed through Covid times during her freshman and sophomore years and continued to excel upon our return to school. Well deserved, Natalie, and may you continue to follow your dreams.”
CCHS Principal Dr. Swade Huff views the two scholars as worthy of praise.
“Soli and Natalie are both ambassadors who embody all the traits of a Gladiator. To be recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian is an honor and evidence of their intrinsic motivation to excel in the learning environment,” Huff said. “On behalf of the Central school community, congratulations, and we wish you well with your transition to the distinguished post-secondary institutions each of you has chosen.”
