Evelyn Jones 2023 Valedictorian
Evelyn Jones has been named Notre Dame Regional High School’s Valedictorian for the Class of 2023. Evelyn is the daughter of Liza and Bryan Jones of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jackson, Missouri.
“I would like to thank my parents for giving me the support needed to achieve this goal of mine,” Evelyn said.
Evelyn earned a perfect score on the ACT with a 36. She is a 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student, and a recipient of the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award from the College Board’s National Recognition Program. She received the Missouri STEM Signing Day Scholarship, the Perfect Score Scholarship and Missouri Bright Flight.
Evelyn has earned a silver medal on the National Spanish Exam for Spanish 3 and Spanish 4, and a bronze medal for Honors Spanish 2. She also earned a silver medal on Le Grand Concours (National French Contest) for French 1. Evelyn was part of the first place Medley team at Southeast Missouri State University’s Math Field Day, and she attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Summit.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, vice president of the National Spanish Honor Society, president of the Science Club, president of Friends of the Library, vice president of Students Against Destructive Decisions, and a member of French Club, FCCLA and Peer Helpers. Evelyn also sits on the Here. Literary Magazine Editorial Board.
She received a Marian Charities Scholarship for Foreign Language, and earned Notre Dame’s Academic Excellence Award four times. She was named Notre Dame’s Spanish Student of the Year for Spanish 2, 3 and 4 classes. For all four years of high school, Evelyn was on the A-Honor Roll.
After graduation, Evelyn plans to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia to study Biochemistry on the pre-medicine track.
William Dodson 2023 Salutatorian
William Dodson, son of Rob and Heather Dodson of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, has been named Notre Dame Regional High School’s Salutatorian for the Class of 2023.
Will is a Missouri Top 100 Scholar and a recipient of the College Board Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award. He has attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Summit and has been on the A-Honor Roll for all four years of high school. He earned a bronze medal on the National Spanish Exam, and has been named student of the year for Advanced English I, Honors Geometry, Honors Algebra II and Pre-Calculus.
Will is the Student Body secretary, National Honor Society president, Fellowship of Christian Athletes secretary and a Blue Crew leader. He is also a member of Peer Helpers, Student Ambassadors, Science Club, St. Joseph’s Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Athletes Give Back. He has attended the Joan Strohmeyer Mission Trip and earned a varsity letter for completing over 120 hours of community service.
As a member of the varsity soccer team for four years, Will holds numerous school records. He was named All-State First Team in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and is a three-time Regional Offensive Player of the Year. He has also been on the baseball team for two seasons.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been with me every step of the way and pushed me to become the person I am today, especially my parents, my siblings, my coaches, and all the faculty and staff at Notre Dame Regional High School,” Will said.
After graduation, Will plans to attend either the University of Alabama or the University of Missouri for pre-medical studies to pursue a career in pediatrics.