Three named as Cheney High School salutatorians

Connor Pratt, Allison Sanchez and Jackson Spencer have been selected as salutatorians for the Cheney High School graduating class of 2015.

Pratt is a life-long Cheney resident. His mother is a chemistry teacher at CHS and father is a financial advisor at Principal Financial Group. His favorite subjects are math and economics, which tie into his plans to attend Washington State University and hopefully study business.

"I enjoy the diversity of business and ability to do many things," he said.

Pratt's activities during school include being a two-year member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association's Leadership through Education, Activities and Personal Development (LEAP) committee. According to the WIAA's website, LEAP is a leadership group made up of students from member schools that is involved in WIAA events, meetings and community projects.

Pratt has also served as a student adviser to the Cheney School Board, Associated Student Body treasurer and a member of the Blackhawks baseball team, whose state-playoff win over Ellensburg he lists as one of the highlights of his school career. Spirit games were also a highlight, as was being a "CHS Boys" for football, one of the "crazy fans" who painted their faces and bodies to cheer on the Blackhawks.

Pratt said his favorite teacher is Jeff Butler "due to his many 'Butler-isms.'" Seeing friends in the halls and classes is what he will miss most after graduating, and plans to spend his time this summer playing baseball and golfing.

Sanchez is originally from Columbia, moving to the town of Orient, Wash. about three hours north of Spokane and 15 minutes from the Canadian border, before coming to Cheney in 2009. Her mother works at Total Cosmetology Training Center while her stepfather is a truck driver for JB Hunt. She also has two brothers.

"We moved here because she (her mother) wanted to give us a better chance and opportunity to have a good life," Sanchez said.

Her favorite subject is history, and her favorite CHS teacher is a tie between Butler and Connor's mother, Mary Margaret Pratt. Sanchez has been a member of the Blackhawks tennis team, National Honors Society, Spanish Club, 4-H and of several rabbit breeders' organizations.

When it comes to what she will miss most about high school, Sanchez' answer can be summed up in one word: teachers.

"The teachers are part of the reason that I love to learn," she said. "They make every day great and I will miss seeing them every day."

Sanchez plans on attending Eastern Washington University and majoring in science. She's leaning towards a career in healthcare, thanks to a story her pastor told her one day at church about a group of doctors who are going to Ethiopia to provide medical care and share in ministry.

"I thought, that sounded really cool and I would like to do something like that," she said.

Spencer's family moved to Cheney nine years ago in order for his parents to continue their education at Washington State University's Riverpoint facilities in Spokane. His father is a doctor of physical therapy and his mother is a dental hygienist. He has one sister.

Spencer's favorite subject in school is language arts because he "excels" in it. He gave a simple reason why he couldn't list a favorite teacher.

"I don't have a special favorite because so many of them have done so much," he said.

Spencer has been active in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honors Society, Boy Scouts and served as a class of 2015 officer along with serving on the committee to update the ASB's constitution. He also competed on the Blackhawks' cross country and track teams, and lists backpacking and distance running among his hobbies and interests.

Spencer plans to pursue a bachelor's of arts degree in English from the University of British Columbia. He hopes to someday become a lawyer.

One of the things he'll miss most about high school is being surrounded by friends. After graduation he's looking forward to "the freedom that comes with being an adult."

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].