During the National Honor Society induction ceremony, held in the school gymnasium Feb. 22, Kenston Forest School (KFS) announced its valedictorian, salutatorian and historian for the Class of 2017.

“Joseph Paden Lawson, son of Charles and Rebecca Lawson, of Nottoway, was named valedictorian,” school officials said in a news release.

“Paden has attended Kenston Forest School since the four-year old program. He currently serves as the president of KFS’ chapter of the National Honor Society and as the president of the Class of 2017. Paden has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for five years and currently serves as its co-president. He has participated in the Association of Virginia Academies (AVA) Forensics and Scholastic Bowl competitions and is a member of the Rotary Interact and Drama Clubs. Paden has served as a member of the Student Government Association. Paden has participated in many sports throughout his high school career. He ran cross country for five years and, this past fall, joined the football team. He has also been a member of the school’s basketball and soccer teams for six and five years, respectively. Paden, who plans to pursue a career in engineering, has been accepted to Virginia Tech and is awaiting decisions from James Madison University and the University of Chicago.”

Rheyanna Leigh Clemens was named salutatorian. “She is the granddaughter of Don and Pat Moore, of Dinwiddie, with whom she resides. Anna has attended KFS since kindergarten,” school officials said. “Anna currently serves as the president of KFS’ Student Government Association, as well as the vice-president of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Anna served as a delegate at the Virginia Girls State program last summer, as well as the Model General Assembly for the past three years. She has participated in the Association of Virginia Academies (AVA) Forensics and Scholastic Bowl competitions. She was a member of the KFS Cross Country team and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as Rotary Interact. Anna has been accepted to the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University and is awaiting decisions from North Carolina State University and the University of Chicago. She plans to major in biomedical engineering and minor in political science.”

Delaney Christine Francis Basso was named historian. “She is the daughter of Keith and Sharon Basso, of Blackstone. Delaney joined KFS in the third grade. She is a member of KFS’ chapter of the National Honor Society. Delaney has participated in the Association of Virginia Academies (AVA) Forensics, Scholastic Bowl and Varsity Creative Writing competitions. She was nominated for the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence from Harvard Square, Massachusetts. Delaney currently serves as secretary of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. While Delaney remains undecided in her desired field of study, she has been accepted to Liberty University and the honors programs at both Lynchburg College and Longwood University. She is awaiting decisions from the University of Richmond, the College of William and Mary, Rollins College and Stetson University. Delaney will receive an associate of arts and science degree in May from Southside Virginia Community College where she holds membership in the Alpha Theta Chi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.”

According to the release, KFS’ graduation ceremonies will begin with the baccalaureate service at Crenshaw United Methodist Church in Blackstone on Thursday, June 1.