The Tippecanoe Valley High School Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian are Sydney Petersen and Shane Wood respectively. The two were recognized in a small celebration with their family and friends at the high school on Friday, Feb. 11. From left: TVHS Guidance Counselor Katie Bradley, Petersen, Wood and TVHS Principal Brandon Kresca. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — Sydney Petersen and Shane Wood celebrated their academic achievements on Friday, Feb. 11.

The two were recognized as the Tippecanoe Valley High School Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian respectively.

Valley staff organized a small celebration in the TVHS Jeff Shriver Viking Room for the students, family and friends.

Petersen, of Claypool, told media at the event that she was glad that her efforts resulted in being valedictorian.

“I guess it’s just cool to finally see all my hard work pay off because school has always been important to me. It’s always been my No. 1 priority,” she said.

Wood, of Akron, said he was just happy that he’s nearly finished with high school.

“It’s nice to be (almost) done,” he said. “Graduation is 114 days away.”

The two learned they had taken the top two spots in the Class of 2022 in December.

Petersen’s father Mike Petersen said he believes the two kept each other focused on their studies.

“Well, I know both of them (have) worked really hard at it,” he said. “I think they were kind of the top two for a while … I think they pushed each other a little maybe … it made them both probably work a little harder.”

“We’re very proud,” said Petersen’s mother Sarah Petersen. “She’s always been a very hard-working, determined kid, so it’s neat to see her hard work pay off and she deserves it.”

“(It’s) quite an honor,” said Wood’s mother Jill Wood of how she felt about his being salutatorian. “I’m very proud of him. I mean he’s worked really hard. He’s very smart, and I’m just glad his hard work paid off.”

Wood’s father Raymond Wood agreed.

As for post-graduation, Petersen plans to study veterinary nursing at Purdue University.

“I (also) want to continue to raise livestock and eventually have a family and (have them) show livestock like I did,” she said.

Wood plans to study computer hardware engineering, but is undecided about where he’s attending college.

With her interest in animals, Petersen said her favorite classes in high school have been with agriculture teacher Mike Jones.

Wood said he’s enjoyed Kris Walker’s English classes.

“They’re somewhat difficult, but they’re always enjoyable,” he said.

Petersen’s extracurricular activities have included 4-H and FFA.

“Some of my most memorable awards and accomplishments have been winning Grand Champion Specialty Market Goat at the Kosciusko County 4-H Fair in 2021, winning 5th Overall Supreme Ewe at the Indiana State Fair in 2021 with one of my own babies, getting to serve as Treasurer of the Indiana District Officer II FFA Officer Team my senior year, as well as being able to participate in multiple national contests through FFA,” she wrote in information given to media.

Wood’s been involved in archery, robotics, academic team, student council and National Honor Society.