Miller, Vincent lead Parke Heritage Class of 2026

Hallie Miller and Marshal Vincent have been named valedictorian and salutatorian for the Parke Heritage High School Class of 2026.

The graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m.

Following in the footsteps of her aunt and sister who were both valedictorians and uncle who was salutatorian, Hallie becomes the fourth family member to be at the top of their class. The daughter of Matt and Melanie Miller of Tangier, she plans to attend Purdue University to major in Chemistry in hopes of eventually working in the pharmaceutical research industry.

During her high school years, Hallie has been involved in many activities. She has been a four-year member of the volleyball and track and field teams, as well as participating in swimming and cheerleader for one year. She is currently serving as President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Vice President of the Interact Club. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Spell Bowl team and the Science Academic Bowl team. She has played COA volleyball and is a 4-H member. She attends the First Baptist Church of Rockville and is a member of their youth group.

Her hard work has not gone unnoticed as she has received many academic awards, including the Distinguished Honor Roll. She was named an Indiana Rising Star as a junior. Hallie has earned the AP Scholar Award, Track First Team Academic All-State and Volleyball Academic All-State with Gold Distinction. She was selected as a State finalist for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy Speech Contest.

Hallie credits PHHS science teacher Mike Slater as having the most impact on her educational journey.

“Mr. Slater is the teacher that has impacted me the most. He taught me in Biology I, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology. He propelled my knowledge of science and encouraged my love for learning. He pushed me to be the best student that I could be and was a crucial part in the development of my passion for chemistry. My curiosity of how the world works and my desire to learn more was always matched by his own; he has always answered my questions about the subject matter and beyond. Mr. Slater has given me an excellent foundation of knowledge that I can carry with me into college and beyond. Because of Mr. Slater, I am curious, disciplined, and excited to continue learning for the rest of my life.”

Although science has been a favorite subject, her favorite high school class has been Advanced English with Mrs. Samantha Woodard.

“Mrs. Woodard not only has equipped me and my peers with college-level writing and comprehension skills, but also does an extraordinary job at making concepts of her class exciting for juniors and seniors, which is not an easy task. She’s kept class fun for me with skits, class debates, crafting, crime podcasts, and other unexpected, unique activities.”

Like Hallie, salutatorian Marshal Vincent has been involved in many sports and school activities. He has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for seven years; Interact Club for four years; and National Honor Society and National Jr. Honor Society each for two years. During high school, he has been in Student Government, and has held leadership positions for his class serving as Vice President- freshman and sophomore years; President- junior year; and Secretary- senior year. He has also participated in Drama performances for three years and served as the school mascot, Thunder, for three years. His athletic activities have included playing tennis and golf for five years. He is a member of the Rockville Christian Church and plays the piano as a part of the Praise Band.

He was named an Indiana Rising Star during high school and an Academic All-State recipient for tennis his senior year.

Mrs. DeLisa Schelsky and Mrs. Stephanie Studebaker are the staff members who have had the most impact on Marshal during his high school career.

“It’s hard to choose just one staff member, so I would have to pick two. Mrs. Schelsky and Mrs. Studebaker. They have both been by my side throughout all of high school, especially this year. They support me in all my endeavors and have become like mothers to me. Mrs. Schelsky always is willing to have a good time and Mrs. Studebaker always shows up for me. I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me.”

Marshal’s favorite high school class has been Calculus with Mrs. Miranda Gearld.

“Although Calculus is very difficult, I find the problem solving and complex thinking required, compulsive. The class is also very rewarding, as I know I will be using it in the future.”

The son of Michael and Sabrina Vincent of Rockville, Marshal plans to attend Indiana University to study Finance at the Kelley School of Business.