MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Romero Report) — Martinsville City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley hosted his annual Superintendent’s Breakfast on May 17 to honor seniors who have earned the Superintendent’s Award.

To qualify for this distinction, seniors must achieve a grade point average of 4.0 or higher, according to the school district.

Each honored student received a cord to wear at graduation, symbolizing their academic excellence.

The event, held at Chatmoss Country Club, featured Martinsville High School alum Clark Givens as the keynote speaker.

Givens, son of current school board chair Yvonne Givens and Martinsville Middle School band director Gray Givens, graduated in 2020.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and is now a graduate student at Radford University.

In his address, Givens reflected on his experiences at MCPS and emphasized how the rigorous academic program at Martinsville High School prepared him for college challenges.

He also stressed the importance of humility and encouraged students to remain diligent in their academic and career pursuits.

“There is never a reason not to do your best,” Givens said. “This is your life. You make your own decisions. Make the most of your experience.”

This year’s Superintendent’s Award recipients are:

• Ryan Connor DiMingo
• Paris Rose Fulp
• Aleeyah Marie Galloway
• Gabriel Lucas Haley
• Arlette Jaramillo Mata
• Caleb Parke Joyce
• Mallori Sherrill Lowe
• Adam Idris Mounkaila
• Nayti Bhavesh Patel
• Elijah Kenley Pickett
• Cortay Jovon Price
• John David Ratliff, II
• Kaylee Angel Rea
• Mason Crenshaw Rorrer
• Skyler Lee Spence
• Christopher Bryant Talley, II
• Tyra Makelle Valentine
• Whitny Ashton Williams
• Destiny Jonet Witcher
• Reagan Bailey Wright