BETHEL — For the first time since anyone can remember, Telstar Regional High School’s Class of 2013 has a tie for salutatorian.

Valedictorian is Richard James III, 18, of Bethel, and salutatorians are Colton Davis, 17, of Woodstock, and Jessica Casey, 17, of Upton.

All three emphasized that the hard work they did during the past four years has gotten them to the top of the class.

“I worked hard to get good grades,” Casey said. “I want to go to a good college.”

She is the daughter of Jennifer and Paul Casey and is the eldest of three children.

Davis and James are the youngest in their families.

Davis, the son of Richard and Julie Davis, has two older brothers.

“It’s not acceptable in my family to slack off,” he said. “I’ve always had a good work ethic and do my best to get the most out of it.”

For James, who has two older sisters, getting good grades is very important.

“It takes hard work and consistency,” he said. “My family and sisters were good in high school. They have high expectations.”

James’ dream job is to work in broadcasting. He loves to write, as does Casey, who is working on a short story collection, and would like to become a sports broadcaster. He plans to attend the University of Maine.

Casey is thinking of majoring in English or biochemistry, and wants to attend either the University of Maine at Farmington or Colby Sawyer College. She’s thinking of taking a semester off, then beginning college in the spring semester of 2014.

Davis is good at and loves math. He plans to attend the University of Maine, majoring in engineering.

“I like solving problems,” he said.

All three are members of the National Honor Society, and all have completed the school’s required community service program. James helps maintain the golf course at the Bethel Inn, Casey works with young people in animal therapy, and Davis has volunteered at Responsible Pet Care in the spay and neuter clinic.

Casey is an avid pianist in the high school band and wants to learn the cello. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America, as is James, and works for the Telemark Wilderness Lodge in West Bethel.

Both young men are active in sports, including baseball, basketball, golf and soccer.

James works part-time at the Sudbury Inn, while Davis works for the Paris Hill Country Club during the summers. Both also like getting outside to hunt, fish, hike and take part in other activities.

The three will graduate with the other 60 or so seniors on June 14.

 

 

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