Jesse Palmer

Jesse Palmer Jesse Palmer did not know if he would get awarded Salutatorian this year until four days before graduation. Both he and his friend Clay Vickers were competing for it as the year progressed. “We knew that it would be close,” said Palmer about the friendly rivalry. “We were pretty sure that Christina Naramore would get Valedictorian, but the Salutatorian honor was between me and Clay.” Vickers was gracious as ever, as he introduced his friend as Salutatorian at the graduation ceremony. “For Jesse there was always a reason, a time, a place, and a deeper meaning for everything, he was one of the best people ever and excelled as both a student and a friend.” Palmer said that all of his teachers were helpful and supportive to his academic success especially Melissa Delcour and Jim West. “I have always done pretty well in school,” said Palmer adding, “I think I was always motivated, and I always tried my hardest.” Palmer also noted that the course work was challenging especially some of the AP classes in his junior year. Palmer has been accepted to Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, the first RCHS graduate to attend the prestigious university. He hopes to major in nanotechnology. ‘The person that inspired me to apply to Stanford was Miranda Hope,” he said, recognizing the Next Step college director. Palmer is spending the summer as a camp councilor for 4-H summer camps and will prepare for his move to California.