CARROLLTON, GA – Even with a particularly strong class of academic seniors at Carrollton High School this year, two still had to rise to the top in performance to claim the coveted titles of valedictorian and salutatorian.

Betsy Tuggle earned the top honor – valedictorian – for finishing her career at CHS with the highest academic average while Mason Tribble was recognized for the next highest to be designated the  salutatorian of the Class of 2021. The announcement was made Monday.

But both are far more than students of study and have been recognized as such. They are two of 17 CHS seniors who were named Georgia Scholars in March by the Georgia Department of Education, an honor reserved for elite, well-rounded students who perform in the classroom but also have an impact beyond that. They also were nominated and selected as Outstanding Seniors and, not surprisingly, Betsy was deemed “Most Intellectual” while Mason earned the stamp “Most Likely to Take Home to Mom” in peer-voted Senior Superlative recognition last fall.

Betsy, the daughter of Phil and Lori Tuggle, will attend Georgia Tech in the fall with plans to major in computational media. She served in school leadership on the student council, is a member of the Trojan Band and participated in the CHS Computer Science Club. Her love of band and computer coding came together when she and two other band members won the U.S. Congressional App Challenge by creating a free app that helps performers better train their ear for music.

Mason, the son of Michael and Holly Tribble, served as the starting catcher on the Trojan baseball team and will be attending the University of Georgia this fall with plans to major in engineering. He is heavily involved in church, helps lead a morning Bible study group for high school boys, and recently completed an internship with a local youth pastor. Woodworking is a primary hobby; he made corn hole sets that were donated for the school’s Ben Scott Sports Auction to raise money for athletic programs.

“Mason has the ability to balance his academics with all the other activities he participates in and excels,” said Kristie Bradford-Hunt, a science teacher at CHS. “He has an inquisitive mind and has the innate ability to make connections between concepts covered in class to real world applications and he pushes himself to find those connections.”

CHS social studies teacher Mark McCormick said Betsy “is that rare student who reminds me why I entered teaching. Betsy is one of the most academically accomplished students I have ever encountered in my 25-year career. In each of my courses, Betsy quickly distinguished herself with her insightfulness and work ethic. She is a wonderful individual interested in doing what is right rather than what is popular.”

CHS Principal David Brooks said when the two seniors set out as freshmen, it was evident they were going to distinguish themselves in some way. That way turned out to be academic leadership. 

“Both Betsy and Mason are quiet by nature, but as the saying goes, ‘still waters run deep,’” said Brooks. “While their academic prowess is now evident, their character traits are also stellar. I am pleased to be the principal to present their respective honors to them Friday night.”

Dr. Mark Albertus, superintendent of Carrollton City Schools, noted the historical significance of the valedictory and salutatory titles at CHS. A listing of previous honorees is showcased in an administrative hall display in the academic building. While the earliest recipients are lost to history, the first verified record shows Allie Beall was named valedictorian in 1898.

“Betsy Tuggle and Mason Tribble are exceptional students worthy of joining this elite list of valedictorians and salutatorians of Carrollton High School,” he said. “They also are part of an unusually strong, competitive academic class, making their accomplishment even more impressive. I congratulate both of them on this outstanding achievement.”