Four valedictorians — Bau, Dutcher, Hoover and Morris to share distinction

Michael Alexander

NLJ Reporter

The Newcastle High School class of 2025 has four valedictorians: Ivy Bau, Raisa Dutcher, Caleb Hoover and Julie Morris.

When asked how they reacted when they learned about this honor, Bau, Hoover and Morris admitted they were not very surprised.

“I’ve always just held good grades. It’s kind of a thing with my parents. We get to do stuff if we have high grades,” Hoover said.

The other three student valedictorians echoed this sentiment.

“I’ve always had good grades,” Dutcher said.

However, unlike the other three, Dutcher said that she was surprised to learn that she had earned the honor of being valedictorian.

“I just forgot valedictorian was even a thing until they emailed me,” she said.

Bau, Hoover and Morris credited Newcastle Middle School math teacher Nate Smith with making them aware of the possibility of gaining this recognition and encouraging them to strive for it. They said he advised doing well in eighth grade to set a standard that would carry them through high school.

Regardless of the students’ motivation for doing well academically, Newcastle High School Principal Bryce Hoffman recognizes their achievement.

“I am proud of the accomplishment earned by our four valedictorians. While they all took different pathways to meeting the requirements of this honor, it is a testament to a commitment to their education,” he said.

The students’ parents provided remarks to the News Letter Journal that show how proud they are of their children.

Ivy Bau is the daughter of Paul and Dottie Bau. Dottie Bau shared the couple’s thoughts on their daughter’s accomplishment.

“She has always held herself accountable and strives hard to reach all of her goals. Ever since a young age, she has always wanted to do her absolute best in everything she puts her mind towards. Achieving and maintaining wonderful grades has been her personal goal since kindergarten,” she said.

Caleb Hoover is the son of Todd and Sally Hoover. Sally Hoover spoke to her son’s character.

“When Caleb was born premature and we didn’t know what tomorrow would look like, we never dreamed that this was where we would be! I credit him being born a fighter with the will to live no matter what obstacles come his way!” she said. “So many times he could have said it’s good enough to just get by, but he has always had the drive to do his very best at whatever he is tasked with, even when it is hard or out of his comfort zone. He is an amazing kid who shows us all just what is possible when you tell yourself you can do it and then take small steps every day to get there!” 

Raisa Dutcher is the daughter of Wayne and Susanna Dutcher. The Dutchers’ remarks highlight their daughter’s drive to excel.

“We couldn’t be any prouder of Raisa for earning this honor. Several years ago, she made a commitment to her education and goals in life. Once she determined what she was after, she studied hard, made sure she was in attendance, and completed the tasks at hand to reach graduation with exceptional marks, and a lot of times she was ahead on her studies,” they said. “She is a very dedicated individual when it comes to something she is trying to achieve!” 

Julie Morris is the daughter of Max and Leslie Morris. Leslie Morris expressed her and her husband’s pride in the type of person their daughter is.

“From a young age, Julie always strived to do her best. She has always possessed a strong work ethic, determination and integrity. These values have helped shape her into the strong and resilient young woman she is today,” she said. “She continually challenges and pushes herself to improve and grow in every aspect of life. Throughout her successes, she has remained humble and gracious. We are amazed by the young woman she has become.” 

With the same foresight and consideration that they applied to their high school careers, the students have determined where they will continue their studies and which occupations they hope to pursue successfully.

Dutcher will attend Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, to become a physical therapist. She credited an internship at Rehab Solutions in Newcastle for sparking an interest in this career.

Hoover is set on attending the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota. He plans to study mechanical engineering.

Like Hoover, Morris also intends to be a student at the School of Mines. She will tackle pre-med studies but has yet to decide what type of physician she would like to be.

Bau will attend Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, where she will work toward becoming an emergency medical technician and, eventually, a paramedic. She admitted that she made this decision very recently and was inspired by visiting with some emergency medical services representatives at the recent Newcastle High School job fair.

The graduation ceremony will be held Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. at Crouch Auditorium. Doors will open for families at 1:30 p.m. Hoffman encourages attendees “to fill in all gaps between the seats” so that everyone may have a seat.