Valedictorian James Bowen, left, and salutatorian Ariel Johnson will lead the Big Spring High School Class of 2009 when it holds commencement exercises at 8 p.m. Friday in Dorothy Garrett Coliseum. (Courtesy photo/Bill Riggs)

By STEVE REAGAN     
Staff Writer
James Bowen and Ariel Johnson will lead the way when Big Spring High School's Class of 2009 holds commencement exercises Friday.

Bowen and Johnson are valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the BSHS graduating class, which will receive diplomas during ceremonies scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday in Dorothy Garrett Coliseum.

Bowen, the son of James and Alma Bowen, is graduating with a 4.0 grade-point average and plans to major in pre-med at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he has received an academic distinction scholarship.

He is a Region 18 gifted and talented student of the year, a two-time state gold medalist in journalism, has been named to Who's Who Among American High School Students and is a past Rotary Club Student of the Month.

In addition, Bowen is a Class 4A All-Region Band finalist and All-Area Band participant and has been selected to the U.S. Achievement Academy, the Student Advisory Committee for the Texas Association of Journalism Educators and the National Society of High School Scholars.

During high school, his activities included being editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, senior class vice president, president of the French Club and membership in the National Honor Scoiet, Steer Band, Key Club, Journalism, Student Council, Interact Club and the gifted and talented program.

Johnson, the daughter of Owen and Beate Johnson, will graduate with a 4.0 average and plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in biochemistry.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and distinguished student awards from the American Legion and Optimist Club.

She is senior class president, vice president of the French Club and a student council representative. In addition, she participates in the Key Club and high school band.

In athletics, she is a two-time all-district golfer and was a member of the junior varsity volleyball and swimming teams.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it