B-UHS announces top students, releases full list of 2024 graduates

News Release
May 23, 2024

BUCKHANNON — Ahead of graduation Friday night, Buckhannon-Upshur High School has released information on the top students as well as a full list of the 2024 graduates.

Mollie Lemasters has been named the top female student, while Josh Johnston is the top male student, the school announced. In total, 277 Buccaneers are set to graduate with the Class of 2024.

B-UHS graduation will be held Friday evening outside in the stadium. The ceremony starts at 6 p.m.; gates open at 4:45 p.m. Seniors are asked to be in the auditorium no later than 5 p.m.

Below, please find biographical essays submitted by the top students, as well as the full list of 2024 graduates:

Top female student – Mollie Lemasters

Mollie Elizabeth Lemasters plans to attend Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina and major in Biomedical Engineering. Her interests include art, caring for her several exotic pets, fashion and sewing, reading and writing, and spending time with friends; she currently works for the study company Fiveable, hosting livestream cram-sessions for AP Precalculus students.

Mollie attended Buckhannon-Upshur High School during her junior and senior years, making a daily commute from Elkins, WV, and has maintained a schedule consisting only of AP classes during both years. She has received numerous honors, including representing the Southeast region in the sport of Highland Dance from 2018-2021, a top grade in Cell and Molecular Biology from Brown University, membership in the National Honor Society, and the West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Top male student – Josh Johnston

Buckhannon-Upshur High School is my home. I’ve attended school there for four years now and it has been a truly fascinating experience. Between the different classes I’ve attended and the different people I have met I am truly grateful towards my mentors and fellow peers at B-UHS.

I have had good experiences, bad experiences, and many in-between. Even so, I will always remember this place as my home. I have to thank those few truly special teachers who helped launch my education into the stratosphere, and to my parents who always cheered me on for my hard work and dedication. I must thank the few friends I had as well who have always propped me up and reminded me of the simple things in life. Going back and forth between long hours of gaming to long hours of hard work and dedication. Putting forth my best effort is all anyone asked, and I might not be the smartest person in the room, but I pride myself on my dedication.

“Wanting Something does not give you the right to have it.” – Assassins Creed 2. “Your arm is off!” “No, it isn’t” – Monty Python and the Holy Grail. “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” – Marilyn Monroe. These quotes come from friends that I’ve made many memories with during my time at B-UHS. I owe a lot to those who have supported me throughout my time here.

I asked around to see what my friends thought of me. Some said “Forgiving” or “Understanding.” Others said “Baffling” or “Unbecoming.” Well, I say I am who I am, and I can do great things when I put forth the effort. I believe anyone can do well in school as long as they dedicate themselves. Try your best, B-U.