One family. Three generations. Three valedictorians.

Sunday’s graduation was a special event for each Ada High school graduate. But for Jacob Thaxton, a member of the class of 2021, its significance was part three of a very interesting family celebration.

Jacob became the third-generation member of his immediate family named a class valedictorian.

The threesome with Jacob, includes his mother, Julie, a 1996 Allen East graduate, and his grandfather, Jeffrey Anderson a 1971 Ada High School graduate.

Here’s an overview of what the three share:

• Jeffrey Anderson - Ada High School, 1971 
Valedictorian 4.0 grade point average

High school activities: National Honor Society, Senior Class President, Mixed Chorus, Latin Club, Class Play, Youth Science Convention, Hi- Y (Methodist Youth Group)

College: Associate Degree in Accounting from Northwest Business College

Profession: Retired from Procter and Gamble - Downy Process Department

• Julie (Anderson) Thaxton - Allen East High School, 1996
Valedictorian 4.0 grade point average

High school activities: National Honor Society, Senior Class Treasurer, Varsity Cheerleading, Choir, Mustang Chorale (Show choir), Marching Band, Jr. and Sr. Class Plays, Musical, Teens for Christ

College: B.S. in Education from Bowling Green State University, 2000 

Profession: Math and ELA teacher, grades 7-12. Taught in the Ada District for 13 of my 18 years of teaching. 

• Jacob Thaxton - Ada High School, 2021
Valedictorian 4.0 grade point average

High school activities: National Honor Society, Varsity Soccer, Ada Varsity Singers (Show choir), Quiz Bowl, Language Club, Film Club, Musicals (including playing Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), FCA, Praise and Worship Team and Youth Group at The Wapak Church

College: Jacob will attend the University of Toledo and major in Electrical Engineering.

Occasional stumbles along the way:
Jeffrey's answer: The worst grade he remembers is a C on a history test. 

Julie's answer: My worst grade was a C on her Calculus final exam. She still received an A for the class.

Jacob’s answer: Worst grade was a 67% on a six-question quiz in 6th grade social studies. He earned a perfect score on the Ohio state test for social studies that year, though.