GHS senior Moore honored as All-Star

Alys Moore knew she was going to be honored, but she didn't know the extent.

Her former teacher, Vicki Montgomery, was not aware she was going to be honored at all.

On April 12, Moore and her former first-grade teacher Montgomery were honored by the state through the Indianapolis Star Academic All-Star program.

Moore was one of 40 Indiana high school students honored at the All-Star conference.

The winners were judged on grade-point average, and the SAT or ACT; achievements, course load and academic extracurricular activities; and other activities, community service and leadership.

But Moore earned another honor at the event, as she walked away with a $1,000 scholarship that only five students received.

She said the high school guidance director, Vicky Williams, brought her a packet to apply for the honor right before Christmas break. Moore finished her essay and delivered the packet back to Williams in early January.

She said she found out in March she was selected.

Moore traveled to Indianapolis with Greencastle Principal Susan Phillips and Montgomery for the ceremony. The event took place at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Even though she knew she was heading to Indianapolis to be honored at the conference along with 39 other students, Moore was completely unaware her essay about Montgomery earned her the scholarship.

"I was surprised," Moore said. "I didn't put two-and-two together until they said my name, and I was equally surprised when Mrs. Montgomery (received her award)."

"I think it's wonderful because Alys is one of only five students to receive $1,000," Phillips said.

Montgomery was one of two teachers to receive awards. The Indianapolis Star awarded money to an "influential teacher" from both large and small schools.

"That was one of the neatest things that ever happened to me," Montgomery told the BannerGraphic Monday.

Montgomery said she believed she was honored as well as Moore through the essay Moore wrote.

"I think my award was based on Alys' description of me as her first-grade teacher," Montgomery said.

Montgomery said she received her recognition at the ceremony from former Greencastle resident Allen Hill. She said Hill worked at DePauw University while he lived here, but now works at Franklin College.

"He gave me a pink Franklin sweatshirt and flowers," Montgomery said. "I started to walk away and somebody said, 'don't forget your money.'

"I cried a little bit. I was truly amazed. I just felt so honored. It was far beyond any expectations I ever had."

Montgomery taught Moore at Jones Primary School, which no longer exists. The school became Deer Meadow Primary, where Montgomery still teachers.

Montgomery said next year will be her final year as a teacher. She said she remembered Moore as being very studious.

"Alys was such a great student," Montgomery said. "But she would have done well, no matter who her teacher was."

"She kind of kick-started my academic career," Moore said of Montgomery. "She always encouraged me. She made it kind of cool to learn."

"(Montgomery) was the one that went out of her way to find things to interest Alys," Phillips said.

Phillips added Moore was "very" deserving of the award.

"Her academics go without question, and she's a good athlete," Phillips said. "And she is unselfish about that."

Moore, a senior, was an Academic All-Conference and All-State soccer player and swimmer this year, in addition to being an AP Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and a National Merit commended student.

During her four-year stay at Greencastle, Moore played soccer and was on the swim team, where she served as captain this year. She was also on the GHS Academic Science Team, Academic Super Bowl, Spell Bowl captain, student council, French Club President, Co-President of the Young Democrats and was in the drama club.

Through the community, Moore served on the Key Club, was the team captain for Relay for Life, and National Youth Service Day.

Moore has not decided where she will attend college and has not set her career path, but she said she'll probably attend college in the Midwest.

"I'm sure she'll probably have quite a few offers," Phillips said.

Alys is the daughter of Michael and Rebecca Moore.