Good Luck, Class of 2009
By Mark Mitchell

The cream of the scholastic crop at Watauga High School for the 2008-2009 school year was announced recently with Alexandra Bauer being named valedictorian and Win Matsuda recognized as salutatorian. The Pioneer duo already have their plans in place for the future — the result of a stellar scholastic past.

Bauer, 18, whose studies included a concentration in history, plans to attend Furman University in Greenville, SC where she will major in history and political science. Bauer has qualified for tuition exchange benefits at Furman because of her scholastic record. The program offers tuition exchange for faculty member’s children who qualify at schools, which participate in the program. Bauer’s father, Fred Bauer, is the financial controller at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk.

“I chose Furman because of their law school,” said Bauer. “I would like to be a lawyer, specifically constitutional law, and they have an excellent program.”

While at Watauga High School, Bauer was co-president of the National Honor Society during 2008-2009. The future Furman student also was a member of the Watauga High School Beta and Junior Beta Club, as well as a member of the French club. Bauer also received the Lenoir Critcher Award for Blowing Rock School following her eighth grade. Bauer said her hobbies include playing the cello, writing, and hitting the courts for a game of tennis.

“I have many fond memories from my time at Watauga,” said Bauer. “I had many inspiring teachers and made great friends. My favorite memory, however, was winning second place in the Wade Edwards Short Fiction Award competition.”

Bauer is the daughter of Fred and Melanie Bauer.

Salutatorian Win Matsuda, 18, will soon be heading out west as he continues his scholastic journey at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. Matsuda, who took advanced placement chemistry at Watauga High School, plans on being a chemistry major at Pepperdine. Matsuda has already secured the Seaver Scholarship from the Malibu institution. In addition, Matsuda received the Robert C. Byrde Scholarship. While at Watauga High School, Matsuda also captured a visual arts award and was a member of the National Honor Society and the French Club.

Looking ahead to the future, Matsuda said he looks forward to pursuing his career dreams.

“I want to be a surgeon,” said the Watauga High School salutatorian. “I specifically would like to be either a cardiothoracic or a brain surgeon.”

Aside from his studies, Matsuda said painting was his other passion. As for fondest memories from his time at Watauga High School, he said fun times with good friends topped the list.

Matsuda is the son of Lonny and Linda Matsuda. Lonny Matsuda is a senior graphic designer at Samaritan’s Purse, while Linda Matsuda recently graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in communication disorders.

Win Matsuda also has one older sister, Hope Matsuda, 24, who is a captain in Army aviations. Hope Matsuda is currently serving her first tour of duty in Iraq where she is piloting Blackhawk helicopters.