IRON MOUNTAIN – Iron Mountain High School has announced that seven students have been named to the top 10 percent of its graduating class including two Valedictorians- Cayla R. Carey and Patrick J. Merkel – both maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

Cayla is the daughter of Sandy and David Carey of Iron Mountain. She is a two-year member of the Iron Mountain High School Honor Society and has earned a place on the Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, along with an invitation to attend the IMHS Honors Celebration for the past two years.

Cayla has also earned the Iron Mountain High School Academic Excellence Award, the President’s Education Award, the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Math and Science Award and been named Math Student of the Month. Cayla has participated in Youth in Government, Key Club, Varsity Club, tennis and basketball while at Iron Mountain High School. Upon graduation, Cayla will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she will pursue a pre-medicine field of study.

Patrick J. Merkel is the son of Marchell and Mitchell Merkel of Iron Mountain. He is a two-year member of the Iron Mountain High School Honor Society, and has earned a place on the IMHS Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, along with an invitation to attend the IMHS Honors Celebration for the past four years. Pat has earned the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Math and Science Award, the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, the IMHS Academic Excellence Award, the President’s Education Award and the IMHS Senior Math, English and Business Departmental Awards. He was named Math Student of the Month and IMHS Student of the Year.

During his career at IMHS, Pat has participated in Rockets for Schools, High School Bowl, Varsity Club, Key Club, and Youth in Government, serving as president in his senior year, as well as serving as Student Council president.

Upon graduation, Pat will be attending the University of St. Thomas, majoring in accounting.

Paul M. Edlebeck is the salutatorian of the Class of 2014. He is the son of Patty and John Edlebeck of Kingsford. Paul is a two-year member of the Iron Mountain High School Honor Society, and has earned a place on the IMHS Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, along with an invitation to attend the IMHS Honors Celebration for the past four years. He is also the recipient of the IMHS Academic Excellence Award, the President’s Education Award and the IMHS Science Departmental Award. While at Iron Mountain High School, Paul has participated in High School Bowl, tennis, football, basketball, Science Olympiad and HOSA, (Health Occupation Students of America).

In the fall of 2014, Paul will be attending Central Michigan University, pursuing a pre-medicine course of study.

Matthew P. Anderson is the son of Kathleen and Peter Anderson of Iron Mountain. Matt has been named a National Merit Commended student. He is also a two-year member of the Iron Mountain High School Honor Society, and has earned a place on the IMHS Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, along with an invitation to attend the IMHS Honors Celebration for the past four years. Matt has participated in Ski Team, soccer, Varsity and Key Clubs, Youth in Government, Rockets for Schools and Business Professionals of America.

He has also been awarded the IMHS Academic Excellence Award, along with the President’s Education Award.

Upon graduation, Matt will be attending the University of Michigan, majoring in general engineering.

Mandy R. Haferkorn is the daughter of Michelle and Tom Haferkorn of Vulcan. She is also a two-year member of the Iron Mountain High School Honor Society, and has earned a place on the IMHS Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, along with an invitation to attend the IMHS Honors Celebration for the past four years. Mandy was awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award, the IMHS Academic Excellence Award, recognized as the Wendy’s High School Heisman nominee and was named a State Finalist in the MHSAA Scholar Athlete program. She has also participated in Ski Team, volleyball, soccer, track, Key and Varsity Clubs, Student Council and Youth in Government.

Mandy will be attending Northern Michigan University, majoring in forensic biochemistry.

Patrick T. Healy is the son of Angela and Thomas Healy of Iron Mountain. Pat is a two-year member of the Iron Mountain High School Honor Society, and has earned a place on the IMHS Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, along with an invitation to attend the IMHS Honors Celebration for the past four years. He is the recipient of the President’s Education Award.

During his career at Iron Mountain High School, Pat has participated in Rockets for Schools, soccer, Drama, High School Bowl, Key Club, Film and Design Club and Business Professionals of America.

In the fall of 2014, Pat will be attending Central Michigan University, pursuing a degree in computer science.

Samuel L. Carey is the son of Colleen and Michael Carey of Iron Mountain. Sam was recognized with the Michigan Student Service Award, for completing more than 400 hours of volunteer work in our community. He was also awarded the IMHS Academic Excellence Award, the President’s Education Award and also earned the IMHS Industrial Arts Departmental Award.

Sam is a two-year member of the IMHS Honor Society, and has earned a place on the IMHS Honor Roll for seven consecutive semesters, along with an invitation to attend the IMHS Honors Celebration for the past four years. He has participated in Student Council, Youth in Government, Varsity Club and soccer.

Upon graduation, Sam will be attending the University of Illinois in Chicago, pursuing a degree in industrial engineering.