Local students named Academic All State

Local student athletes receive Academic All-State honors
Seven high school student athletes representing San Juan County recently earned Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) Academic All-State honors for the 2022 fall sports season.
From San Juan High School, Ally Shumway and Sierra Richmond were named to the Academic All-State competitive cheerleading team, Parker Snyder was honored in wrestling, Synessa Atcitty was honored in girls basketball, and Anthony Done received boys basketball honors.
Curtis Bunker and Jemma Robison were named to the Academic All-State boys and girls basketball teams respectively for Monticello High School.
The San Juan Record is proud to present a profile of each of the honored individuals featuring a photo and comments from their respective coaches.
To qualify for Academic All-State nominations, student athletes are required to be seniors with a 4.0 cumulative, non-weighted grade point average (or meet an index score – viewable at uhsaa.org) and be a contributing member of a varsity team.
Congratulations to these excellent student athletes for their hard work and dedication in both scholastic and athletic pursuits.
The UHSAA has presented the Academic All-State Award for over 40 years [since 1983] to recognize students who excel in the classroom as well as in athletic competition. Individuals are selected for the award on the basis of their athletic ability and academic proficiency.
With over 100,000 students participating in high school activities, the Academic All-State Award is the most prestigious honor the UHSAA presents to senior students.
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Ally Shumway
San Juan High School
Competitive Cheer
Head Coach Kelby Palmer: “Ally has been involved in Cheerleading, Drill Team, National Honor Society, and is the Senior representative for FBLA, as well as Co-President for her Senior class.
"Also, Ally has maintained a 3.9-4.0 GPA during her high school career, as well as participated in a Humanitarian trip in the Summer of 2023 to the Dominican Republic where she taught English, assisted in building additions to current homes, and cleaned surrounding areas locals inhabited.
“Ally is best known for her talents, determination, kindness and intelligence. She will be greatly missed at San Juan high school where you could find her excelling in her classes and participating in projects, all while keeping a smile on her face.
"Ally hopes to attend either UVU or SUU where she will major in Business and Accounting.”

Sierra Richmond
San Juan High School
Competitive Cheer
Head Coach Kelby Palmer: “Sierra is involved in Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track, HOSA, National Honor Society, as well as filling the position as the Student Body President at San Juan High School.
"Some of her accomplishments include being fluent in Mandarin Chinese (nine years of study), a GPA that has ranged from 3.8-4.00 throughout her high school career, and attending a Humanitarian trip to Cape Verde where she helped to build a hospital.
“Sierra is best known for her determination, leadership skills, and the ability to be 110 percent responsible when given any task or project.
"She will be greatly missed at San Juan High School where you could find her with a smile on her face, working hard and going above and beyond anything she was asked to do. Sierra hopes to attend ASU to study Interior Design.”

Parker Snyder
San Juan High School
Wrestling
Head Coach Steve Simpson: “When I consider the perfect high school student athlete, Parker Snyder comes immediately to mind.
"As a coach, I couldn’t ask for a better team member. Parker learns fast and is extremely smart. He is strong, quick, and determined to do his best every time. And he is a very good teacher and role model for the other team members.
"Parker is a catalyst for the exceptional wrestling team this year and leaves a great legacy. Parker’s success as a wrestler and a student is no surprise. I could see his strengths every day in practice and competition. He is also a champion when things didn’t go exactly as planned.
"His parents have done an amazing job raising him and can be proud of Parker as a student, as an athlete, and as a person. Parker has great things ahead of him.”

Anthony Done
San Juan High School
Boys Basketball
Head Coach Easton Nielson: “Anthony has been a great student at San Juan High School the last four years.
"He has consistently striven to achieve high goals both athletically and academically.
"Anthony is a hard worker and is someone who has the ability to make a big impact within his different pursuits.
“Additionally, I have observed that Anthony has striven for excellence in everything he does and that is one characteristic that will continue to serve him in his future endeavors.
"I’m happy that Anthony is being recognized for Academic All-State and I’m grateful for all the contributions he made to our programs while he was with us.
"I wish him the best in his next chapter.”

Synessa Atcitty
San Juan High School
Girls Basketball
Head Coach Kade Palmer: “Synessa is a very competitive and determined individual. She wants to be the best at whatever she does and be the best for her teammates.
"She is a dedicated student in the classroom. In her three years on the team she was never on the ineligible list for grades because she took her studies seriously and kept up with her schoolwork.
“The work ethic and determination she brings to everything she does will help her out tremendously as she leaves high school and steps into college and her career.
"She plans to start the nursing program at the University of Utah and then continue on to become a Nurse Practitioner.
"I have no doubts she will be very successful in her life with the values and attributes that she has. She is very deserving of this achievement!”

Jemma Robison
Monticello High School Girls Basketball
Head Coach Stenson Freestone: “Jemma is a great student and basketball player. She is one of our smartest athletes and picks up on plays the first time through.
"Jemma worked really hard last summer to improve her shot.
"She now leads our team in points per game and minutes played. 
"She also cares and encourages the younger players to increase their abilities and strengths.
“Jemma could have graduated last year but decided to come back to help her team make it to the state tournament for the first time in five years.
"She has played through sickness and injuries and gives it her all. 
"We are lucky to have her on our team and will really miss her next year.”

Curtis Bunker
Monticello High School
Boys Basketball
Head Coach Josh Keyes: “Curtis is a stalwart Monticello Buckaroo, embodying the essence of dedication and commitment.
“Off the court, Curtis is equally impressive, excelling as a student and embodying efficiency in all aspects of his life. His academic achievements mirror his success on the court, showcasing a well-rounded individual who prioritizes education and athletics.
"Curtis’s abilities extend to his role as a leader, where he manages his responsibilities with precision and grace.
"His teammates regard him not only as a skilled player but also as a dependable friend who adds value to their lives both on and off the court.
"In essence, Curtis Bunker stands as a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and efficiency in shaping a well-rounded individual and contributing significantly to Monticello High School.”