The Putnam County School District is proud to honor our 2025 Putnam County Top Scholars. Our 124 honorees include students from Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School, Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School, Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School, and Putnam Virtual School.
These students have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement by maintaining at least a 4.0 weighted GPA or ranking in the top 10% of their class. They have taken a rigorous academic course load with high marks, shown leadership in their schools and communities, completed an exceptional number of volunteer hours, and actively participated in a variety of school activities.
The Top Scholar Awards Ceremony, sponsored by the Palatka Daily News, was held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Jim Pignato Theatre at C.L. Overturf, Jr. District Center.
The evening began with a warm welcome by Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency.
Riley Arroyo (CCJSHS) and Ava Litzell (IJSHS) then led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a stunningly beautiful a cappella rendition of the National Anthem by Abigail Brauman (QIRJSHS). The Invocation, delivered by Rileigh Stout (PJSHS), was a heartfelt reflection of gratitude and leadership.
The program continued with a powerful Keynote Address by Bobby Payne, a lifelong Palatka resident and former Florida State Representative. Mr. Payne brought an inspiring message of perseverance, leadership, and service.
Jennifer Moates, Publisher of the Palatka Daily News, offered Sponsor Remarks, expressing appreciation for the students’ achievements and the community’s ongoing support.
Principals from each school proudly recognized their Top Scholars:
Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School – Principal Joe Theobold
Putnam Virtual School – Principal Mary Wood
Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School – Principal Cathy Oyster
Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School – Principal Amber Symonds
Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School – Principal Tim Adams
The top award of the evening, the prestigious Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence, was presented by Douglas Webb. This award recognizes a student who exemplifies excellence in both character and community involvement.
Madalene Hodge, this year’s recipient of the Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence, has shown exceptional dedication to academics, extracurricular activities, and service.
Madalene Hodge is the daughter of Stacy and Stanley Hodge. During high school, she served over 210 hours of community service volunteering with DK Therapy Boot Camps, Night to Shine, and PCSD’s STEM Camps. She has been a member of Interact Club, National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa at St Johns River State College, HOSA, BETA, National Society of High School Scholars, Sideline Cheer, Competitive Cheer, and Tennis. Madalene is an Early College student who will be graduating with an Associate in Arts degree from St. Johns River State College on May 2, 2025. Madalene has ready to work certification in CMAA and was also PCSD’s Sunshine State Scholar, recognizing her as the top STEM student in our district in 11th grade. She has also earned PJSHS’ Top Scholar Award (9-12), Scholar Athlete Award, and is on the President's List at SJRSC. Madalene plans to attend the University of North Florida to major in Health Science and then attend University of St. Augustine to become an Occupational Therapist.
Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency reflected on the legacy of Mr. Webb and the importance of honoring academic excellence: “Mr. Webb valued and exemplified excellence both in character and community involvement. Tonight, he would truly be proud of all of our scholars who meet and exceed this standard.”
Laura France, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, delivered the Closing Remarks, adding a touch of humor and heartfelt pride. A particularly special moment came when she had the honor of presenting an award to her daughter, Natalie France, who was recognized as one of this year’s Top Scholars.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. Their hard work and commitment to excellence make them true role models for future scholars in Putnam County.
Video from the ceremony can be found HERE.
Top Scholar Program with a listing of all 124 2025 PCSD Top Scholars can be found HERE.
Pictures from the ceremony can be found HERE.
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