Mars Area graduates Jack Felice and Ashley Edwards were named valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2020, respectively.

VALEDICTORIAN

John “Jack” Felice is an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction and was named to the High Honor Roll. A 2020 National Merit Nationwide Foundation Scholarship winner, Felice also received the 2020 Challenge Program Academic Excellence Scholarship, Knights of Columbus Scholarship and U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award.

As a senior, Felice led the Mars Area High School Marching Band as drum major, and was a section leader for the band during his sophomore and junior years. He also participated in the school’s competitive marching band; was a member of Jazz Band; and was selected to attend the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Jazz Festival.

At Mars Area High School, Felice also served as vice president of the Speech & Debate Team as well as a member of National Honor Society, National German Honor Society, and the school’s Chess Team.

In the community, Felice is in a local band; is an altar server at St. Kilian’s Parish; and has volunteered for several activities sponsored by Mars Area High School Student Council.

Felice plans to attend Ohio State University as a physics major.

SALUTATORIAN

Ashley Edwards is a recipient of the 2020 Challenge Program STEM Scholarship. At Mars Area High School, she was a member of National Honor Society, National German Honor Society, Art Club, Future Medical Providers Club, Key Club, REACH (Responsible Educated Adolescents Can Help) Club, and STEM Club.

Edwards was also a member of the Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team, which won both the 2019 PIAA and WPIAL Class 3A Championship titles as well as the Section 1-3A title, after an undefeated season. She was also a member of the school’s Girls Varsity Track & Field Team during her high school career.

In the community, Edwards has volunteered at Old Union Church, TRY Special Needs Camp, Mars Area Soccer Club’s youth camp, and at various activities sponsored by Mars Area High School Key Club. She was also a member of Northern Steel Club Soccer.

Edwards plans to attend the University of Dayton as a chemical engineering major.

For more information on the valedictorian, salutatorian and honors selection process, visit https://highschool.marsk12.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=808546&type=d&pREC_ID=1189727.