HARTINGTON – Tyan Baller exited his high school career at the top of his class.

HARTINGTON – Tyan Baller exited his high school career at the top of his class.

The 18-year-old earned the honor of valedictorian for the 31-member Cedar Catholic High School Class of 2023.

'It was definitely an honor to be named the valedictorian at Cedar Catholic High School,' Tyan said. 'We have 31 total students in our graduating class that contains many smart and gifted students.'

He noted finishing No. 1 among his classmates was never really a huge goal.

'I was always motivated and driven to do well in school,' Tyan said. 'I just wanted to always try my best and give forth my best effort.'

He finished his high school career as a 4.0 student with a cumulative grade-point average of 98.92 percent.

'I knew from the beginning I was blessed with being able to absorb and retain information very well,' Tyan said. 'I knew that as long as I used my talents to the best of my ability, then God would take care of the rest.'

He picked up a plethora of other academic awards, as well.

Other academic honors include Air Force top math and science awards, as well as various school honors such as the Principal’s Leadership Award and other recognition.

Tyan participated in several activities while in high school, including basketball, track and field, baseball, football and campus ministry.

He also served Cedar Catholic as National Honor Society treasurer, class treasurer and a member of the C Club – a club in which students help build spirit for the school – as well as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and lector at Mass.

“My plans for this summer include spending time with friends and family, playing baseball and working a job with city maintenance,” Tyan said.

His future plans include going to Wayne State College and majoring in business finance/administration.

“I do not know exactly what I want to do yet with this business degree, but will decide what I like best as I go through college,” Tyan said.

The oldest son of Brandon and Traci Baller has three younger brothers – Mason, 16; Myles, 13; and Brysn, 12.

“What I will miss most about high school is the people I got to experience it with,” Tyan said. “I was blessed to have a great high school academically and athletically, and I am so grateful to be able to enjoy so many great memories with my friends.

“I will miss everything from the State appearances to the early morning practices,” he said. “In the end, it was all so worth it and taught all of us so many valuable life lessons for our future. I will always be grateful for my time at Cedar Catholic.”