DALLAS. Bishop Lynch High School is proud to announce the Valedictorians and Salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2009. These Academic Excellence Awards are based upon rank in the class over seven semesters of high school work, and are the highest Honor Awards given by Bishop Lynch High School.           

James Edgar Newby, V, son of Mr. James IV and Mrs. Karen Newby of McKinney, Texas (St. Michael Catholic Church), was named as the Class of 2009 Valedictorian.  Absorbed in every aspect of student life since his freshman year, Jamie has served as Student Council Class President, was a stand-out on the varsity tennis team, guided others as NHS and Mu Alpha Theta Vice President, and was a committed member of the Latin Club.

Jamie has received numerous accolades through his four years at Bishop Lynch, including first and second place awards at the Texas State Science Fair in the Senior Engineering Division, was named the 2008 Catholic Foundation Scholar of the Year, received the National Latin Exam: Summa Cum Laude gold medal, and is a National Merit Finalist and Scholar. 

Jamie plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall and received the National Merit Corporation scholarship, A&M Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering scholarship, as well as additional A&M sponsored scholarships. He plans to major in Electrical Engineering with a focus on nanotechnology or robotics. Jamie intends to continue on to achieve his Masters Degree, with aspirations of eventually designing equipment for the United States Military.

Also named as the Class of 2009 Valedictorian was Matthew John Taraba, son of Mr. Daryl and Mrs. Julie Taraba of Garland, Texas (St. Patrick Catholic Church). During his four years at Bishop Lynch, Matt has earned honors locally and nationally for his prowess in math. Acting as Mu Alpha Theta president his senior year, Matt was named the National Catholic League Division I Champion for the third year in a row and tied for first place nationally. In the national American Mathematics Competition, Matt was named an AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Exam) Qualifier, and received a Certificate of Distinction for his performance on the AIME.           

Matt’s dynamic leadership led him to serve as captain for the Friars varsity basketball team, as well as act as Student Council Board Parliamentarian, in which he was recently honored with the “Student Council Member of the Year” award. Matt was also inducted in to the National Honor Society.

Matt will attend the University of Texas in Austin in the fall, and plans to major in Chemical Engineering and Plan II. He earned scholarships from the Cockrell School of Engineering, the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.

Casey Michael Collins son of Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Paula Collins of Plano, Texas (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish) was named Bishop Lynch’s Salutatorian for the Class of 2009. Casey is a self-motivated individual who was named a National Merit Finalist, Wendy's High School Heisman School Winner and 2008 Davey O'Brien High School Scholarship Award Finalist.

Casey has competed on the varsity football and wrestling teams for four years, playing a critical role on both teams. He is a TAPPS state wrestling champion, and was recognized with All-District honors for his work on the football field.  Casey acted as treasurer of the Student Government and is a member of both the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society. Outside of Bishop Lynch, Casey is participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has given of his time to a diverse range of organizations to benefit other in the Dallas community.

Casey will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall, and has been awarded an academic scholarship from Texas A&M, as well as the Davey O’Brien Scholarship, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Men’s Club Scholarship, Chevron Scholarship and the National Merit Corporation scholarship.

Bishop Lynch High School is located at 9750 Ferguson Road in Dallas, and offers bus transportation from many areas of the city. Sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Bishop Lynch High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission. For more information, please contact Kristin Mannari at 214-324-3607 ext. 217 or kristin.mannari@bishoplynch.org.