Alyssa Stalley 'best of the best'

Alyssa Stalley, a Williams High School senior, was honored
at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's First Annual Academic Recognition Dinner at the Sacramento Convention Center.

"I'm so proud to be the governor of this great state of California and to know that we have such bright kids, such
outstanding kids, such spectacular teachers and great parents," the governor said during the ceremony.

Schwarzenegger praised the students as being the "best of the best" and he bragged that California's future was in very good hands.

Stalley was joined at the ceremony by her parents, Pam and Chuck Stalley, and her uncle, Duane. Kaye Spurgeon, the Colusa County superintendent of schools; Judy Rossi, Williams Unified superintendent; and Daniel Flanigan, the Williams High School principal; were also present during
the dinner.

Alyssa Stalley was one of 144 students chosen for outstanding test scores, grade point averages above 4.0, volunteer activities and student activities.

Alyssa Stalley's accomplishments include California State President of the Future Business Leaders of America, three-time member of Williams High School County Champion Academic Decathlon team, valedictorian of the Class of
2008, winner of several speech contests through Lions, Rotary, FBLA and FFA, winner of the Northern California Sports Officials Athletic Scholarship, six starts and four finishes in the Tevis Cup Endurance Horse Race, and various club and class offices.

Kate Lyons was honored from nearby Lake County and Laura Simeroth was honored from Marysville High School.

"It is really wonderful to know that we have such a bright future because of you, so I want to say thank you to all of you for the great effort that you have made," Schwarzenegger said.