Stephen F. Austin State University

A dozen students will graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University Saturday with 4.0 grade point averages, and they have more than just good grades in common. They are also all female.

But these ladies don’t attribute their academic success to the old “girls rule, boys drool,” theory, especially the education majors in the group.

“We have learned at SFA that there are gender differences in the ways people approach school, and I guess this kind of proves it,” said Brinn Duckworth, an interdisciplinary studies major from Carthage. “We’ve studied those differences and how to provide activities to keep students interested in education no matter what their learning style is. I’ll definitely keep that in mind as a teacher.”

As valedictorian of her high school class, Terrell Herington set a goal to graduate from college with a 4.0. She has achieved that goal and will soon serve as a special education teacher in the Tyler area.

“I will expect my students to set goals for themselves, too, even goals higher than the people around them may think they can accomplish,” Herington said. “No matter what your abilities may be, you have to have something to work for.”

While grades are obviously important to this particular group of SFA students, they have not spent their entire college careers at home studying. They’ve performed in plays, planned weddings, participated in collegiate sports and held jobs – both part-time and full-time. Lauren Stevens, a finance major from Schertz, was a four-year member of the Ladyjack Volleyball team and was twice named SFA Academic Athlete of the Year.

“The fall semesters were more difficult because of volleyball season, but I’ve always believed that the more you have to do, the more you get done,” Stevens said. “I knew that I only had a certain amount of free time, so I had to study during that time, and I couldn’t procrastinate. I studied a lot on the bus to and from games, but that wasn’t difficult because everyone else on the bus was doing the same thing.”

Another 4.0 graduate has been so busy with her studies that she won’t even make it back to SFA for the commencement ceremony. Erin Orr, a 2001 graduate of Henderson High School, is completing a 10-month internship at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and will move from there to Chicago next week to pursue her theatre career. At SFA, she participated in theatre productions, worked as a student assistant to the department chair and, of course, studied.

“It’s all about time management,” Orr said. “The key is to have priorities and to stick with them. There is a healthy balance between your studies, extracurricular activities, and personal life, and you must learn how to keep these items intact. As far as studies are concerned, if it is feasibly possible for you to achieve a 4.0, then why not?”

So what is the advice these students would offer for a perfect academic record? Nothing surprising – study and go to class.

“Especially go to class,” said Lauren Kimbrough, a communication major from Nacogdoches. “I always made it to class, no matter what.”

More information about a few of the 4.0 graduates:

Hallsville High School graduate Carla Brown is a Hallsville High School graduate and will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She is the daughter of Clare and C.D. Brown of Galveston.

Rebekah Lynnette Browning, a music education major with all-level teacher certification, is a Lewisville High School graduate. She is the daughter of Terry and Frankie Green of Lewisville and is married to Michael Browning.

Phyllis Arrant Bryan will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies. She is a Huntington High School graduate and the daughter of Joy and Henry Palmer of Huntington.

Carthage High School graduate Brin Duckworth is a 2002 graduate of Carthage High School and is the daughter of Rowland and Renee Duckworth. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Gladewater High School graduate Jodie Gothard-Manley will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in communication disorders. She is the daughter of Theresa Gothard of Gladewater and is married to Chase Manley.

Kress High School graduate Terrell Herington will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies. She is the daughter of Jay and JoAnn Herington of Troup. She is engaged to Adam Knight.

Lauren Elizabeth Kimbrough will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication. She is the daughter of Ronald and Carol Kimbrough of Nacogdoches.

Erin Orr will receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater. She is the daughter of Charles and Vera Orr of Henderson.

Lauren Elizabeth Stevens is a finance major and Samuel Clemens High School graduate. She is the daughter of Col. Bret and Krishna Stevens of Schertz.

Lufkin High School graduate Holly Thornton will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance. She is the daughter of J. and Gwen Long of Lufkin and is married to Shane Thornton. They have two children.