CSHS's Knight for the 2011-2012 school year, Shannon Craighead. Photo courtesy of Sandy Gotschal.

As Cave Spring High School’s 2011-2012 Knight ascended the stairs at the front of the auditorium, the room was abuzz with last minute speculations as to the identity of the helmeted figure. Once Cave Spring’s Principal, Steven Spangler, had finished the knighting, Shannon Craighead took off her helmet. Immediately, the auditorium was bursting with applause as dozens of Cave Spring Students rose to their feet, chanting Craighead’s name.

Craighead, an 18-year-old senior at Cave Spring, has spent most of her high school years participating in student activities and playing volleyball. One of Cave Spring’s star players, Craighead also plays travel volleyball in the offseason.

After being joined on stage by her parents, Raymond and Lisa, Craighead addressed her fellow classmates. Craighead stated that she hoped this year would ‘dominate,’ and wished everyone a good year. She also encouraged everyone to do something that they are uncomfortable with or that they are not very good at in the hopes of bettering themselves. Joking, she added that she’s ‘not very good at public speaking.’

The Knight is the most prestigious honor for a student at Cave Spring High. Student nominations are collected during the student’s junior year. The Knight is chosen out of the nominations by the faculty and staff at Cave Spring High School. Craighead is Cave Spring’s 51st Knight and the school’s ninth female.

Craighead is the youngest of three children. Brother Jason, who graduated in 2002, and sister Stacey, who graduated in 2006, are very proud of their little sister.

Craighead also has ‘Knight blood.’ Uncle Rob Tavenner was the Knight during 1979.

“I know that in years past, I have always looked up to the Knight,” Craighead says, “If I can be half the role model that those people were for me, I would be happy.”

Written and submitted by Helen Bower. Photo courtesy of Sandy Gotschal.