Anna Rivera, Cody Fair nab prestigious titles as Miss Massillonian, Outstanding Senior Boy

MASSILLON – The winners of the prestigious titles - Miss Massillonian and Outstanding Senior Boy - were revealed at Washington High School's annual awards recognition.

Senior Anna Rivera was crowned Miss Massillonian and Cody Fair was named Outstanding Senior Boy.

The pair were among 24 seniors vying for the honor. The students were selected from around 90 eligible students, who must maintain a 3.3 grade-point average.

Those chosen are selected based on involvement in extracurricular activities throughout their high school career, a vote by fellow seniors and their essay.

The tradition began in 1940 when Carol Bell was selected by Bing Crosby as the school’s first Miss Massillonian. Outstanding Senior Boy was added many years later.

Before revealing the winners, the Top 5 students for both titles were announced: Liberty Erichsen, Lauren Ryder, Elliana Steiner, Katelyn Catrone and Rivera for Miss Massillonian and Hunter Manson, Brock Jenkins, Evan Sirgo, Hayden Smith and Fair for Outstanding Senior Boy.

Who is Anna Rivera?

Rivera, 18, was excited when her name was read as a finalist.

"I was excited and felt confident, but I didn't want to get my hope up," she said. "I knew I would be happy even if I didn't win."

When they revealed the photo of the new Miss Massillonian, Rivera was overwhelmed.

"It's the highest honor I could get," the oldest of four said. "It starts the time you step foot in this building. The grades I got as a freshman, the sports, the classes I took."

Rivera, who will attend Kent State Stark to get her bachelor of science in nursing, would tell future Tigers aspiring to follow in her footsteps to remember anything is possible.

Rivera was a four-year cheerleader and tennis player. She was on the diving team for a year, treasurer of the National Honor Society and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She is in the career technical education nursing program.

She has aspirations of becoming a labor and delivery nurse after watching a birth while shadowing nurses.

"It really called out to me and I liked how the nurse in that situation was a cheerleader," Rivera said. "Since I am a cheerleader and have been for six years, it's just in my blood."

This summer before heading off to school, Rivera will continue to work her job as a private caregiver at Meadow Wind Health Care Center and do some vacationing at the beach with her family and friends.

Rivera is the daughter of Thomas and Katie Rivera.

Who is Cody Fair?

Coming off a football state championship, Fair is riding high and finishing out his high school career with more honors.

"It was my goal to make it in the Top 5," the 18-year-old said. "Everything I do, I want to do the best I can."

When the photo was revealed, Fair said, it was cool moment for him and his family - his mom and dad and two younger brothers.

"I never try to look too far forward," Fair said. "I'm always focused on the task at hand. I was focused on what I was doing and everything I do I do to the best of my ability."

Fair will continue his football career at the Naval Academy. He leaves July 22.

Until then, he'll focus on spending time with his family and friends.

His advice to those wanting to Outstanding Senior Boy: make connections.

"Make as many good connections with staff, classmates, faculty, the lunch ladies, the janitors," said Fair, also who works at Lowe's. "Also, think about how can I positively impact someone. Get involved with as many things as you can and make connections. Try new things. Show up."

Besides football, Fair also qualified for the state wrestling tournament, is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society.

He is in the CTE marketing program. He isn't sure what he will major in at the Naval Academy but said it will likely be engineering-related or economics.

While attending the academy, Fair said, he will miss the people of Massillon the most.

"It's a great football town tradition but we can't keep that tradition without the people," he said. "The people make Massillon so special. When they fill the football stands, it brings everyone together. They support you not only on the football field but in everything we do. This community rallies around the high school and everyone supports us."

Fair is the son of Mark and Jennifer Fair.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Seniors Rivera, Fair named Miss Massillonian, Outstanding Senior Boy