By Debbie Adams
William Byrd High School senior Evan Copening has been named “Top Terrier” at WBHS for
the 2024-2025 school year. This award is the single highest honor bestowed on a student at
William Byrd.
Terrier for the 2024-2025 school year, Evan Copening, was introduced by Principal Travis Anderson on the first
day of school. Pictured left to right are Evan’s sister Emma, his parents Jennifer and Brian, Top
Terrier Evan Copening, and Principal Travis Anderson. (photo by Debbie Adams)
Each year five students are nominated by the upcoming senior class in the spring. They submit
resumes, and the Top Terrier is then selected by the faculty and staff, with his or her name
revealed at an assembly on the first day of school
According to Principal Travis Anderson, “Students and faculty select one student who represents
the qualities of a Terrier, a champion. The Top Terrier exemplifies the qualities of integrity,
loyalty, and courage of character, and serves as a role model for everyone. This person is the one
you think of immediately when you think of School Pride.”
Evan is also a student at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology, studying Mass
Communications. He is a member of Terrier TV, swims on the WBHS and Marlins swim teams,
is a lifeguard and swim instructor, and is a member of the International Club. He works for the
Rail Yard Dawgs and Salem Red Sox. He is also very active in the community and in his church,
where he plays acoustic guitar with the Praise Band.
Evan’s parents, Jennifer and Brian Copening, and his sister, Emma, were present for the
announcement.
Previous Top Terriers have included Stephen Olsen in 2016-2017, Abby Spotswood in 2017-
2018, Megan James in 2018-2019, Emily Nicely in 2019-2020, Dylan Hatfield in 2020-2021,
Chloe Harrilla in 2021-2022, Justin Patrick in 2022-2023, and Olaedo Anyanwu in 2023-2024.
