Inside this issue Copperas Cove High School
Page 3
Killeen High School
Page 4
Ellison High School
Page 5
Shoemaker High School
Page 6
Harker Heights High School
Page 7
Belton High School
Page 8
Area high school graduation schedule
Page 8
Belton New Tech High School @ Waskow
Page 9
Salado High School
Page 10
Gatesville High School
Page 11
Lampasas High School
Page 12
Gift ideas for graduates
Page 12
Florence High School
Page 13
How to pay for college
Page 14
2018 Graduation Guide | A Killeen Daily Herald publication. Contact Us Editorial: news@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7542 Advertising: 254-501-7500 | Circulation: 254-501-7400 On the cover: Design by Chris Ayer Find more news at KDHnews.com.
| 2018 Graduation Guide
Close friends earn top honors at Copperas Cove High School BY JULIE A. FERRARO KILLEEN DAILY HERALD
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OPPERAS COVE — They’ve known each other for many years, but their paths will soon part. Emma Bodisch and Christopher Armstrong are the Class of 2018 valedictorian and salutatorian for Copperas Cove High School, respectively, but their friendship goes back years. “My grandparents knew his parents when they were both in Germany,” Bodisch said. The pair found themselves classmates in junior high, after moving to Copperas Cove. Both teens come from military families, with Bodisch’s father being a Marine lieutenant colonel and Armstrong’s father being a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. The pair also have teachers in their families working in the Copperas Cove Independent School District. These commonalities aren’t the only thing that makes their friendship so strong. Both Bodisch and
Valedictorian Emma Bodisch
Salutatorian Christopher Armstrong
Armstrong have been active in the National History Day program since junior high. They’ve earned a variety of honors for their projects, as well. Bodisch is the daughter of Rachel Fratto and Robert Bodisch, with her step-parents, David Fratto and Kelli Bodisch, equally proud of Emma’s accomplishments. Bodisch has been at the top of her class this entire school year, with a grade point average of 5.15. She has already earned 25 college
credits from Central Texas College, and took nine advanced placement courses while at CCHS. She will be studying international relations at the University of TexasAustin in the fall. “The majority of my family works for the government,” she said about her inspiration to pursue the major. Armstrong is the son of Julie and Eric Armstrong. He is an Eagle Scout and has an eye on a career in medicine.
As he tells it, when his family was stationed in Germany, doctors fouled up a treatment for his father. “I was 9 at the time,” Armstrong said. “I was inspired by the doctors’ unprofessionalism” and wanted to learn how to do it right. He will study biochemistry at the University of Texas-Tyler in the fall, then continue on to medical school. His goal is to be a neurologist or an anesthesiologist. In the meantime, Armstrong enjoys watching science fiction movies on Netflix and playing video games. Of course, that’s when he’s not studying or doing homework to maintain his 5.1222 GPA. He has earned 13 college credits from Central Texas College, and took 10 advanced placement classes at CCHS. His favorite class — this year — is physics. “Biology didn’t turn out so good this year,” Armstrong chuckled. As the two teens finish their speeches for graduation on June 1, there is no competitiveness between them. The honors “are not as important as people are,” Bodisch said.
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Killeen High’s top two ready for whatever adventures await That lesson set in well. At Killeen High School, Duran played tennis and was active with National Honor Society and a leader in Student Council, where he served this year as president. Now, he is preparing to move on to the Air Force Academy, study aerospace engineering and become a military officer.
BY TODD MARTIN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD
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n the brink of graduating from high school, the topranked Killeen High School Class of 2018 senior is ready for grand adventure. Seated together, valedictorian William Duran and salutatorian Allison Fox seemed still getting their bearings at the news they finished at the top and yet, seemed also unsurprised — like they knew all along. Neither showed any interest in heralding their own success, but praised their parents and teachers and claimed Killeen High School is the best school around. “I’m proud,” Duran allowed. “My parents always urged me to work hard. I’m happy.” “I’m very happy with it,” Fox said. “It ends four years of hard work. ...
Salutatorian
Valedictorian William Duran
Salutatorian Allison Fox
It’s satisfying, a motivator.”
ran and Jason and Jeanne Mallory began schooling in small private schools in Killeen and Temple before transferring as an eighthgrader to Patterson Middle School in Killeen ISD and on to KHS. From small, parochial school to large public school was a transition that Duran said he valued, though he also appreciates the early experience of the smaller learning environments. “It was good for me to meet a lot of new people,” he said. “Before that, I went to school with 30 kids I had known a long time and then I was around 100 I had never met. I learned to talk to people.”
Valedictorian
The son of Jason and Nancy Du-
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The daughter of Todd and Catherine Fox values her life in the military and found her place academically and through involvement in school life. She runs cross-country and plays softball. She is president of the Spanish Club and active in National Honor Society and International Baccalaureate activities, including a film society. The globally focused IB program, she said, was influential for her, though she acknowledged she didn’t know what it was when she first entered the school. Fox is headed to Texas A&M University to study biomedical science, minor in Spanish and pursue a medical field, perhaps orthodontics. She is also determined to become fluent in Spanish. Pressed to look ahead to their future, Fox said, “I want to study abroad and graduate early.” Duran said, “my goals are family, travel and adventure.”
Ellison High School’s top two planning careers in medicine BY TODD MARTIN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD
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he top graduate in the Ellison High School Class of 2018 rarely steps foot in the school she now represents as valedictorian — at least during regular school hours.
Valedictorian
Ellison valedictorian Analisse Quinones is an all-day student at the Killeen ISD Career Center, the career-preparation focused high school on Stagecoach Road. The well-rounded scholar with versatile skills did make her way to the Ellison campus this school year for theater rehearsals and to take part in Student Council, National Honor Society and the prom committee. She’s also the senior class president. At the Career Center, she began in the photography program, but moved into graphic design, where she has designed several projects for the school and completed a pair of industry certifications. Her favorite course, though, is anatomy. Looking toward attending the University of Texas at Austin, Quinones is scheduled to study in the business school, but is leaning more toward a medical-related field. “I never set out to be valedictorian,” she said, explaining that she always chose advanced classes and built a school schedule that provided time for study and for activities she cares about like theater. “I like it here,” she said of the Career Center. “They give a lot of care to students in the programs and opportunities to get certified.” Admittedly timid about speaking in front of groups, Quinones said the theater spotlight is, perhaps ironically, a safe haven for her. She acted in multiple shows and competed in UIL competition and also
Valedictorian Analisse Quinones
Salutatorian David Warnke
worked in technical theater. The daughter of John and Idelisse Sanchez and Hector Quinones is open to a variety of career paths and is particularly interested in the mystery of the human body.
Last summer, he volunteered at the Veterans Administration hospital in Temple, further motivating
his career plans. “I was able to help veterans and see different career fields,” he said. “It was a simple way to help and a lot of the veterans came up to me and thanked me.” The son of Robin and Carolyn Warnke grew up in a military household. Also, an uncle who is a nurse has been influential in the young man’s interest in pursuing the medical field and possibly work as a nurse anesthetist. About TBI, he said, “I find it really nice because most everyone there is focused on academics and the teachers work with you and want to see you succeed. I felt like it was a good opportunity, definitely relevant.” He plans to continue studies at Temple College as a springboard to a larger university and nursing studies and he is considering military service.
Salutatorian
The school’s salutatorian, David Warnke, completed the Texas Bioscience Institute dual-credit program and is graduating with a Temple College associate degree. The second-ranked Ellison graduate is pleased to be finishing so high in his class and expressed gratitude to his parents and his teachers, but also said the ranking was not a high priority. “It was not a main focus,” Warnke said. “I just tried to do my best in school.” He did have a close friend at the start of high school that spurred a friendly rivalry and kept both students’ grades high. “Even though he moved away, I kept working hard,” he said. Warnke was part of the Ellison Junior ROTC two years prior to entering the dual-credit TBI. That experience solidified his interest in public service and the medical field. 2018 Graduation Guide |
Shoemaker’s top two also completed bioscience institute BY TODD MARTIN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD
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he top two Shoemaker High School graduates have learned far more than academics while finishing at the top of their class. Both valedictorian Martin Angulo and salutatorian Lexee Romine took numerous Advanced Placement courses and completed the dual-credit Texas Bioscience Institute program and earned associate degrees from Temple College. The son of Jose and Eunkyung Angulo was active in National Honor Society and Youth Congress and spends a lot of time learning and serving the community outside of school. He plays the violin and piano and volunteers his musical skills at the Rosewood Retirement Community. He also completed the Killeen Kore-
Valedictorian Martin Angulo
Salutatorian Lexee Romine
an School, learning about his native language, history and culture. Angulo is also active at Memorial
Baptist Church, where he participated in a worship band and volunteers with vacation Bible school.
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During his time at TBI, he became more convinced of entering either the forensic anthropology or wildlife biology field. He is going to Texas State University to take advantage of a forensic anthropology specialty there. He spoke highly of both Shoemaker and TBI, wishing he did more for his schools. About TBI, he said, “it eased my anxiety about college. I was blessed to be in it.” The top-ranked graduate said his academic success is not beyond anyone willing to work. “If you’re really interested, it’s the passion that drives you,” he said. The second-ranked Class of 2018 graduate changed course during her high school years, but stayed focused and only improved her performance. As a freshman, she said, she was ranked 16 and was focused on sports and a possible athletics scholarship. A series of injuries, combined with her high class rank convinced her to focus more on her studies. “I realized I could do better and I focused on academics,” she said. She started making high A’s in advanced courses and decided to go to TBI. “It was an experience,” she said. “I quit sports and took the bus (to Temple). Junior year was hard because I never had to study much before.” Now, she’s excited as she earns an associate degree from Temple College and enters the University of Texas at Arlington well ahead of most first-year students. She plans to study kinesiology and go to medical school. The daughter of Jason Romine and Casi Urquhart has also spent time serving others. She said medical mission trips to Belize and Haiti were life changing. She worked alongside medical teams and helped with Bible schools and painting and building houses. “Seeing how people have to live in those places,” she said, “made me appreciate what I have.”
Different strengths lead pair to top of Harker Heights class BY TODD MARTIN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD
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he top graduates of the Harker Heights High School Class of 2018 took different paths, utilizing different strengths to reach their high-achieving rankings.
Valedictorian
The first day of valedictorian Jennifer Lee’s freshman year, she took an Advanced Placement world history test and began to understand the difficulty of the course and of her own chosen course. “It was an eye-opener to me for the difficulty of those classes,” she said. Though few freshmen take that course, Lee stayed in it and did well. “It was stressful, but fun,” she said. That early success made the hardcharging student continue to take AP classes and eventually enroll in the two-year, dual-credit Texas Bioscience Institute at Temple College. She’s been ranked No. 1 practically her whole high school experience.
Valedictorian Jennifer Lee
Salutatorian Sonia Lopez
She also chose to pursue courses at TBI and as a junior soared to the second-ranked student in her class.
“They taught me not to doubt myself and to pursue higher classes,” she said of her academically
minded friends. In TBI, Lopez thrived in a summer research project that showed her gifts that leaned into engineering and math and less into research in the lab. The daughter of Ricardo and Teresa Lopez plans to go to the University of Texas at Austin and study mechanical engineering. As the daughter of parents who grew up speaking Korean and didn’t go to college, Lee said she sought out college opportunities on her own and found QuestBridge. She is a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and National College Match Finalist. The Harker Heights valedictorian plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and study psychology on her way to medical school. Her parents are Eun Hwa and Sung Hyun Lee.
Salutatorian
Salutatorian Sonia Lopez was not as confident as her top-ranked peer, but leaned on friends to help find her own path. “I wanted to do well, but I really didn’t know about class rankings,” Lopez said. “I doubted myself.” She took pre-AP math classes, knowing that subject was her strength. She learned she was ranked about 25th following her freshman year. As a sophomore, she sought out a group of friends from her advanced classes and found the encouragement she needed. “My group of friends helped me, they encouraged me to take Pre-AP and AP classes and I jumped to about number 15.” 2018 Graduation Guide |
Belton’s top two encourage students to try new experiences BY MARIEL WILLIAMS fme news service
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ELTON — Belton High School announced valedictorian Serena Shedore and salutatorian Katherine Shelburne at the Senior Awards Assembly on Monday. Shedore will be attending Rice University in the fall. She plans to study international relations and attend law school after college. Shedore said she began thinking about the possibility of being at the top of her class when she learned her class ranking freshman year. “When I came in freshman year I didn’t think about (becoming valedictorian), until the first semester, when it ended, and I realized that there was a chance to be valedictorian,” Shedore said. “After that it was a goal for me.” Shelburne said she did not necessarily set out to be at the top of her class. “It was kind of based off of me just wanting to do my best all the time,” she said. “That’s been with me since I was really little.”
Valedictorian Serena Shedore
Salutatorian Katherine Shelburne
Although she has been focused on getting good grades, Shedore stayed involved in other activities. “I was vice president of student council, vice president of NHS — the National Honor Society — I was in orchestra and played the viola,” she said. “I was in UIL (University Interscholastic League) academics;
I was president of the Key Club.” Shelburne played French horn and mellophone in the band and ran cross-country, and she was a UIL academics competitor. “I’m going to Princeton University to study chemical and biological engineering,” she said. Both Shedore and Shelburne
encourage other students not to let the pursuit of good grades overwhelm their high school experience. “I regret coming in freshman year and focusing on my grades so much that I missed out on in investing in relationships with other people,” Shedore said. Shedore said incoming freshmen should not neglect their friendships. “It’s good to have goals and focus on academics and care about school, that’s important, but I think it’s also important to invest in other people,” she said. “That’s more important in life.” Shelburne said she feels as if she had a well-rounded high school experience. “When you’re in high school it doesn’t always have to be all about your grades,” she said. “I think you should try to enjoy yourself and have new experiences, because if you make grades your only priority your life will kind of suck.” Shelburne said she will miss her high school life. “I had a lot of fun,” she said.
12 area high schools get set for graduation ceremonies Herald staff reports
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ats will soon be flying as graduation season approaches. Area high schools hold commencement ceremonies beginning next week. Commencement exercises for local high schools include: The Lampasas High School graduation will be at 7:30 p.m. May 25 at Badger Stadium, 190 E. Avenue B in Lampasas. • Belton New Tech High School graduation will be at 2 p.m. May 31 at the Bell County Expo Center. • Belton High School will be at 7 p.m. May 31
at the Bell County Expo Center. • Salado High School graduation will be at 7 p.m. June 1 at the UMHB Campus Center, 923 University Drive, Belton. • Copperas Cove High School will be at 7:30 p.m. June 1 at the Bell County Expo Center. • Florence High School graduation will be at 8 p.m. June 1 at the Florence High School Stadium. • Temple High School’s commencement will begin at 10 a.m. June 2 at the Bell County Expo Center. • Shoemaker High School’s graduation will be at 3 p.m. June 2 at the Bell County Expo Center.
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• Killeen High School will be at 8 p.m. June 2 at the Bell County Expo Center. • Ellison High School graduation will be at 2 p.m. June 3 at the Bell County Expo Center. • Harker Heights High School’s graduation will begin at 7 p.m. June 3 at the Bell County Expo Center. • Gatesville High School graduation will be at 8 p.m. June 3 at McKamie Stadium. The commencement ceremonies held at the Bell County Expo Center will be broadcast live on Killeen ISD TV. View the ceremonies online at kisdtv.killeenisd.org or on Spectrum Cable channel 17. The ceremonies will be rebroadcast several times during June and July.
Belton New Tech’s top two heading to The University of Texas FME News Service
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ELTON — Belton New Tech’s top 2018 graduates are valedictorian Evan Seils and salutatorian Ethan Burstedt. Belton Independent School District announced the class leaders for both of its high school campuses Monday. Belton High School held its academic awards event Monday morning. Belton New Tech High School @ Waskow honored its top students Tuesday at South Belton Middle School.
Valedictorian
Seils has been an important part of the New Tech Robotics Team for the past four years and he is a founding member of the New Tech Film Collective. A short film written and produced by Seils and five other seniors won the district’s first ever University Interscholastic League state film championship. Seils is a nationally recognized Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and was recognized locally as
Valedictorian Evan Seils
Salutatorian Ethan Burstedt
a Superintendent Scholar. Both Seils and Burstedt plan to attend the University of Texas. Seils hopes to major in computer science, while Burstedt will work toward eventually attending medical school.
Salutatorian
Burstedt is an Eagle Scout, an honor he achieved by completing a service project replacing erosion barriers along park trails at Miller Springs. He is also a Superintendent
Scholar and he competes in track and cross country. He is a rock climber and mountain biker, and he is involved with his church. “I’m looking forward to recognizing Evan and Ethan at our graduation ceremony,” New Tech Principal Ben Smith said. “They have worked hard in the classroom to make it to the top of their class, but they’ve also worked equally hard to take their interests and turn them into opportunities for achievement. “I expect they will take these same principles with them as they continue their studies in Austin next year.” New Tech’s graduation will be at 2 p.m. May 31 at the Bell County Expo Center. “Throughout their high school careers, these top scholars have achieved an impressive record of success,” Superintendent Susan Kincannon said. “I’m confident that this is only the beginning of their accomplishments and look forward to what they will do in the future.”
2018 Graduation Guide |
Salado valedictorian heads to Harvard, salutatorian to A&M BY MARIEL WILLIAMS FME NEWS SERVICE
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arvard-bound National Merit Scholar Kayla Manning is Salado High School’s valedictorian this year, and Kaden Smien is the salutatorian. Manning, the daughter of Will and Kris Manning, had a perfect score on the ACT and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. Recently she was named state champion in both the Spelling and Vocabulary, and Mathematics divisions of the University Interscholastic League Academic competition. Smien is the son of Reem and Eddie Smien. He plans to attend Texas A&M University and study finance. Manning has not settled on a major yet. “(I’m) thinking of studying applied math or statistics,” she said. Both Manning and Smien have
Valedictorian Kayla Manning
Salutatorian Kaden Smien
been heavily involved in their school and community. Manning has been a regular competitor in UIL Aca-
demic events, winning at district and region levels before working her way up to state champion.
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She played varsity basketball and was a member of the Math Honor Society and the National Honor Society. She served on the Student Council and in the ASTRA Community Service Club. Smien played soccer and football and is a member of the National Honor Society. Both are on the Youth Leadership team. Outside of school, Manning served as a student representative on the Salado board of aldermen and she is an active member of Salado United Methodist Church, where she plays piano and volunteers with children’s ministries. After college, Smien would like to earn advanced degrees in both business and law. “My future plans include becoming a successful businessman and investor,” he said. “I wish to someday start my own investment firm and become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company.”
Gatesville’s top two know how to balance academics with fun BY JULIE A. FERRARO KILLEEN DAILY HERALD
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aving fun is an integral part of growing up. Some people might think, in order to stand at the top of a high school graduating class, the amount of study necessary wouldn’t allow for much fun. That’s not how Cassidy Bowland sees it. Bowland is salutatorian for the Gatesville High School Class of 2018. “Student council was really fun all four years,” she said. She also spent time with her friends in the library during her time at Gatesville High. “We played Yahtzee every day this year, pretty much.” Bowland was able to maintain a grade point average of 4.43 while having fun. Her favorite classes were dual-credit government, advanced placement history, and
Valedictorian Delaney Byrd
Salutatorian Cassidy Bowland
British literature. Most of all, she enjoyed reading John Keats. Bowland is the daughter of Nathan and Kelly Bowland. Her plans are to attend Texas State University in the fall as a liberal arts major. She hopes to become a published
author in the area of science fiction fantasy or romance. Delaney Byrd is Gatesville High’s valedictorian for the Class of 2018, and she knows how to balance academics with fun, too. She has been manager of the
school’s baseball team for four years, keeping the score books while the boys play. “I’ve always liked it,” she said. “It’s just fun.” This year, Byrd earned first team status on the Texas High School Coaches Association’s 2017-2018 Academic All-State Team thanks, in part, to her 4.52 GPA. Byrd has already earned college credits toward her future studies as the University of Texas-Austin, where she plans to pursue a double major in accounting and finance. “I hope to be a CPA,” Byrd said. “My grandfather was an accountant, so I’m sort of following in his footsteps.” Byrd is the daughter of Michelle and John Byrd. She was part of the yearbook staff at GHS all four years, as well as the National Honor Society and Junior Ambassadors of the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce.
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Top two grads in Lampasas active in academics, athletics By Artie Phillips Killeen Daily Herald
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n a senior class of 251 students, two Lampasas graduates have risen to the top. Kyndal Moyer, 18, and Nora Lawson, 18, will be graduating as Lampasas High School valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. “I think we have been in the top spots since ninth grade, but the top 10 spots have always been very close,” Lawson said. “Our entire grade has always been very competitive,” Moyer added. “The competition was always a good motivator.” Both students said their friendship and work ethics helped them maintain the top two spots. “We both do different sports, so on days she might miss classes for games I would give her my notes, and she would do the same for me on days I wasn’t here,” Moyer said. “We are both taking AP (Advanced Placement) classes and we have pretty much the same schedule, so it worked out.” Both Moyer and Lawson are very active when it comes to sports, too. Lawson said she pretty much exclu-
Valedictorian Kyndal Moyer
Salutatorian Nora Lawson
sively plays tennis, and Moyer plays softball while also running cross country and track. “I’ve been playing tennis seriously since about seventh grade,” Lawson said. “The team is actually heading to a match after school today.” Both girls plan to participate in sports while they attend college and work on their studies. Lawson said she will be attending The University of Texas in Austin in the fall, and
will be majoring in biology. “I really want to study medical research,” she said. “I hope to eventually get into cancer research and start working on that.” Moyer said she plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas. She plans to continue playing softball while she studies finance. “I’m not quite sure what I want to do for a career yet, but I would like to do some work for some nonprofit
(organizations) first,” Moyer said. Both students said the reaction they received from family upon telling them they would be the valedictorian and salutatorian was very subdued. “Our families just sort of knew we would do very well,” Moyer said. “When I texted my dad that I was most likely going to be valediction, he texted back, ‘Cool,’” she added, laughing. Lawson also said her parents expected her to do very well in school. “My brother was actually valedictorian three years ago, so we all just kind of knew I would do well,” she said. “My brother and I joke around, and he says he is smarter than me since he made valedictorian, even though my GPA is higher than his was.” Both the valediction and salutatorian said they are excited for summer to start and to reach the next chapter of their lives. “I feel relief that high school is over, and I’m excited to head to college,” Lawson said. “I don’t quite know how I feel yet about being done with high school, but I’m excited to get out of my bubble and meet new people,” Moyer added.
Consider these five thoughtful gift ideas for high school graduates StatePoint
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hether you’re shopping for Father’s Day or celebrating the accomplishments of a graduating senior, make a point of selecting thoughtful, unforgettable gifts this “dads and grads” season. Here are five ideas to get you started.
1. The gift that keeps on giving.
These days, there are monthly subscription boxes for just about everything. From stylish socks to slick grooming tools to jazz records to fine foods, take stock of your gift recipient’s inter-
ests and needs and give a gift that keeps on giving.
2. The gift of form and function.
A timepiece upgrade makes for a sophisticated yet functional gift that will keep your recipient on time for all appointments. Check out connected timepieces such as the EDIFICE EQB800, which features Casio’s Smartphone Link capability. Pairing with the wearer’s smartphone, the watch can access the correct time for over 300 cities worldwide. Users also have the capability to swap their specified home time and world time, as well as update alarms and other time settings. By automatically
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syncing with a time server four times daily, the watch ensures ultimate accuracy.
3. The gift of your company.
A pair of event tickets is a great way to show your dad or grad that you want to spend time together. Whether it’s a day at the ballpark or your favorite band is coming to town, scope out the perfect event to attend together.
4. The gift of entertainment.
Is your dad or grad’s entertainment center in need of an upgrade? Consider gifting a projector for better gaming and movie nights. For a
Florence valedictorian to study media; salutatorian picks nursing By Brittany Sodic Herald Correspondent
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ennedy Cook will graduate as first in her class of 71 people with a 4.0 GPA, making her Florence High School’s 2018 valedictorian. After serving as the Voice of the Stampede making school announcements, designing radio spots, and working with radio equipment throughout her junior and senior year, Cook will go on to major in communication studies with a concentration in sports media at the University of Texas at Austin. “The University of Texas at Austin will help me achieve my goals by providing a strong backbone to my education and teaching me about the important aspects of life and my specific major,” Cook said. Cook also served in leadership roles in high school as volleyball captain during all four years, as sophomore class president and Florence FFA secretary during her senior year. She won multiple scholarships through livestock shows and placed in state competitions many times between freshman and junior year for
Valedictorian Kennedy Cook
Salutatorian Mackenzi Lincoln
public speaking, agricultural communications and public relations. “My favorite thing about high school was getting the opportunity to see others around me develop into young adults, she said. “I’m thankful for the relationships I developed in high school and how they impacted my life so immensely.” Florence’s salutatorian, Mackenzi Lincoln, will graduate with a 4.0 GPA after a long high school career juggling playing volleyball and
participating in FFA agricultural competitions. “Studying for hours on-end for an upcoming competition and driving across the state of Texas gave me the biggest headaches and best memories during my time in high school,” she said. “Knowing that my time in high school is coming to a rapid close brings a bittersweet feeling.” Lincoln will attend Tarleton State University in the fall to pursue a career in nursing, with a specialty
in pediatrics. “I am most looking forward to the new opportunities college will offer, whether it be new friends or living on my own for the first time in 18 years,” she said. “The rigorous nursing program will surely prepare me for the medical field.” Her agricultural awards include State Champion Runner-Up Agricultural Communications Team and State Champion Agricultural Advocacy Team in 2017, and State Champion Agricultural Communications Team in 2018. Lincoln also won many academic excellence awards, rotated between class treasurer and secretary during all four years, National Honor Society treasurer during her senior year, 2017 Florence volleyball team captain, and Florence FFA chapter adviser for her senior year. She was most recently awarded the Congressional Achievement Award for Outstanding Students in Career Technical Education earlier this year. Both Cook and Lincoln will deliver speeches during Florence High School’s graduation ceremony at 8 p.m. June 1 at the Florence High School Stadium.
mercury-free option, check out Casio LampFree projectors, which combine a laser and LED light source for high-brightness and energy efficiency, using half the amount of power per unit than its traditional lamp-based counterparts. Those from the Advanced Series, like the XJ-F210WN, reach full brightness in as fast as five seconds and feature Intelligent Light Control to automatically adjust the projection brightness according to ambient light. This innovative feature will ensure that movie fans have spectacular visuals any time of day and in any lighting conditions.
5. The gift of music.
Has your gift recipient always wanted to play piano? Gift the tools needed for success. For beginner keyboard players, one good option for
learning at home is Casio’s CT-X700, a portable keyboard featuring a Step-Up Lesson System that displays proper music notation and correct hand positioning, allowing beginners to learn songs at their own pace. The keyboard’s new
AiX Sound Source faithfully reproduces the sound of acoustic instruments such as guitar, drums, bass, brass, wind instruments, string ensembles and more. Additionally, it includes an extensive library of 600 tones and 195 rhythms. 2018 Graduation Guide | 13
Finding money for college: 6 tips for winning scholarships of reference and an application.
Family Features
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ollege is a significant investment and millions of families each year face the question of how to pay for it. One way students can position themselves for success is by seeking out various forms of financial assistance. Earning scholarships can be one way to offset the financial burden, but winning a scholarship can sometimes be as competitive as gaining admission to the college of your choice. While most scholarships don’t entirely cover college tuition, they can be useful tools to help cover educational expenses such as room and board, tuition and books. Some scholarships can be earned by meeting or exceeding certain standards, such as academic performance, while other scholarships are based on financial need or personal interests of the applicant. There’s also a wealth of opportunities that support students in specific areas, whether it be from companies, professional organizations or foundations. For example, the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program offers industry-specific scholarships each year for those looking to study agriculture-related fields. While your academic performance, character and extracurricular resume all play a part, knowing where to look for scholarships can make all the difference when it comes time to pay for your education. These tips can help you identify and apply for scholarships that match your interests and credentials.
Complete the FAFSA
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid may be required to apply for a number of scholarships, particularly scholarships offered by most colleges and universities based on need. It is also required for other forms of
Look for Essay Applications
Students are often more likely to forgo applying to scholarships that require essays, videos or additional assets that promote their accomplishments outside of submitting an application and a copy of their transcripts. This typically leads to a smaller candidate pool. Due to the added requirements, these scholarships can oftentimes come with larger monetary values, as well.
Use a Scholarship Search Engine
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financial aid, such as subsidized or unsubsidized loans. While you can begin filling out the FAFSA on Oct. 1 of the year prior to needing aid, many need-based scholarships give priority to students who complete the FAFSA by their state’s application deadline. It is important to note that some colleges and universities have earlier deadlines.
Talk to Your Counselor
Colleges or universities and scholarship providers often supply information about their award offerings and applications to high school counselors. Many institutions also offer specific awards by major for both new and returning students that can be applied for through the school’s financial aid office. These resources, as well as newsletters and bulletin boards outside of these offices, can help you identify scholarships for which you may be eligible to apply.
Apply in Your Field of Interest
Many job sectors have scholarship opportunities available through related clubs, organizations, small businesses and other benefactors.
For example, the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund in conjunction with the FFA, provides $1,500 scholarships to students endorsed by local farmers for continuing their education at two- or four-year universities and trade schools in agriculture-related fields of study. This year, the program will award more than $500,000 in scholarships to students in fields such as mathematics, computer science, business, communications, engineering, farming, agronomy, education and more. Students can learn more about the program by visiting GrowAgLeaders.com.
Don’t Overlook Smaller Amounts
When it comes to paying for your education, every scholarship you receive – even those that come with smaller, one-time award amounts – can help defray the costs beyond tuition for books, supplies and living expenses. Many times, scholarships with smaller award amounts have fewer additional requirements that must be satisfied outside of materials traditionally required for submission such as transcripts, letters
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While a simple search for “college scholarships” on any search engine is likely to elicit plenty of options, there are sites available that are dedicated to helping students identify college scholarship opportunities. While paid options exist, there are also several free sites, such as Scholarships.com, Fastweb and Scholarship America, that can provide local, regional and national options based on the information you provide. Other, more industryspecific websites, such as FFA.org, can provide scholarship opportunities that pertain to a certain field of interest.
Increasing Your Scholarship Odds
While there is no way to guarantee a scholarship to help offset the costs of higher education, there are things you can do to increase your odds of getting noticed by admissions departments and those who award scholarships. Before sending in your application, consider these tips:
Get Involved
Students who are involved in extracurricular activities, such as volunteer causes, sports, clubs or student government, often give themselves a leg up on the competition when achievements in the classroom are similar. Getting involved
outside of the traditional school day is also a way to network, which can be helpful when it comes time to ask for letters of recommendation.
Apply Early
A good rule of thumb is to not wait until the due date to submit your application and other materials as issues out of your control can arise, such as a website malfunction or a not-yet-submitted recommendation letter. In fact, some scholarships close once they receive a certain amount of applicants, and those reviewing applications can put a premium on those received earlier.
Look Professional
Ensure your online presence matches the persona your application depicts. As more college admissions departments, employers and scholarship committees are
researching candidates online prior to awarding admission, interviews or scholarship money, be sure to clear your social media accounts of any inappropriate or unprofessional material, look yourself up on search engines to be aware of any information available about you and use a simple email address that includes your name in some fashion.
Proofread
Read back through your scholarship application as well as your essay a few times once you’re finished to ensure everything looks and sounds as you intended. Pay particularly close attention to spelling and grammar, and if time permits, ask someone you trust — such as a parent, teacher or counselor — to double-check your work prior to submitting your application. 2018 Graduation Guide | 15