2023 Valedictorians & Salutatorians

Payton Aubrey Barnes CC VALEDICTORIAN

College Attending: Johns Hopkins University

Activities: Varsity Cheer Captain, STEM Club Founder and President, Classics Club President, House of Churchill Community Service Officer, National Junior Classical League, tutor, Frisco Family Services volunteer, NASA High School Aerospace Scholars, Texas Girls State, ermployee at Abercrombie Kids, Blue Student Ministry

“An adventurous and determined learner, Payton’s future will likely include curing disease or solving world problems out of her love for others and a relentless pursuit of wisdom.” – Mr. Drew Armstrong

“CDA faculty have modeled true servant leadership with a genuine commitment to students and enthusiasm for the subjects they teach. They have inspired in me not only limitless curiosity and an unending desire to learn more, but also to approach each situation with a Christ-like attitude of kindness and generosity.” - Payton Barnes

Vincent Rohan Jones CC SALUTATORIAN

College Attending: University of Texas at Dallas

Activities: House of Luther President, House of Luther Community Service Coordinator, Yearbook, PE, and Track & Field

“Vincent bears the rare trait of being kind, intelligent, and absolutely hilarious. He is a delight to all around him and loves to include others. His joyful leadership and creative problem-solving will be a boon to future professors and employers. I believe CDA has pushed Vincent, who is naturally unassuming, to see how exceptional he really is.” – Mr. Drew Armstrong

“CDA provided me with teachers that loved and cared for me. They always wanted the best for me. I will miss them.” – Vincent Jones

Nya Isabel McDowell FM VALEDICTORIAN

College Attending: Oklahoma Baptist University

Activities: Medical Assistant with her physician father, Visual Arts, accomplished pianist, church nursery volunteer, mission trips to Detroit, Dominican Republic, and Africa (this summer), avid reader

“Nya exhibits a gentle, calm, and capable presence both in and out of class. She is an outstanding science student who uses her Godgiven capabilities well.” – Mrs. Bridget Schober

“CDA’s well-rounded education has taught me to integrate my faith with everything I do and learn. In the future, I want to serve God through the practice of Christian medicine.” – Nya McDowell

Kate Anslie Born FM SALUTATORIAN

College Attending: Abilene Christian University

Activities: Adoratio Dux, piano, Varsity Track & Field, Volleyball, Camp Beloved and Beyond volunteer

“Kate is a servant-leader whose insightful nature has fostered the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty in our classrooms.” Mrs. Wendy Powell

“As the first of five children to graduate from CDA, I hope my involvement in a wide range of enriching activities sets the example to try new things. CDA has prepared me for the future by fostering effective time management and responsibility. I have learned to dig deeper into the Scriptures and pursue the Lord.” - Kate Born