InsIde thIs Issue
Killeen High School Page 3
Shoemaker High School Page 4
Ellison High School Page 5
Chaparral High School Page 6
Harker Heights High School Page 7
Early College High School Page 8
Copperas Cove High School Page 9
Lampasas High School Page 9
Florence High School Page 10
LocaL GraduatIons
Herald staff report
Spring graduations are going on this week for area high schools, with some schools already having completed their ceremonies.
The Herald has compiled a list of times and dates for these events.
Killeen iSD
Six Killeen schools have graduations scheduled between May 21 and May 24 at the Cadence Bank Center on 301 West Loop 121 in Belton.
All ceremonies are livestreamed at www.killeenisd.org/livetv.
Early College High School
ECHS graduated on Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
Killeen High School
KHS will graduate on Friday, May 23 at 9 a.m.
Harker Heights High School
HHHS will graduate on Friday, May 23 at 2 p.m.
Ellison High School
EHS will graduate on Saturday, May 24 at 9 a.m.
Chaparral High School
CHS will graduate on Saturday, May 24 at 2 p.m.
Shoemaker High School
SHS will graduate on Saturday, May
24 at 7 p.m.
OTHeR AReA SCHOOlS
Copperas Cove High School
CCHS will graduate on Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cadence Bank Center.
Lampasas High School
LHS graduated on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Badger Stadium.
Gatesville High School
GHS will graduate on Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m. at McKamie Stadium on 205 S Lovers Lane in Gatesville.
Florence High School
FHS will graduate on Thursday, May 29 at 8 p.m. at Buffalo Stadium at 718 S. Patterson Ave. in Florence.
Belton High School
BHS graduated on Thursday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at the Cadence Bank Center.
AReA COlleGeS
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
UMHB commencement was held May 10 at the Mayborn Campus Center Arena.
Central Texas College
CTC commencement was held May 9 at the Cadence Bank Center.
Texas A&M University- Central Texas
A&M-Central Texas commencement was held May 17 at the Cadence Bank Center.
Killeen High School top grads aspire to excel in music, medicine
BY TODD MARTin speCIal to tHe Herald
A prospective opera singer and aspiring doctor are at the top of the Killeen High School Class of 2025.
Valedictorian Georgia Daskalakis and salutatorian Daysha Covarrubias pursued far different fields of interest in high school but expressed similar feelings of gratitude and satisfaction nearing graduation.
Daskalakis attended Bellaire Elementary, Nolan and Manor middle schools and Killeen High.
The valedictorian was active in Student Council, serving as president her senior year and in HOSA, serving as president the past two years. She was also in National Honor Society. She attended the Career Center, earning a medical assistantship certification.
Daskalakis is set to attend Texas A&M University and study biomedical sciences on her way to medical school and becoming an emergency room doctor.
Early in high school, she was ranked seventh in her class, jumped to second as a junior, then moved to the top spot as a senior.
“It was amazing,” she said of find-
and overwhelmed to find out how far she moved up.
Covarrubias is an accomplished fine arts student. She has been very active in both choir and theater, performing at the varsity level in both for all four years. She is also part of the Vocal Spectrum select ensemble and is choir president.
She was also in National Honor Society and took a huge load of Advanced Placement courses.
“It’s a lot to balance all at once. I think I’ve done a good job,” she said.
“I’ll remember the valuable relationships I’ve formed with my teachers and directors, and the opportunities they have blessed me with,” she said. “Going to all the theater rehearsals teaches you discipline and time management.”
ing out she finished first in the class.
“I couldn’t believe it at first. I was stressed when senior snapshot was coming out. It feels amazing to have that support here. I’m feeling happy right now.”
Close friends and supportive teachers have marked her time in high school.
“Definitely my teachers have helped me. I’ve been able to rely on them for more than academics. My friends made this unforgettable. I’m glad they have been a part of my life,” she said. “I’ll always have those memories.”
“I formed deep relationships with my teachers. I was never afraid to ask questions or have feedback,” she said. “I can go back to them even when I’m not in their classes anymore.”
Covarrubias was born in California. She moved to Killeen in middle school and attended Nolan and Manor before Killeen High.
“I feel very accomplished, very proud of myself. The past four years have been such a journey,” she said. She was ranked sixth and fifth through most of high school and was surprised in the final ranking to end up No. 2 in her class.
She said she was grateful to achieve any ranking in the top 10 of her class
She is set to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to study music performance in hopes of becoming an opera singer and vocal coach. Killeen High School graduation is 9 a.m. Friday, May 23 at the Cadence Bank Center.
Courtesy | KIsd
Valedictorian Georgia Daskalakis is set to attend Texas A&M University and study biomedical sciences on her way to medical school and becoming an emergency room doctor.
Courtesy | KIsd Salutatorian Daysha Covarrubias is set to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to study music performance in hopes of becoming an opera singer and vocal coach.
art e pHIllIps | Herald
A prospective opera singer and aspiring doctor are at the top of the Killeen High School Class of 2025.
Top 2 Shoemaker grads have been in school together for years
BY TODD MARTin speCIal to tHe Herald
The top two Shoemaker High School Class of 2025 graduates attended elementary, middle and high school together in Killeen ISD and two weeks before graduation they received their ceremonial stoles together.
Valedictorian Angela Nguyen and salutatorian Winona Ochoa have known each other since their days at Maxdale Elementary School and Palo Alto Middle School.
They have attended Shoemaker High School and completed the STEM Academy at Central Texas College together. All four years, they have been ranked No. 1 and 2 in the same placement of their class.
Of course, they were not surprised how the final rankings played out. They were relieved and happy.
The pair were set to earn their associate degree from
CTC 15 days before walking across the Cadence Bank Center stage a second time with their Shoemaker class at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24. Both are headed to the University of Texas at Austin. Nguyen plans to study
Herald | fIle
The top two Shoemaker High School Class of 2025 graduates attended elementary, middle and high school together in Killeen ISD and two weeks before graduation they received their ceremonial stoles together.
biomedical engineering. Ochoa is opting for chemical engineering.
Both participated in National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and English National Honor Society.
“I feel very proud of all I’ve done,” said the top-ranked Nguyen. “I’ve worked really hard, and it’s paid off.”
She said spending half her days at CTC the past two years has allowed her to grow academically and personally. “It allowed me to grow a lot. I had to keep track of time. It was a lot of opportunity, too.”
Staying organized and using web tools and binders were part of her method to stay on top of her challenging course work.
Looking toward her next step, Nguyen said “I’ll remember the people I’ve met. I’ve been very happy with the people here.”
While optimistic, she said she’s also nervous about the uncertainty of the future.
Ochoa said she is proud of her academic success.
She said her mom especially taught her the level of discipline it takes to achieve.
“My mom was a lot of my inspiration. She pushed me to be the best. She had high expectations, and I had to follow through with that,” she said.
“I kept track in planners and organized my time. Sometimes, I just go with the flow and see where it takes me.”
While she spent most of her academic effort in math and science fields, it was a history teacher, she said, who was most influential, providing an outlet from the STEM courses.
She plans to go to medical school and be a physician based on her experiences seeing medical professionals
care for an ill family member.
“I’m very positive about the future,” she said. “I think I can do a lot of great things.”
Courtesy | KIsd
Valedictorian Angela Nguyen is heading to the University of Texas at Austin and plans to study biomedical engineering.
Courtesy | KIsd Salutatorian Winona Ochoa is heading to the University of Texas at Austin and plans to study chemical engineering.
Ellison top students served as captains of their sports teams
BY TODD MARTin speCIal to tHe Herald
The top two Ellison High School Class of 2025 seniors did not spend all their time studying. They were too busy.
Valedictorian Lynnae Bentley was captain of the golf team, part of National Honor Society, an avid volunteer and highly involved in choir as part of the Chamber Singers, multiple varsity ensembles and the choir council.
Salutatorian Chanelle Cancel was captain of the volleyball team, president of National Honor Society, active in student council and a club volleyball player. She earned an associate degree from Central Texas College through STEM Academy.
Both are Killeen natives. Bentley attended Bellaire Elementary School and Nolan and Patterson middle schools before Ellison. Cancel attended Memorial Christian Academy, Liberty Hill Middle School and Ellison.
“It feels surreal,” said Ellison’s No. 1 ranked senior. “I didn’t really think I would be here.
I’ve been a bit of a perfectionist, but I didn’t expect to be one. I’m excited and awed. I’m satisfied with all the work I’ve done and all the challenges I’ve met to get here.”
Bentley’s secrets to success seem to involve staying organized, setting priorities and staying active outside academic pursuits.
“Pursuing the passion” was a phrase she often considered as she dived into choir and golf, along with a full schedule of Advanced Placement courses.
She spent numerous hours practicing choir outside of class. Golfing, she said, was important to get her outside and keep her active. She made it to the region level of UIL golf competition this year.
“I had to give myself a lot of time to be myself outside of academics. I needed time to recuperate from every-
thing I was doing,” she said.
“It’s so exciting. It has given me a big sense of gratefulness,” said Cancel. “I’m grateful God has given me the talent to work hard and the ability to do well in school. My parents and family were such good examples.”
Her sister was valedictorian of Ellison’s Class of 2019. Her brother was ranked No. 5 at Early College High School.
While she pressured herself to do her best, Cancel said her family only extended love and support.
Considering her full schedule, she said, “I like to be busy.”
The past two years attending the STEM Academy through CTC, she said she learned the value of “writing it down,” maintaining a meticulous schedule.
Playing varsity volleyball on a playoff-caliber team and then moving straight into an Austin-based traveling team meant lots of homework in the car.
“It gets overwhelming. Remembering to just take a breath, and know I
the salutatorian said. “It can feel like too much, but the truth is a lot of the time it’s not too much.”
“I’ll remember how willing teachers were to work with busy students,” said Bentley.
“They were willing to give me one more day. I love the support of the teachers and the admin. Killeen in general is so supportive of our extracurriculars and how they fund those activities.”
“I’ll remember the people. I’ve never felt unwelcome or that I can’t be myself,” Cancel said. “Every club I joined, every sport I participated in, they have made me feel super welcome and super safe. The staff works with you because they want you to be involved.”
Bentley is going to the University of North Texas to study data science. Cancel is going to Angelo State University where she will play volleyball and study biology with plans to work in the dermatology field.
have my support group, just remember to stay grounded (is important),”
Ellison High School graduation is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, May 24, at the Cadence Bank Center.
Courtesy | KIsd Ellison Valedictorian Lynnae Bentley is going to the University of North Texas to study data science.
Courtesy | KIsd Ellison Salutatorian Chanelle Cancel is going to Angelo State University where she will play volleyball and study biology with plans to work in the dermatology field.
Chaparral grads traveled very different paths to reach top spots
BY TODD MARTin speCIal to tHe Herald
Two highly motivated students took vastly different paths to Chaparral High School, where they helped to build a new tradition and ended up at the top of the Class of 2025.
This year’s Chaparral valedictorian is Madison Edwards, a Killeen native who attended KISD schools all the way through. The salutatorian is Amara Wiltzius, who lived all over the United States and overseas as part of a military family.
Edwards attended Cavazos Elementary and Rancier and Smith middle schools and one year at Killeen High before entering Chaparral High when it opened three years ago.
“I wanted to be here to be part of the beginning,” Edwards said. “I feel very proud and accomplished. This is something I’ve been wanting since freshman year, and I haven’t taken my foot off the gas pedal yet.”
The highly active and talented student played softball and volleyball, helping both teams to the playoffs. She was also an FFA officer and
completed the veterinary technician program at the KISD Career Center.
She’s also taken dual credit courses all through high school and earned an associate degree from Central Texas College through online courses and a full summer of coursework, while working at a local vet clinic.
“I’ve kept the phrase student athlete (at the forefront). I’m a student first. I’m not afraid to ask questions if I get behind and work hard to get back up.”
“I’ll remember the sports the most,” she said of her high school years. “I’ve been a (dual sport athlete) every year. To be a part of the firsts I’m never going to forget that.”
“You only get one life so I think you should do your best, so you don’t have any regrets,” Edwards said.
Part of her large support crew includes teammates who didn’t even know until recently that she was No. 1 in her class, a ranking she has held through every grade check of high school. “When they found out, they were so proud. They said, ‘what in the world? I had no idea,’” she said.
Edwards is on her way to Texas A&M University and plans to be a veterinarian.
Wiltzius was born in El Paso and lived in Arizona, Florida, Korea and finally Killeen. She was homeschooled and attended charter school and online school
until starting at Chaparral High three years ago.
“I wanted to join with a new beginning when everyone else was new, too,” she said of her decision to go to the new school.
She was active in National Honor Society and earned the president office this year.
“I’ve helped build it up. I think that is a great thing about being in a new school. You get to have that experience of building something with your own hands.”
The school’s NHS has been active in service projects and earning volunteer hours to make the organization a force at the school. She and Edwards were both part of the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy as well.
Wiltzius also stayed active in a Texas Youth Ambassadors program and worked at the Boys and Girls Club. She took all Advanced Placement courses.
“It felt amazing. It was a big surprise,” she said of ending at No. 2 in the class. She had moved from second to as low as fifth before surging back to the salutatorian position in the final grade check.
“I have learned that community is important,” she said. “As an Army brat and being homeschooled, I spent a lot of time without a big community. We moved away a lot.
When we settled down in Killeen, it’s like I became a real person,” she said.
“I’ve had some gaps. My friends and teachers have stepped up and helped me to get where I need to be.”
She is headed to the University of Texas at Austin to study human development and family sciences with plans to go to medical school. Chaparral High School graduation is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at the Cadence Bank Center.
Courtesy | KIsd
Chaparral Valedictorian Madison Edwards is on her way to Texas A&M University and plans to be a veterinarian.
Courtesy | KIsd
Chaparral Salutatorian Amara Wiltzius is headed to the University of Texas at Austin to study human development and family sciences with plans to go to medical school.
Herald | fIle
Two highly motivated students took vastly different paths to Chaparral High School.
Harker Heights High School top 2 students didn’t shy away from hard work
BY JOSH WeAVeR speCIal to tHe Herald
Motivated to set themselves up for a fruitful future, seniors Matthew Rangel and Jolie Mounthongdy made sure to maximize their four years at Harker Heights.
They never settled, never shied away from the hard work and never let their pursuit of academic excellence get in the way of their friendship.
As a result, the two Knights who met as Skipcha Elementary School fourth-graders reached the pinnacle of educational success. Rangel is the Harker Heights Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Mounthongdy is the Salutatorian.
For Rangel, his journey began with a blue ribbon.
“I was an average student at Skipcha. I didn’t care much about school but I cared about these ribbons that were given to students at award ceremonies for getting all A’s,” Rangel recalled. “I really wanted one of those blue ribbons but I never got one –– until the fifth grade. That’s when I decided to actually try my best, and that’s when it all started.”
The “blue ribbon” Rangel chased once he reached high school didn’t have much to do with test scores. Sure, great grades were still priority, but his work ethic was sparked and inspired by something deeper –– making his family proud.
“What I do now determines what I do later in life and I want to make sure that I do well now so that I’ll be able to retire my parents and make sure they live a happy life,” said Rangel, who, as part of a military family, was born in Germany, lived in Louisiana and had a second stint in Germany before settling in Harker Heights.
Rangel will attend University of Texas-Arlington in the fall and major in Aerospace engineering with the hopes of landing with Lockheed Martin, and one day, perhaps, working
Courtesy | KIsd Heights Valedictorian Matthew Rangel will attend University of Texas-Arlington in the fall and major in Aerospace engineering with the hopes of landing with Lockheed Martin, and one day, perhaps, working with NASA or SpaceX.
with NASA or SpaceX.
Stepping outside of his studies, Rangel filled his free hours by working a part-time job at Fire Street Pizza in Belton, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and interning for the Directorate of Public Works on Fort Cavazos.
His overall message to his classmates and future Knights is straightforward.
“Don’t be complacent. Don’t think that where you’re at is enough,” Rangel shared. “Always fight for a higher position and to be a little bit better than the day before.”
As Valedictorian, Rangel doesn’t just talk the talk. He walks it, too.
“(Being the Valedictorian) means quite a bit,” he said. “But, I want to keep building up, because I know I have a lot of potential and a lot more to do.”
The commonalities between Rangel and Mounthongdy don’t stop with the Skipcha years. They also both attended Union Grove Middle School, were members of the Harker Heights
Courtesy | KIsd Heights Salutatorian Jolie Mounthongdy is headed to the University of Texas-Austin to major in biology. Her dream career is to be a dentist.
orchestra –– Mounthongdy plays the violin and Rangel the cello –– and took plenty of the same high school courses.
They also just graduated with associate degrees from Central Texas College, and Mounthongdy’s motivating factors in achieving Salutatorian status had similar elements to Rangel’s.
“My mom pushed me the most. When I was younger, she was the one who always told me ‘If you work hard now, you’ll have an easier life later.’
So, I always did what she said. Then I realized why she told me that. It wasn’t for her benefit. It was for me. So that I could have a bright future. That motivated me,” said Mounthongdy, who was born in Thailand and also was raised in a military family.
“My parents are both immigrants. They came from nothing but they came here and made their own lives,” Mounthongdy continued. “My mom gave up everything to be here and I wanted to make her proud.”
A music enthusiast who sings in her church choir and assists in the youth ministry, Mounthongdy is
headed to the University of TexasAustin to major in biology. Her dream career is to be a dentist.
Mounthongdy said her four years at Harker Heights and the five others spent in Killeen ISD were foundational, and she credited the teachers she encountered along the way.
“The teachers here, even before high school, every educator I’ve ever been with has been amazing, like perfect,” she said. “Whenever you need help, they have tutoring. They take a lot of time. I’ve never felt like they didn’t care. I think that was the best thing ever.”
Her biggest pieces of advice for the younger generation: work hard and prioritize your time.
“All it takes is keeping yourself on track, be motivated, turn in all your stuff on time or early.
That’s all you need to do. Do your best. If you need help, seek it,” she said. “Work hard now and you’ll have an easier life later. Gain experiences to be ready for what life hits you with.”
ECHS top graduates took different routes to the top
BY JOSH WeAVeR speCIal to tHe Herald
Eli Nathaniel Salmeron quickly zeroed in on being No. 1. Ashley Anais Yescas Rodriguez more so went with the flow.
In each instance, discipline, diligence, dedication and a lot of smarts helped the two Early College High School seniors reach the top of their class.
Salmeron, who plans to attend UT-Arlington in the fall, is the Class of 2025 Valedictorian while Rodriguez, who is headed to Texas Tech University, is the Salutatorian, and each were scheduled to address their Eagle classmates at the school’s commencement ceremony May 21 at Cadence Bank Center in Belton.
“Initially, my first semester of my freshman year, I was doing what I had done in middle school. I was just doing my normal study routine and getting all A’s. When ranks were pulled, I found out that I was number two,” Salmeron recalled. “After that I was like, ‘You know what, I can push for one.’ At the end of that year, I was number one and I’ve held it ever since.”
In between, Salmeron, who lived in Europe and North Carolina before moving to Killeen in 2016, has kept plenty busy.
He took on a challenging workload, discovered his voice and blossomed as a student, and volunteered his time with the non-profit organization
Net Impact as the Project Give manager, collecting food for the Central Texas Christian Eagles Nest food pantry for people who are food insecure can receive that food, all while maintaining a top-flight GPA.
“Initially, I was a very shy kid but then a friend helped me step out of my shell,” Salmeron said.
“I took a speech class, which we are required to take, but I really took it and ran with it.”
Early College High School Valedictorian Eli Nathaniel Salmeron plans to attend UT-Arlington in the fall.
The finish line is now in sight, and Salmeron said that the traditional Valedictorian speech was one of the motivating factors in his quest.
After arriving in Killeen, Salmeron, who has an older brother and an older sister, attended Fowler Elementary School and Roy J. Smith Middle School before being accepted into Early College, from where he’ll exit with not only his high school diploma but also an associate degree from Central Texas College.
When at UT-Arlington, Salmeron will major in bio-medical engineering and hope to be accepted into a different grad school where he can devote his focus to a cause close to his heart.
“I want to do research to develop technology to help with Alzheimer’s Disease, because that disease really impacted my family,” he said.
As for high school, Salmeron is ready to bid farewell.
“It’s an interesting experience but worth it if you make the right connections, do the right things and apply yourself properly,” he said.
“I’m definitely not going to take the relationships I’ve made here for granted.”
Coincidentally, Rodriguez also spent a portion of her young life
Early College High School Salutatorian Ashley Anais Yescas Rodriguez is headed to Texas Tech University.
in North Carolina, though she was much younger when she and her family moved to Killeen.
Rodriguez attended Nolanville Elementary School and Union Grove and Nolan middle schools before she sort-of mistakenly ended up at Early College –– a scenario that certainly fits her self-described personality.
“Honestly, I applied on accident,” Rodriguez said smiling. “I didn’t know I was applying to Early College High School but when I figured out what it was, what it could do and the money it could save me, I decided that it was the route I wanted to take. And, I’ve always liked challenging classes and courses, so it was a good fit for me.
Part of Rodriguez’s success can be traced to her attention to details –– at least in a classroom setting. The other part is to her mom, whom Rodriguez says is her inspiration.
“I really look up to my mom. She didn’t get a high education and she’s always pushed me, never pressured me, to go as far as I can. I’ve always had her support and she’s always reminded me that everything that I’m doing and going to do is worthwhile,” Rodriguez said. “Her passion for learning rubbed off on me and it’s what pushes me forward.”
Always moving forward was another key to Rodriguez’s path to Salutatorian and already obtaining an associate degree from CTC.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is no matter what happens, the next day is always going to come. I can’t be focused on what I’ve messed up or the stress because I know the next day is going to come,” she said. “I shouldn’t let that stress and anxiety hold me back.”
Rodriguez, who is a member of the National Honor Society, plays the piano, the guitar and is learning to play the violin, will keep her foot on the educational gas pedal at Texas Tech, where she’ll major in business finance and hopes to join the school’s accelerated master’s program.
Eventually, she’d like to help her dad with his construction business.
Courtesy | KIsd
Courtesy | KIsd
Copperas Cove top students ready to take their next steps
BY eRiK WAlSH KIlleen daIly Herald
The top students at Copperas Cove High School in 2025 are a prospective nurse and graphics designer.
Valedictorian Brenda Thomas and Salutatorian Nathaniel Roberts have both been accepted into their respective universities. The upcoming transition has left Thomas with mixed emotions, while Roberts is more than ready to spread his wings and leave Copperas Cove.
Thomas has found a lot of love and support not just as Copperas Cove High School, but in connections she made volunteering throughout the entire Copperas Cove community.
“Of course, it’s exciting to begin a new journey, but also sad that I’m leaving a community that has supported me so much,” she said.
Thomas will joining a very competitive nursing program at the
Courtesy | CCIsd Copperas Cove High School
Valedictorian Brenda Thomas will joining a very competitive nursing program at the University of Texas.
University of Texas.
For his part, Roberts is going to relax this summer and then head to the University of North Texas in Denton without looking back.
“I’ve spent most of my time preparing for college,” he said. “With that out of the way I can spend this summer enjoying myself. I’ve made a lot of fun memories in this school working with different departments and I’m proud of all they’ve managed to do.
Courtesy | CCIsd Copperas Cove High School
Salutatorian Nathaniel Roberts is heading to The University of North Texas in Denton.
I haven’t made as many connections as Brenda, and I’m ready to get out of Copperas Cove and head to North Texas,” he said. Both students have been involved in many school programs.
Thomas said she could be found in the band hall practicing percussion, in the medical hall working on her medical skills for HOSA (Heath Occupation Student of America) or volunteering in the community, such as local
Top two academic achievers at Lampasas heading to Texas A&M
BY eMilY HilleY-SieRzCHulA Herald Correspondent
The top two academic achievers at Lampasas High School soon will be heading to Texas A&M University in College
Station, where they will begin working toward their goal of becoming doctors.
Valedictorian Meredith McBeth wants to be a family physician while Salutatorian
nursing homes.
“My favorite part of band is summer band,” Thomas said. “We come out two months before school starts and march on the field in 100-degree heat. We did eight-hour days with percussion.”
Some may not like the idea of working in the sweltering Texas heat, but it never bothered Thomas.
“It was fun hanging out with my friends and eating pizza,” she said. “ It’s rewarding because you are pushing yourself to the limit in the heat and spending that time with people you enjoy.”
She said she also enjoys working with HOSA.
Thomas decided to get into nursing because she has had positive experiences with nurses in the past when they gave great care for her mother. After following the nursing career path, her love for her elderly grandfather spurred on her interest in taking care of older people through geriatrics.
Roberts decided to get into graphics design after learning much of the graphic design basics early on in high school.
After learning the basics, he took a more
advanced class through CCHS teacher Joshua Moore and was inspired to a new career.
“He’s one of my favorite teachers,” Roberts said. “He really solidified my wanting to go into graphics design. He helped me understand what goes into it, and how much money can made.”
He chose the University of North Texas because it’s one the top three graphics design programs in the state, and he is going to study marketing to “become a proper graphics design marketer for bigger companies.”
Paige Rutland’s goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist. Both young ladies spoke with the Herald this week about their
PLEASE SEE LAMpASAS, 10
memories of high school and their drive to become doctors.
VAleDiCTORiAn
One could say that “Doctor McBeth” has a certain ring to it; however, she knows that it will take years before she can wear the cherished white coat.
“I’m going to majoring in biomedical science,” McBeth said. “My goal is to become a family medicine physician, so I would go to medical school after getting my degree. Another reason I chose medicine is that I want to come back to Lampasas and help my community.”
McBeth’s mother is a nurse practitioner who has many lessons to teach.
“Growing up, I got to see my mom in the medical profession so I just can’t imagine anything else,” McBeth said. “I enjoy helping people and I love science and problem-solv-
Courtesy | lHs
Both Lampasas Valedictorian Meredith McBeth, left, and Salutatorian
Paige Rutland are heading to Texas A&M University in College Station, where they will begin working toward their goal of becoming doctors.
ing. Science is at the core of who I am.”
She is thankful for her family, which has been there every step.
“I had a great support system, especially my mom and sister,” McBeth said. “They taught me how to make a schedule and stick to it. I couldn’t have done any of this without them. I also had a lot of teachers through the years who supported me and believed in me, even when
sometimes I didn’t believe in myself.”
McBeth explored many different extracurriculars during her high school career.
“I was involved in almost everything that Lampasas High School offered,” she said. “I was in a club that taught us how to be ladylike and professional after high school. I also was in the National Honor Society, Key Club, and I was an athletic trainer for the football team. I played volleyball,
softball and did power lifting.”
When McBeth spoke with the Herald, she was literally heading to College Station for her freshman orientation but she did not mind taking a look back.
“I’m going to miss my friends but I know that I’ll be making new friends and learning new lessons,” she said. “I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture at A&M. I toured it once and fell in love.”
SAluTATORiAn
A natural scholar, Paige Rutland is looking forward to years of study.
“I care very much about my schooling and it’s always been a priority for my family,” she said. “I also always try to have a high work ethic and give 110%, whether it was in school or extracurriculars. I commit to whatever I put my mind to.”
Rutland was president of Lampasas High School’s Future Farmers of America
chapter and competed in many facets of the organization.
“I showed market pigs for ten years,” she said. “I’m going to major in animal science with a minor in agricultural communication. Then, I’d like to attend a university to get my doctorate in occupational therapy. I’m passionate about working with kids and I’d like to be able to help children with special needs adjust to everyday life.”
The soon-to-be Aggie also is an athlete.
“I also played varsity golf all four years of high school and we went to state three times as a team,” Rutland said.
Although focused on the future, she will hold memories of her life in Lampasas.
“I’ll miss being able to see all of my friends every day and those connections that I made,” Rutland said. “Now, I’m getting the chance to make new connections with people from all over the nation and to branch out.”
University of Texas System to become home to Florence High’s top students
BY eMilY HilleY-SieRzCHulA Herald Correspondent
Both of Florence High School’s top academic performers are becoming part of the University of Texas System to mark the beginning of the next phase of their lives.
Valedictorian Luke Nichols will be honing his computer science skills at UT Dallas while Salutatorian Weston Underwood will attend UT Austin’s prestigious McCombs School of Business.
The Herald spoke with both young men earlier this week to learn more about their future aspirations as well as their high school achievements.
VAleDiCTORiAn luKe niCHOlS
Luke Nichols is a hardworking student who is looking forward to starting college at UT in Dallas, where he earned a full scholarship as a National Merit finalist.
“I’m a practical kind of person in that I always have a good reason for why I do the things that I do,” he said.
Nichols is active in the high school’s chapter of the Future Farmers of America, especially the organization’s Career and Leadership Development Events.
“I’ve won quite a few awards in that,” he said. “This year, I was part of the wildlife contest. We had to identify different plants and equipment used in wildlife management
practices. It wasn’t directly related to the career that I’m interested in but it was interesting.”
To rise to the level of valedictorian takes more than smarts.
“I wish I could say that it was all due to my hard work, but I think it’s also a matter of motivation,” Nichols said. “It’s just the way I am, I guess.”
When he moves to Dallas, Nichols will be establishing new friendships and focusing on his career.
“It’s going to be difficult to move and to meet all new people but I’m pretty excited to start college,” he said. “In ten years, I’d like to be working at one of the major computer science companies and maybe living in a place that is a bit colder and has
more trees.”
SAluTATORiAn WeSTOn unDeRWOOD
Weston Underwood gets along with just about everyone, which could be a handy trait in the world of business he will be entering.
“I like to think I’m funny,” he said with a chuckle.
Underwood said he has enjoyed high school, where he has been active with the National Honor Society chapter and he was captain of the baseball team. Additionally, for two hours a day he participates in the FFA’s Meat Market, where he learns the specifics of carving carcasses into
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delectable cuts of meat.
“Like Luke, I’m also involved in FFA activities in our chapter, especially the environment and natural resources and the ag-business pathways,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot of communication and leadership skills through that. It’s sometimes hard to balance all those extracurriculars with school work, especially in the spring with baseball going on. I
think that learning how to create that balance will help in college.”
When he looks back on high school, Underwood said he will miss baseball and his friends.
“I can play baseball wherever I am, but for the past 12 years I’ve grown up with many of the same people and they have been a support system,” he said.
So, what factors have contributed to Underwood’s success?
“I’m just a driven individual,” Underwood said. “From
an early age, my parents instilled in me to give 100% in everything I do. I attribute much of this accomplishment to the support I’ve gotten from my family and friends.”
At McCombs, Underwood wants to pursue either finance or business management.
“I’ll do internships in college and after I graduate, I’ll start climbing the ladder,” he said. “I’d like to get into a management position at a major company or maybe even starting my own business.”
Gatesville valedictorian and salutatorian attending Texas A&M
BY eRiK WAlSH KIlleen da ly Herald
The top students at Gatesville High School feature two future Texas A&M Aggies, The two students will both be attending the same university, but are taking very different paths once they get there.
Valedictorian Callie Smith will be earning a biology degree before joining A&M’s pharmacy school as a graduate student, while Salutatorian Jeret Burks will be studying civil engineering.
The students admitted that it was a tight race to see who would finish number one and gain the honor of valedictorian.
“It was a very close competition for the top spot,” Smith said. “It could have gone either way. There were no guarantees — it was down to the last minute.
Jaret said he did everything he could to try to finish top overall, but Smith just beat him out to it.
“I’m a very competitive
person and like to win at anything I do,” he said. “This time I’m the first loser, but I’m ok with that,” he joked.
Smith is a member of the National Honor Society and Gatesville Chamber of Commerce Junior Ambassadors, played varsity tennis for three years and works as certified pharmacy technician.
“I’m a very outdoorsy person,” she said. “I like playing all kinds of sports and gardening.”
Smith says she has a green thumb from many years of work in the garden, a hobby
that she cultivated very young with her father.
“I’ve been gardening with my dad since I was little,” she said.
Burks is an avid member of 4H and even operates his own lawn care business.
He is a state livestock ambassador, a four-year varsity football center, served as an officer in 4H and has competed in 4H at the county, district and state levels. His lawncare business operates year-round and works on 54 Central Texas yards.
Most students aren’t as
motivated as these two young people, and they found their inspirations from very different places.
“My parents and God are my biggest motivation,” Smith said. “My parents haven’t put any pressure on me (to become valedictorian), but they have instilled values in me, like a strong work ethic, and its transferred to the academic sphere. They taught me you can get a long way in life by getting started early. I’ve taken initiative and God has helped me a lot. I feel like He’s given me purpose and taken the burdens off my shoulders.
Burks says his motivation is driven from his an internal competition to always be better.
“I always try to compete against myself and make myself better at everything I do,” he said. “That’s how I approach life, I like being a competitive, internally driven person, and that’s helped me achieve the things I have done.”
During commencement, each student will make a short speech to the graduating class. They gave a small preview of those speeches to the Herald.
Smith will be thanking her parents, teachers, and God, and will remind students that they don’t necessarily need to be a doctor to succeed, but should instead focus on the things in life that really matter. “A lot of people go through their life without enjoying the little things,” he said.
Burks will be thanking teachers, coaches, parents and his siblings. His words of encouragement to other students including telling them not to “let others lower your self-worth,” and making the most of their opportunities. “Opportunities can fly by,” he said. “If you have an opportunity right now, take it and don’t wait because it may never come back around again.” He will also be encouraging students to put in “the work that others won’t” to accomplish your goals.
Courtesy | fIsd
Valedictorian Luke Nichols will be honing his computer science skills at UT Dallas.
Courtesy | fIsd
Salutatorian Weston Underwood will attend UT Austin’s prestigious McCombs School of Business.
Courtesy | GIsd
Valedictorian Callie Smith will be earning a biology degree before joining A&M’s pharmacy school.
Courtesy | GIsd
Salutatorian Jeret Burks will be studying civil engineering at Texas A&M.
