< Previous10 | Education Celebration | June 2020 Friendswood High School Valedictorian Good evening parents, es- teemed staff of Friendswood High School, and the Class of 2020. I want everyone to take a moment to look around you — we’re finally not on a Zoom call. I have to say we clean up pretty well after being at home in our PJs for three months. Don’t you agree? Before I commence my speech, I would just like to thank God, my teachers, my friends, my family and, especially, my parents, who have always shown me endless love as I’ve grown. Most importantly, I would also like to thank Quizlet, Wikipedia and Sparknotes. Without you, four years at Friendswood High School would not have been possible. Now, in all seriousness, it took me a lot of reflection to write this speech. Three months at home while staring at the computer screen trying to pretend that I’m paying attention to my online classes, I realized a few things. Number one: that I am not good at writing speeches. And number two: that this graduating class is very special. In a small span of 17- 18 years, this class has seen it all. Many of us were born into a world rocked by 9/11. In our sophomore year, we witnessed a hurricane that devastated our city. We’ve also en- dured the loss of dear classmates and now this pandemic. We have experienced in a short time what many people don’t experience in a lifetime. There is no doubt that these events have shaped us. To say that we are resilient is an understatement. Of course, nothing would have been possible without the amaz- ing support system around us: To the teachers of Friendswood High School who have gone above and beyond both inside and out- side the classroom: We will miss you. From the endless supply of peppermints in Mrs. Simons’s can- dy jar to the constant reminders by Mr. McGowan to wear “closed- toed shoes” on lab days and Mrs. Parker’s clever puns, I’ll miss them more than you can imagine. To the parents of this class, who after three months stuck with us in one house are probably glad to see us go off to college: This graduation is for you. When you go home today, you can rest easy knowing that your child is ready for the world. After mastering the task of child-rearing for 18 long years, you are now suddenly unemployed. But your role as a banker will continue for a little while longer. To the amazing Friendswood community that has always band- ed together to help one another in times of need: Thank you for supporting our graduates through these tumultuous times, whether it be by signing up to send thought- ful gifts or by organizing fun, safe events to replace the ones we missed. Finally, to the Class of 2020: After all the grueling classes, late nights studying, hours spent prac- ticing, academic competitions and sports matches, we made it. Guys, we did it! What this graduating class has been able to accomplish in such unprecedented times is remarkable. I know that we will continue to achieve remarkable things no matter where life takes us after high school. As a wise man once said: Your strength is measured not by the good days but by the bad days. Despite everything that has been thrown our way, we have fought and endured it. And whatever ob- stacle life may throw at us next, we will overcome it the same way we have before — with spirit, determi- nation, passion and strength. And when we look back on high school 20 years from now, it won’t be the prom or Senior Field Day that we missed that we will remember. We will remember the friendships that we forged, the goals we reached, the lessons we learned, and the people who left an impact. We will remember the memories that we shared. Nothing, not even the coronavirus, can take that away from us. So, while this was definitely not the end that any of us had fore- seen, and though our plans for a normal senior year were upended, we forge forward toward the next chapter of our lives —unafraid as always — the Class of 2020. ANUSHKA JETLY I was born in Boca Raton, Florida, to Monika and Sameer Jetly before later moving to League City and, finally, Friendswood. Ever since I was young, I was interested in a multitude of activities. As a child, I actively played volleyball and obtained a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo. During my time in high school, I was involved in Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, National Honor Society, UIL Academics, Math & Science Club, Interact Club and National English Honor Society. I also started my own charity organization called Friendswood Food for Charity. Our mission is to sell home-cooked meals in our community at a rea- sonable price and donate the proceeds to various nonprofit organizations, including a local home for intellectually disabled adults and a school for the hearing impaired in India. However, most of my time in high school was spent working on my independent research project. Inspired by my visit to the school for the hearing impaired in India, I developed and patented two low-cost otological diagnostic devices over the span of three years. When used in conjunction with the corresponding smartphone applications that I also developed, these devices can automatically identify different types of middle ear abnormalities in a patient. Due to the success of my research, I was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist, Intel ISEF Finalist and Grand Award Winner at the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston, among other awards. I was also named a National Merit Finalist and Scholarship recipient, Presidential Scholars Candidate, and National AP Scholar while in high school. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting and watching movies. I will be attending Harvard Uni- versity in the fall to major in molecular and cellular biology on the pre-med track. After my time as an undergraduate, I hope to enter medical school and one day work as a physician-scientist. Commencement SpeechJune 2020 | Education Celebration | 11 Before I begin, I would like to thank the High Island commu- nity as well as the school board, administration, teachers, staff and, most importantly, the students, for all that they have done. The graduation ceremony has always been an important and special event to all types of schools and institutions. As the first day of school last August marked the beginning of the end, today’s ceremony marks the end of the end. After these graduation ceremonies and the celebrations that follow it, stu- dents become one step closer to pursuing their own goals, or finding one to pursue. This is why it is so special. It is one of the first major life-changing events most people face. The graduation ceremony is special. There’s no questioning that. There’s also no question that this year is off to a “special” start. I mean, just take a look around. A special year requires an equally special graduation, wouldn’t you think? Now, this graduation isn’t just special be- cause we’re out on the football field instead of being in the cafeteria. This is special for an entirely different reason. Here’s something that I would like you all to hear. “We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and the only thing we re- ally have is right now. So, don’t stay mad for too long. Learn to forgive and love with all your heart. Live every day of your life the way you want to live it. Don’t worry about people who don’t like you. Enjoy the ones who love you.” I’m going to honest with you. I have no clue whatsoever as to who even said that in the first place. But, I like that quote because I think that it is appropriate for the situa- tion we all find ourselves in. On March 6, every single one of us was looking forward to a week without school. It was sup- posed to be just another spring break. However, something happened. We did not go back to see our friends on March 16. Instead, school was delayed. I don’t think I need to tell you all why. What was just a one-week delay turned into a two-week delay. Then it was extended to early May, and then school was just flat out closed. The point is that the last day of school wasn’t today, as it was intend- ed. The Class of 2020’s last day of school was on March 6, and not a single one of us knew it. On that week, we all had our last track meet, our last softball game, our last baseball game, our last practice, and the last day of school with some of our closest friends, all thinking that we would see them again and play sports again two weeks from that Friday. But we didn’t. That was the last time we would do anything at High Island. Now, I am fully aware that this all sounds awful and depressing, but bear with me, I’m getting to the good stuff. I’ve been told that I include too many details in things, but details are important, trust me. The quote I used earlier speaks about living in the moment and to not take things for grant- ed, for we do not know what could happen, which I would like to think is a lesson we all have learned over the past two months. I myself have always lived by the idea that “ANY- THING CAN HAPPEN.” And boy did something happen. But we mustn’t dwell on the neg- ative! When we dwell on the negative, the future becomes negative. That sounds like one of the easiest-to-follow pieces of advice there is, but it’s not. It can be, but it can also be insanely difficult. It is something that many of us have trouble remembering. Living in the moment, “stopping to smell the roses,” is something that can help. That’s something that I would like my classmates to know, that they must try to be the best they can one day with- out fear of what might happen the next, and then repeat that for as long as they live. Now, there’s nothing wrong with THINKING about the future; the future can be exciting! But, it can also be distracting from what we already have in the present. I’m not telling you all to be content with what you may have, as everyone should strive for improvement in everything they do. You need to forget about where you’re going, forget about where you’re from, because sometimes it’s all about where you’re AT. And guess where we’re at? My fellow classmates, we are at the High Island Class of 2020 grad- uation ceremony. The same ceremony that I said was spe- cial without really elaborating upon just why it is so special. This ceremony, this moment is special simply because it is happening right now. It did not get cancelled. Corona did not stop the High Island class of 2020 from graduating today on the 29th of May. We won. We may not have won in the most ideal of ways, but we won. Sure, we still have the rest of our life to win against, with some of us going to work, college, or the military in the coming months. But, that’s not something we should be worrying about right now. If we began to worry about those things the moment we get in our cars to go home here in a bit, then that wouldn’t be living in the moment. When we get in our cars, we should be thinking about how we’re going to celebrate TONIGHT! That’s my definition of living in the moment. Life is like a road. Sometimes it’s smooth, and sometimes it’s bumpy. It goes on, and it will continue to go on. There’s no doubt about that, but it doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to take it slow from time to time. In the words of a famous Texan singer-songwrit- er, “The road goes on forever, and the party never ends.” Thank you. NATE JACKSON Nathaniel Thomas Jackson is the 2020 Senior Class Valedictorian for High Island High School. Nate is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson. He has been a High Island Cardinal since eighth grade. He has been an integral part of the student body while attending school here on The Hill. As a National Honor Society member and officer for four years, he helped organize several benefi- cial community events and earned over 67 hours of community service this year. Additionally, he participated in UIL academics advancing to regional in Science. He was named Best Actor for three years in the One-Act Play Contest. In sports, he was an All-Dis- trict Running Back while rushing for over 3,000 yards for 56 touchdowns. A highlight of his athletic endeavors was medaling at the state track meet in the 4x100 relay. Locally, his teachers and coach- es have recognized him with The Fighting Heart award, Cardinal Pride Pin, Character Award and the V.C. Bland Award. He was named VYPE SETX male track athlete of the year in 2018. The High Island Cardinal Club awarded him a four-year scholarship. Education First Credit Union and The Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3719 have recognized his efforts as well. Nate is graduating with 30 dual credit hours from Galveston College. He has chosen to attend Western Colorado University in Gunnison next fall, running track for the Mountaineers. He has received a merit scholarship, an athletic scholar- ship, and has been named a Menan Scholar. He is majoring in Commu- nications with a Computer Science minor. High Island High School Valedictorian Commencement Speech12 | Education Celebration | June 2020 Good morning. My name is Gerald Stephenson, I’ve been a student at Hitchcock for all of my life, and the past two years I’ve had the opportunity to attend dual credit classes with collegiate high school at College of the Mainland. We all know that we have had a hectic few months recently. It is really wonderful that we are able to celebrate the terrific accomplishments of our class. I know everyone’s here to see their graduate cross the stage and take the next step towards the rest of his or her life, so I’ll make this short and sweet. Being from a small town like Hitchcock, I’ve more or less known everyone in my grad- uating class for my entire life, and I’ve seen the way that this group has grown and changed over the years. Of all the places I have been and all the people I have known, I don’t think there is any group of students I’ve ever met that is more resilient and determined than this graduating class. Everyone here has faced many struggles, and we have all overcome them and pushed through to our gradu- ation. When we were born, the world was reeling from 9/11, and although we may not think about it much now, this event changed the way we were reared and instilled the virtue of perseverance in all of us. When we were in elementary school, we were hit by Hurricane Ike. Many of our loved ones were displaced and our school year was disrupted. I still remem- ber our teachers trying to get our attention in the crowded middle school gymnasium while dozens of other elemen- tary school classes were being held at once while the water damage to Stewart was being repaired. We were very young at the time, but this experience helped us form a greater un- derstanding of patience as we tried our best to learn while our teachers struggled to finish the lessons through all the chaos and noise. At the start of our sophomore year, when we were just beginning to understand our new routine, Hurricane Harvey hit. Many of us were too young to remember the destruction that Ike caused, but all of us remember the devas- tation that Harvey brought to our families and loved ones. For weeks, school was cancelled as we helped our families relocate and rebuild from the flooding that we endured. For months afterwards many of our families and friends were still displaced as their homes were being repaired. Many went through their school and work day only to return to an unfamiliar home with even more work to be done. This experience helped us strengthen our ability to push through other tough situ- ation, and we will carry this abil- ity with us our entire lives. Even now, after the countless shared and personal struggles that each of us has faced, we just can’t seem to catch a break. We get to graduate during a global quarantine! although none of us has ever dealt with a global pandemic like this before, all of us graduating today have continued to work diligently receive our diplomas. Through setback after setback, all of the graduates here today continue to persevere. C.S. Lewis once said that “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny”. While I don’t know exactly where all my classmates are headed, I have no doubt that whatever they choose to do, their perse- verance and resilience will help them accomplish their goals. Before we receive our diplo- mas, there are a few people I would like to thank for helping me. Thank you, Mr. Hubble, Mr. Carter, Mrs. Gregorcyk (whom we knew as Mrs. Crowell), and Mr. Temperelli, you always encouraged me to do my best and kept our classes fun. Thank you, Mrs. Gilcrease, for caring so much about each of the students in our school, and many thanks to the collegiate high school team, Mrs. Belcher, Mrs. Wren, and Mrs. Wadding, for practically babysitting me as I tried to figure out how college worked. Friends, thank you for the unique ways you have im- pacted my life. Thank you, Aar- on and Tommy, for teaching me to embrace the nerdy things that I love. Thanks Michael, Isabel, and Chaz, you taught me how to have a little fun and kept me sane. Wyatt, thank you for keeping me just a little in- sane. although they aren’t here tonight, I would like to thank my friends from COM, Erin, Zane, and Bea, for teaching me more self-confidence and how to laugh at the stupid things I do sometimes. To Mom, Dad, MeMe, MawMaw, and Paw- Paw, thank you for being proud of me even when I mess up. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and loving family. And finally, thank you to each band member for the things you’ve helped me achieve, and the family that you’ve created for me. Mr. Brunson and Mr. Otto, thank you for always pushing me to be better even when I pushed back. I wish that I had time to thank every person who has impacted my life by name, but for the sake of everyone’s time, I would like to thank my family for supporting me always in everything I do, my teachers, for answering all of the annoying questions that I asked, and my friends, for standing by me through even my stupidest of ideas. I could not have imagined a more interesting group of peo- ple to spend the last thirteen years with. I wholeheartedly believe that each graduate here today truly has an extraordinary destiny to follow, and I can’t wait for our class reunions to see the great things that you accomplish. Thank you. GERALD STEPHENSON My name is Gerald Stephenson, I am 18 years old, and I am the vale- dictorian of Hitchcock High School. I have attended school in Hitchcock my entire life and have recently had the opportunity to take dual credit classes at College of the Mainland in Texas City throughout my sopho- more, junior and senior years. I will be graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies along with my high school diploma. I have been a member of the Hitchcock High School Band since seventh grade and have been the drum major of the band since my sophomore year. While in the band, we have made consistent superior ratings at marching and concert UIL competitions, as well as attended the ATSSB State Marching Band compe- tition in 2019. I have also received a seat in the ATSSB All Region Band every year throughout high school. In band, I play the alto, tenor, and bari- tone saxophones, and I play guitar in my free time. For the past two years, I have been volunteering as a GED tutor at College of the Mainland to assist adults wishing to take their high school equivalency test, and I vol- unteer yearly at the Run Like a Diva Marathon in support of breast cancer research. For the past year, I have worked as an instructor at Space Center Houston, where I teach children of all ages the importance of STEM fields and the history and science of human space flight and exploration. In my free time, I enjoy building desktop computers, playing video games, trading card and tabletop games, and listening to music. Next semester, I plan to attend Texas A&M University at College Station and begin to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. With this degree, I plan to work for an aero- nautics and space exploration com- pany such as Boeing or SpaceX and assist in creating the next generation of space exploration technology. Commencement Speech Hitchcock High School ValedictorianJune 2020 | Education Celebration | 13 Good evening La Marque Class of 2020! We are officially done with high school and ready to embark on our new journey. High school is the time in our lives where we prepared for college or the working world. This is the time we’ve been waiting for. We are obviously all happy to be done, but some of our parents are even more excited than we are — they’ve been ready for us to go for a while now. Many of you are the first ones to graduate high school in your family and for that you should be beaming with pride. This means you get to change the course of your family’s lives, with your graduation, some generational curses are being broken. I know a lot of you personally and the personal struggles we have been through. Add to that the educational and ac- ademic obstacles we have had to face, and I’d say that makes us some pretty tough cookies because through it all, we perse- vered and WE FINISHED STRONG! As I look out into the audience today, I see the faces of people who were told they were not good enough, they’d never amount to anything, they had zero support, some were so close to even drop- ping out. We have been through so many changes with the annexation of La Marque ISD. Things we could not wait to be a part of as middle school kids, the style of dance, the sound of the band, and the traditions. It was not the same, but that did not stop us from getting the most we could out of our high school experience. We have gone through countless teachers and major changes throughout each year of high school. Freshman year, so many new staff. Sophomore year, only being able to use half of our high school building. Senior year, COVID-19, prom, senior days, football games, seeing our friends — cancelled. It downed our spirits and it made us sad, but we made some of the most spectacular lemonade with our lemons. We creat- ed something uniquely us. Let this be our story — we are overcomers. La Marque High School has broadened our knowledge, taught us respect, shown us that change happens, but we are the authors of our own choices, it allowed us to perfect skills we are passionate about. As the class of 2020, I believe that the most important thing we should take from our time in high school is the ability to adapt and overcome. We may have been stereotyped because of where we are from, and we cannot change that. But we have control over who we are and who we will become. It is our obligation and privilege to prove the naysayers wrong and make our supporters proud! Today, we get to walk the stage in front of our families and we can finally say Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt and Uncle, I DID IT! I am proud to be La Marque High School’s valedictorian of the Class of 2020. I want to thank all of my teachers, staff, my family members and, most of all, GOD for helping me to triumph. I will be a Cougar for the rest of my life and will cherish the moments we had together. This is our time! We finally did it! KATRIEL IVY My name is Katriel Ivy. I am a senior at La Marque High School. Throughout the past four years, I made sure to stay as active as I could. I played varsity bas- ketball for three years and varsity volleyball for four years. The health-science track has been my focus since freshman year; taking classes from medical terminol- ogy to participating in clinicals at Mainland Hospital. I am a part of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), National Honor Society, and I am now serving as president of my class. I also have participated in a lot of community service opportunities, volunteering at the Galveston County Food Bank and the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston. Remaining active in my church, mentoring the younger children and teaching Sunday school remains a priority. Academics have always come first, and I’ve made sure nothing steered me away from my goal. I have received many academic awards and have maintained “A” Honor Roll throughout high school. I have been accepted to my dream college, The University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Athletic Training, choosing the Pre-Occupa- tional Therapy track. My plans are to attend UTMB of Galveston for medical school. I harbor a deep passion for health care and can’t wait to be a part of helping improve the life of others. I am thankful for my time at La Marque High School and I will always cherish the things I have learned. My time at LMHS has had a great impact on my life and I am proud to be graduating as a La Marque Cougar. La Marque High School Valedictorian Commencement Speech14 | Education Celebration | June 2020 “I have been grateful for all that I have been given, by my family and community especially, so I want to now give back.” I, Anisa Jo Rocha, am the 2020 valedic- torian for O’Connell College Preparatory School. I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall, studying bio- chemistry. At O’Connell, I participated in many organizations such as National Hon- or Society, Student Council and German Club. In NHS, I served as a member and then subsequently as treasurer, volun- teering at the Galveston Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Walk to End Alzheimer’s, for example, and donating toys, money, supplies and books to vari- ous schools and charities. I have also been part of Student Council for four years as class president, vice president, treasurer and class representative. Furthermore, I have been part of German Club for four years as well, even achieving an induction into Delta Epsilon Phi. In addition to NHS volunteerism, I have completed many hours of community ser- vice each school year while at O’Connell, such as volunteering at church and school festivals. For my senior year, I dedicated my entire time and attention to the Family Crisis Center at the Children’s Center in Galveston. In the beginning months, I helped organize activities for the home- less families in coordination with Chick- time to gain experience and gather ideas. While the coronavirus threw my original plans for a loop, I still donated soap, water, fruit juices, cupcakes, brownies and pizzas to the center. I also made origami figurines for the children, totaling 70 figu- rines that modeled horses, birds, butter- flies and foxes. For the future, I want to become a medical researcher. My main goal is to answer the difficult questions in science that will benefit the people and my community. I have been grateful for all that I have been given, by my family and community especially, so I want to now give back. ANISA ROCHA O’Connell College Preparatory School ValedictorianJune 2020 | Education Celebration | 15 “I am forever grateful for what they have selflessly done for me throughout my life, and I couldn’t possibly think of a better place to be in my life.” For as long as I can remember, I have always had a fire burning inside that pushed me to become the best me that I could possibly be. It helped motivate me through the easiest of times as well as the most trying. Throughout my life, I have always been quite a silent person, not exactly what people would call being social. I think that this aspect of my personality helped make me who I am today. Do not get me wrong, I had friends, close ones, just not many. This helped me focus more on who I was instead about worrying about other people and what they thought about me. I always tended to breeze through most of my classes, except for English. That pre- sented its own challenge in my life, finding out how to put what I wanted to say into words on a page. Eventually, I found a way of writing that suits me, and I have since become relatively comfortable writing. One of the biggest reasons that I am who I am, is the great and wonderful people in my life. Without my super supportive friends and family, I do not know where or who I would be, certainly not who I am today. I am forever grateful for what they have selfless- ly done for me throughout my life, and I couldn’t possibly think of a better place to be in my life. ALFREDO RIVAS Odyssey Academy Valedictorian16 | Education Celebration | June 2020 “This early success inspired and challenged Reece academically.” Marcus Reece Dobson was born in Houston on Oct. 16, 2001, being the second of four children, the oldest son. From a young age, he began his athletic career with baseball and football, achiev- ing all-star recognition in both fields. Throughout junior high, he partic- ipated in National History Day twice, achieving State Finalist Essays both times. This early success inspired and challenged Reece academically, leading to his success in the rigorous Advanced Placement and Honors classes that he would participate in throughout high school. He also began his school football career in the seventh grade, which he would continue until his senior year. Re- ece finished high school with the Chris Stone Legacy Scholarship and the Santa Fe Football Booster Scholarship. Throughout his three years of varsity football, he would receive the following accolades: Team Captain, 2-year All-Dis- trict Football Team, Galveston County Defensive Player of the Week, Defensive CO-MVP and Elite Academic All State. In addition to football, he participated in other various sports such as powerlifting, track and field, tennis and bowling. Off the field, Reece was involved in Chess Club, STEM Club, Science Club, Na- tional Honor Society and Interact Club, which brings students into the communi- ty to help and do volunteer work. Outside of school clubs, he assisted his community through cleaning up after Hurricane Harvey, participating in beach cleanups, involvement in various church bazaars, as well as other activities. Outside of school, Reece enjoys vari- ous board games, reading, playing chess and other variations, as well as other intellectual activities. He also enjoys spending time with others, sharing his passion for knowledge through various intellectual riddles and games. MARCUS DOBSON Santa Fe High School ValedictorianJune 2020 | Education Celebration | 17 Good evening family, friends, staff and, most importantly, the class of 2020. I wish I could say this is the night we’ve all been waiting for, but that just isn’t true. I realized when writing this that I couldn’t avoid the obvious: this night isn’t at all what we expected. I don’t know about the rest of y’all, but I definitely didn’t watch the countdown in the Coun- selor’s Suite excited to sit 6 feet from my peers while social-distance air-high-fiving into the next phase of our life. I didn’t plan for this. I don’t think any of us planned for this. So, I decided to just start by acknowledging the obvi- ous: We all missed days and memories that we will never get back — the concerts, ceremonies, awards, games and events that were sup- posed to happen. And for that we have every right to be sad. But beneath all the sadness that we missed out on important life moments, there is a greater lesson to be learned. Life doesn’t always go to plan and life is not about what we expected to happen. Life is about find- ing joy in what IS happening. Life at our age is so fast- paced, we move from one thing to the next, always hav- ing something to do. COVID was a wake-up call. Among other important lessons, this pandemic has shown us that we need to slow down. Life is flying past us and only when the world shut down did we realize that. Suddenly, we were face- timing our friends and family until two in the morning and putting together parades to celebrate people’s birthdays. Homework assignments took a backseat to friendships, health became more import- ant than wealth. We learned that loving each other would be what gets us through. We chose to let responsibilities go in favor of caring for one another. And I hope our class will continue that care when this is all over. Overall, I think everyone became a little more grateful as a result of COVID. I mean, how could we not be grateful, we watched a community rally around our class, the Class of 2020, to remind us that we are loved in the face of dark times. We watched as they chose to show us that you don’t always have to know someone personally to love them and lift them up when they are low. In that spirit of grateful- ness, I figured I would end my speech tonight with a few thank you’s. First, to my parents, Gerald and Dustie Carter, for tolerating me and loving me even when high school made me crazy and for never telling me that my dreams were too far to reach. To God, for guiding me and keeping me alive through it all, making me the person that I am today. To my friends and family, for helping me remember that school is not the most im- portant thing and for all the game nights that distracted me from my homework. And lastly, to some special teach- ers: Ms. Kunard, Ms. Wolfe, Ms. Gratzfeld, Mr. Rocha and Ms. Do for teaching me so much more than curriculum, for teaching me to be a better person and to think for myself. So now I leave you with two final thoughts: “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Take the time this evening to thank those in your life who got you to tonight, the ones who helped you be the people that you are today. Thank you, congratulations to you all, and Sting ’Em. ELIZABETH CARTER Elizabeth Carter is a class of 2020 senior from Texas City High School who plans to attend Yale University in the fall to study History and Archeology. In high school, she participated vari- ous clubs and organizations, including the school paper, Interact, United Way, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, church Youth Group and Praise band, and Future Problem Solving. She also works as a Team Lead at Chick-fil-A Texas City. She will graduate as valedictorian of her class with a 4.26 grade point average. In her free time, she enjoys running, journaling, spending time with friends and family, and playing the piano. Commencement Speech Texas City High School Valedictorian18 | Education Celebration | June 2020 The Daily News featured a high school Student of the Week from one of the Galveston County high schools. The Student of the Week program, sponsored by Texas A&M University at Galveston, was established to celebrate indi- vidual academic achievement as well as recognize students who model superior character and citizenship. These are the students who were featured during the spring semester before COVID-19 canceled classes. Students of the Week PACEY JONES Hitchcock High School Currently a senior, Pacey Jones is a young man that exudes pride, kindness, intelligence and integrity. He is a leader in the classroom, on the field and on the court. Pacey has been involved in multiple varsity level sports as well as the Nation- al Honor Society and other campus organizations. Pacey is the type of student that all teachers wish they had in every class. His work ethic is impeccable and he is a great role model for not only his peers but also younger students. He has had a few stumbling blocks, through injuries, during high school, but has never dropped the level of his commitment to his academics and his teammates. Pacey will continue his academic career next fall at the United States Air Force Academy. He will be remembered at Hitchcock High School long after he departs for his future endeavors. MEGHAN FLANAGAN Friendswood High School It is my honor to nominate Meghan Flana- gan for Student of the Week. Meghan is a hard-working and dedicated student whom I have had the honor to teach and coach. Meghan is currently a junior, but was in my AP World History class her sophomore year (2018-2019). I also coach UIL Current Issues and Events, where Meghan has competed for me her sophomore and junior year. She always gives her best effort and maintains a positive attitude, even when we don’t win. She works to encourage her classmates and teammates as well. Meghan’s leadership skills extend beyond her positive and encouraging attitude with her peers. She is very involved in student council and helped start a new club at Friendswood High School called Paws for a Cause. This club volunteers time to help animal shelters and animal rescues. Meghan’s leadership and organizational skills are admirable. She is a lovely young lady and I am more than happy to nominate her for this award. ALEXANDER PATAWARAN O’Connell College Preparatory School Alexander Patawaran is a senior at O’Connell College Preparatory School. He was recently named Salutatorian of the class of 2020. Alex has demonstrated admirable leadership skills not found in most high school students. Many younger students in our school have sought his advice and have shared their appre- ciation of his pleasant, encouraging attitude and patience when tutoring them in the classroom or teaching them new skills on the basketball court. He is currently the president of the Na- tional Honor Society, has been selected multiple years to represent the school at the Doyle Leadership Conference, and was a representative at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Association) his junior year. A kind, caring individual who puts others’ needs first, Alex frequently volunteers his time to myriad community causes, but never in a loud or obvious manner; never for self-aggrandizement. Demonstrating high moral values and a quiet humility, Alex is a wonderful, well-mannered young man, liked by all, who is a positive mentor for underclassmen, and loyal ambassador for his school.June 2020 | Education Celebration | 19 KATRIEL IVY La Marque High School Miss Katriel Ivy is a brilliant schol- ar-athlete. She holds a 4.0 GPA and is currently ranked #1 of 144 seniors. The senior class president devotes her time to volleyball, Skills USA, HOSA and National Honor Society. Katriel’s commitment to academics has manifested itself into an acceptance to the University of Texas. She plans to major in Kinesiology and Health Education with an emphasis on Athletic Training. Katriel lives by the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” She is the epitome of Cougar PRIDE! (Punctuality, Responsibili- ty, Integrity, Determination, Enthusiasm!). We can count on her to lead by example in the classroom, on the court and in the com- munity. She lends a helping hand through peer tutorials, campus canned good drives and campus blood drives. We are lucky to have here on our campus and blessed to have her as a role model for her peers. ISABELLA DEKELAITA Texas City High School Isabella juggles extracurricular activities with a rigorous course load. She shows leadership not only in the classroom but also with Stingarettes drill team where she is Colonel. During high school Isabella has also been involved in National Honor Society, Sting Nation, Student Council, Redefining Beautiful, the Charles T. Doyle Leadership Program, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Isabella takes dual credit classes. She has volunteered at First Baptist Church of Texas City in Kids Church, during Vacation Bible School and Sports Camp. She is a wonderful role model to young people. Isabella is well-liked among peers. She is friendly, witty, articulate, genuine, helpful, responsible, and trustworthy. Isabella was on the Homecoming Court and she recently served as a co-emcee during the Senior Serve Talent Show. She plans to study physical therapy at Texas State University in San Marcos. She also plans to tryout for the Strutters. BRAYDEN TORRES Texas City High School Brayden Torres is a very well-rounded stu- dent. He takes the most rigorous academic courses that he can take at Texas City High School while juggling multiple extra-curricu- lar activities. He has earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America. He is an active member of the varsity football team, Student Council and Senior Steering Committee. He has earned the Superinten- dent’s Academic Achievement Award for straight A’s. He qualified for membership into the National Honor Society, the Charles T. Doyle Leadership and Development Se- ries, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Brayden was selected by teachers to be a member of the Graduation Honor Guard in 2019. As a senior, he was nominated by his peers for Homecoming Court. He also participated in Youth in Government, where he was name Most Outstanding Male Student. He likes volunteering for Little League. Brayden has been accepted to the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M University. LIBERTY COX Ball High School Ball High School freshman Liberty Cox, exemplifies herself in five areas. First, she recently earned Fourth Place at the Moody Gardens Winter Golf Classic, being noted for her sportsmanship during competition. Second, she maintains her full potential in academics, which is evidenced by her perfect 100% score in Texas testing of STARR EOC Algebra 1 math. Third, Liberty has displayed exemplary leadership skills in Robotics competition, when she recently helped the team “Qualify for Nationals” later in Iowa and individually was honored with 1st Place in Engineering Design at the competition in Texas City Battle in the Bay Vex Robotics. Fourth, Liberty demonstrated exemplary character which creates a positive working environment in school, and was se- lected as “District Top 50”. Fifth, Liberty makes community contributions through service and volunteering to help support school fund-raisers such as the 54-Hole Golf-a-thon to increase funds for Ball’s Golf program. Also in her personal life, she is active in Christian organizations such as the Lutheran church, and was recognized by Jamaica Beach for a community improve- ment activity.Next >