Congratulations to these seniors who worked hard to represent their class as one of the top 25 students in their class. They are each unique in their experiences, advice and future, and they will surely leave you inspired!
#11 Madelyn Kates
Texas A&M University
Business/Accounting
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
Playing multiple sports all throughout high school has made me who I am today. Being able to play sports has taught me how to work well with a team, put good effort into everything I do, and be a good role model to others through leadership. Playing sports has taught me so much, not just for the present but for my dreams in the future.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
My most cherished memory in high school were all of the pep rallies! At my old school our pep rallies were not very fun and exciting. When I moved here this year, I felt the school spirit throughout the entire school and it truly showed through the lively, out of this world pep rallies!
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I lived in a small town called La Grange for pretty much my entire life until this year. When I got the news we were moving, I was at first hesitant because I would have to leave the only home I ever knew and the best friends that I had. However, I was ready to come to a school called Wylie High School. Whenever I got here, I instantly felt welcomed and made many friends. Overcoming the adversity of moving was a tough journey, but in the end moving to Wylie High was such an amazing blessing.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
I would tell them not to miss out on anything. Go to every function and just enjoy the time they have in high school as much as they can. High school really does fly by so make the most out of the time you have.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My dad gives me inspiration! Being able to grow up a coach’s daughter has been such a blessing for me. Watching my dad make such a difference in so many young men’s lives has been so inspirational to me, and it makes me want to make a difference too. The impact he makes on so many people not just on the field but off the field has helped so many young men grow into who they are today. Seeing his impact has inspired me to help as many people as I can in the future and make a difference just like he does.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of being a good role model for my siblings and younger cousins. I am the oldest of three siblings and the oldest of nine cousins. My family is super close, and they all look up to me as a leader and role model. Being able to show them what it means to be a good person, act right, and watch them grow into amazing young men and women is the accomplishment that I am most proud of.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
One thing that most people don’t know about me is that I am actually a very good singer. As a kid I competed in a ton of talent shows and won the majority of them. I still love to sing but it usually doesn’t go anywhere except my shower and car.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my parents and also my entire family for supporting me in everything that I put my mind to. Having that support has really pushed me to set big goals for myself and it lets me know that I will achieve them.
#12 Danielle Galon
Abilene Christian University
Biology/Pre-med
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
Even though Dr. Hood has only been my teacher this year, she has been so uplifting and encouraging. She made me believe I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. Dr. Hood truly is the best.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
Baking fundraiser cookies with my friends.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
For my HOSA photography event, I had to photograph three different healthcare professionals. It was slightly challenging finding multiple people, but I learned that if you simply ask, there will always be people who will say yes.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
Try to be true to yourself, and don’t worry about what other people think. This way, you will find your own people that will appreciate you for who you are.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My faith inspires me to be the best I can be.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
Earning my CNA practicum because not only did I have to pass the test, I also had to take prerequisites throughout high school.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a first-degree red belt in taekwondo.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me in all that I do and for always being there for me no matter what.
#13 Rachael Sorensen
University of Texas, Austin
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
Participating in the Lady Bulldogs Track and Field program has been transformative for me because of the grit I gained and the friends I made.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
My most cherished high school memory was getting ready to run the 4×4 with my teammates at 11 p.m. in the cold. We tried to hype each other up, but we were all so tired that we didn’t make any sense.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
At the beginning of freshman year, finding my classes was a big challenge for me. I overcame my fear of being a map kid by becoming a map kid and often retracing my steps. I learned that it’s okay to ask for directions.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
Frozen chocolate chips are a killer homework munchie.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
When I doubt my abilities, I think of my 87-year-old grandpa with dementia who decided to go skydiving over spring break. He inspires me to invest in both the long-term and short-term joys of life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
Although not a single event, I think what has been most worthwhile was consistently engaging in activities or goals that I’m bad at…like very bad. In these situations, it’s easy to assume that something “isn’t for me” or “wasn’t a fit.” However, I remind myself that I’m not here to prove intelligence, but to develop it. Then, anything after square one feels like an accomplishment.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy playing my harp with the Abilene Youth Orchestra.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my wonderful parents for supporting me in my academic and personal goals. They always listen and help me balance my priorities.
#14 Garrett Jones
Texas A&M University
Honors Society, Ethics, and Law
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
Debate and powerlifting
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
Mrs. G’s class sophomore year and AP chem. I made some great memories in those classes and got closer with my peers.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
Working almost full time while taking APs was definitely a struggle sometimes. There were some days/weeks that got extremely stressful. The lesson I learned is that even on the hardest days, life will always keep going. It’ll get better eventually, you just got to tough it out.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
Do your best to prepare, but once a grade is in, you might as well just forget about it. No point in stressing when you (usually) can’t do anything about it.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
I would say my friends/peers give me the most inspiration. They have always pushed me to try harder and do better to keep up with them.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
My most proud accomplishment is the time management skills I developed throughout high school – juggling school, work, and a social life. It was a long process, but I’ve been able to learn how to manage my time extremely well and make room for the important things in my life despite how busy I usually am.
What is something most people don’t know about you or is surprising about you?
I think lots of people are surprised that I’m a powerlifter, I guess because people don’t expect kids who take APs to be involved in that kind of thing. But really anyone who is actually smart would know that stressing your health and being active is super important, so it shouldn’t really be that surprising.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
Definitely my fellow top 25’ers. We all got through this together and helped/supported each other. Also, my parents, of course. I couldn’t be in the top 25 if I was living on the street or something, so thank you for setting me up for success from day one.
#15 Selah Appuglies
Hardin-Simmons University
Strategic Communications
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
The school activity that had the most profound impact on me was PALs. PALs provided me with a community of precious, caring people from all different social groups. It also grew my ability to counsel and connect with people, as well as look up and notice the people around me and what they might be going through. I loved spending time with my little pals and learned so much!
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
I do not think I can pinpoint one specific memory, but the most cherished moments that I look back on are the simple moments of connection. When we played a game in class or just talked and I got to forget about school and connect with the students around me.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I moved to Wylie freshman year after moving several other times before. Wylie was by far the largest school I had attended and I was absolutely terrified. In fact, I spent most of freshman year shy and afraid of what people might think of me. As I went through the next years of high school, I slowly grew in confidence and began to reach out to people around me more. Now, as a Senior, I still have to remind myself not to worry what others may think, but I have grown much more confident in who I am and getting involved. Even so, I missed out on many opportunities because of fear and I regret it. I hope to carry this lesson with me to college and be true to myself and take advantage of opportunities without fear.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
My best advice would be to stop caring what other people think of you. If you want to do something, go for it and don’t let fear hold you back. Get involved and make memories.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My family and specifically my parents give me inspiration. They have worked so hard to bring me to the place I am today, and I look up to them in every regard. They are some of the wisest, kindest, and best people I know. My relationship with God also inspires me to do my best in everything that I do in order to honor Him.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of my nomination and acceptance into PALs. I love being a part of the program and am so proud to be considered a leader and role model for younger students, as well as my peers. It is a huge honor to be given the opportunity to speak into children’s lives and spend time with some of the best students in the school.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people do not know that I was homeschooled for most of my primary education. I attended public kindergarten, 5th grade, and 8th grade, but for the rest of my education, I was homeschooled. I learned from different curriculums and was part of several different co-ops that taught logic, Latin, public speaking and other math and science facts mostly in the form of memorization.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my parents because if it wasn’t for their influence and support there is no way I would have been able to achieve this honor. I would also like to thank God for blessing me with a supportive family and the opportunity to go to school and learn.
#16 Jacob Wristen
Texas Tech University, Honors College
Business/Finance
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
I think the most impactful class on who I am today was Mrs. Speer’s Pre AP-Chemistry class my sophomore year of high school because it taught me that hard work and dedication pays off.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
I think I really enjoyed all the band bus rides to and from the football games and competitions because of all the memories I created with my band friends.
Share a time when overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I remember juggling both band practice, schoolwork, and my job altogether at the same time and learning to manage my time, avoid procrastinating and get better at communicating with others.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
You want to put work into your grades early on because it pays off later in high school when you’re competing with fellow students for rankings and scholarships.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My mom gives me inspiration because of how loving and caring she is to both me and others.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I think I’m proudest of finishing 16th overall in the class because I feel like our class was really competitive and has a lot of smart kids with personal drive.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I am a college sports fanatic, and I love college football, basketball, and baseball.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank all my family for their love and support throughout the long many years.
#17 Tara Carson
University of Texas, Austin
Biology/pre-med or psychiatry
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
I had Ms. Blair for three years in high school and each year allowed me to develop my creative side. I love how she makes each of her students feel seen and heard.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
One of my favorite memories was going on a service-learning trip to Lima, Peru as an officer of our school’s Medlife chapter.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I participated in the 2023 Girls State session and had to give a minute long speech on the day we arrived. As someone who isn’t exactly comfortable with public speech, I had to learn that sometimes being forced out of your comfort zone helps you realize your true potential.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
Try new things! Use high school as a time you can experiment and get to know what you find enjoyable. You will never have access to so many free materials and resources.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My parents.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of being a HOSA and Medlife officer as well as part of the pharmacy technician program as I get to help serve my community.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I love building Lego sets, and I have over 30 of them! I also love making origami paper cranes.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my grandparents, my aunt, and all my teachers who have taught me not only to be a good student, but how to be a good person.
#18 Abbie Bulls
Abilene Christian University
Pre-Occupational Therapy
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
I feel like the activity that impacted me most in high school would have to be Belles. The discipline, time management skills, and leadership lessons that I learned I will forever be grateful for. I learned a lot about myself as a person and as a dancer through Belles.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
My most cherished memory in high school would have it be my first football game where I performed on the field for the Belles for the first time and then got to hang out with my friends in the band in the stands. As well as playing “It is Well” for the first time officially.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
In high school, I decided to do a lot of activities at once because of my love for each of them, but this, in turn, made it difficult to time manage each of them. It was very difficult to balance all three activities and school, but I learned a very valuable lesson in communication and productivity. I learned to come out of my shell to talk to my teachers about conflicts and also how to properly set out a plan of action when conflicting schedules arise.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
I would say that high school really does go by fast, and sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in feeling overwhelmed with work and things to do. But in the end, you will just be able to look back on all of the hard times as just a memory. So, make the most of your time by putting yourself out there and having fun. Don’t dwell on stressful moments, appreciate relationships and memories you are making.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
Definitely my parents give me my inspiration towards putting in hard work. Both of them are incredibly smart and talented, and they both worked for what they have. They have been nothing but supportive, and I strive to be like them.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I think the accomplishment that I’m most proud of is being blessed with the opportunity to make leadership roles in two of the activities I did. It was very hard to find a way of properly contributing to both and to connect with those in the activities with me.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Although I had to stop doing some of these for other activities, I actually did five other after school activities in high school — some for just a short period of time, but others I did through the entirety of high school.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
Thank you to my family for all of your help and compassion! Thank you for your endless support and for always being there for me! I could not have done any of the things I did in high school or middle school without y’all!
#19 Alexis LaCroix
Texas A&M University
Nursing
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
I think playing basketball and getting to be a part of the Lady Bulldog basketball program was most impacting on who I am today.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
Senior prom was my favorite! I loved getting ready with all my friends and taking tons of pictures and then dancing all night long and getting to see all the awards everyone won.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
As a sophomore, I sat the bench the whole season on the varsity basketball team, but the following two years I was a starter and got to play. This taught me that if you work hard and give 100% of your effort you can accomplish whatever you want.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
If you’re slightly interested in something, try it! Or if there’s something that you love, do it. These four years go by fast, and you don’t want to look back and regret not doing something you would have enjoyed and loved.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
“Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.” I’m inspired to live out what this quote says in all areas and aspects of my life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I’m proud that I got to be a part of PALs because ever since I was little and got to watch them perform skits, I always looked up to them and wanted to be a part of what they did. I got the privilege to be a PAL both my junior and senior years. It was a blessing getting to invest in younger kids and getting to spend time in class with such amazing and fun classmates and teacher.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I love horses, and one day I want a big ranch with lots of horses and cows, and I want to compete in a rodeo someday.
#20 Jailyn Smith
Undecided
Theatre and Biology
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
Theatre has definitely had the most impact on who I am today. It has brought me so many great memories, friends, and experiences. I have learned so much, especially through acting as different characters, that have made me a better person today.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
Throughout high school I’ve made so many memories that it’s almost too hard to pick one cherished memory. However, one of the first things that came to mind was all of the pep rallies. I always had a great time hanging out with friends, being silly, and having a great camaraderie in the school.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
One of my biggest challenges has been senior year. There is a lot of stress that goes into the year with graduation and also planning for the future. However, I have been able to overcome the stress by taking it all one step at a time. Also, when I needed help, I would ask! This has been super important because people aren’t supposed to do everything by themselves. Although I don’t have everything figured out just yet, I know that everything will fall into place and be okay in the end.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
My biggest advice to the underclassmen would be to stay on top of school yet find a balance between school and your life. During my freshman year, I spent too much time focusing on school that I didn’t have time to be myself and make good connections with friends. During my junior year, however, I made sure to find time for both and it was the best decision I’ve made.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My sister gives me the most inspiration. She has always been someone I look up to, and she was the only older sibling that I had who has gone to college. She has shown me that life isn’t all that bad (or scary), and that if you apply yourself, you can accomplish great things. Her first year in college she was on the Dean’s list, and started a good job that helped her to buy her first car on her own. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful that I have her in my life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
One accomplishment that I’m most proud of is being a regional qualifier my junior and senior year for One-Act Play. All of the relationships I was able to make along the way have helped me so much. We would always lift each other up and worked so hard to accomplish this feat together.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I was a military brat for my whole childhood until I was 16, and that I’ve lived in Texas for the longest amount of time, which is four years total.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my parents for all that they have done. I truly believe that I could not make it to where I am today without them. They have always been my biggest supporters and people who I have looked up to all my life.
#21 Alicia Correa Trujillo
What are your plans upon graduating from WHS?
I will be moving to Minnesota to pursue a degree in Political Science with a Minor in Statistics. Before that though, I’m going to Paris to watch the Olympics!
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
I immediately think of Mrs. Hurst’s seventh grade reading class when I’m asked this. Not only was it a joyful, playful space for me to socialize and enjoy myself, but I also learned so much from her. I think that her explaining basics so thoroughly is the reason I am a good writer today, and writing has been a skill that has gotten me far in my high school career.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve loved my senior year in general. All the lasts: last pep rally, last swim meet, last yearbook. It has just been a great way to close this chapter of my life.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I struggled with balancing my time my junior year. It was a crazy time, and between swim, band, school, UIL competitions, and thinking about college, I was losing my mind a little. I leaned hard on my friends, family, and teachers, though, and their support and my determination got me through.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
I would stress to underclassmen that they need to forget about fitting in. The truth is, everyone is figuring out who they are in high school, and the pressure to fit in or be part of a certain group can be limiting. Try everything! Talk to everyone! Find out what you like without worrying about what others think.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
I think my peers are my greatest motivators. I’ve been in AP and Honors classes since I was in sixth grade and so have many of my best friends and classmates. We’re a competitive group and that competition really drives me forward.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
As a senior, I made it to the A finals at the swimming regional championships. That was a goal of mine since I was a freshman, and getting to parade out with all the finalists, hear my name called out on the speakers before my race, and swim next to some of the fastest swimmers in the state was an incredible experience.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people probably don’t know that I played clarinet when I was younger.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my mom, for driving me everywhere, supporting me always, and putting up with some of my crazy. I’d like to thank my dad for always pushing me and believing in me. I’d like to thank my brother for being my bestie, and I’d like to thank anyone who has ever encouraged me because their support is the reason why I am here.
#22 McKenzie McElyea
Abilene Christian University
Business and Marketing
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
Destination Imagination, but more specifically, Mrs. Cheek! D.I. gave me a found family, and I couldn’t be more grateful to them for pushing me to always be my best.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
My most cherished memory is not just one moment alone, but the culmination of all the activities I have participated in, and the very unique (and sometimes challenging) experience they have allowed me to have.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I learned in high school that everybody makes mistakes, but that there is always forgiveness and grace on the other side.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
The people you are friends with may change around but continue to hold close to those who are consistent and trust that everything will work out exactly how it’s supposed to.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
While it may be cliche, my mom is most certainly my greatest inspiration. She has always been the most bright, positive beam of light in my life and that of others, too. I know that I speak for everyone that knows her when I say that she is the most amazing, most talented, most kind, and most loving woman I have ever had the privilege to know, and I am so grateful to be able to call myself her daughter. I love you so much, momma.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of myself for persevering through the challenges that can come with participating in as much as I do. I never once allowed myself to quit, and never fell behind, either. I stayed strong and for that, I am incredibly proud of myself.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I have had the opportunity to travel all over, from many places in South America to several countries in Europe, and even getting to visit Rwanda next summer!
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I wanted to thank all of my “second/chicken” moms who have always been there for me, just like my actual mom. You have all been such kind, amazing women, and I aspire to be like each and every one of you every day. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the rest of the Metallic Chickens.
#23 Adeline Fellona
Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula, California
Literary Arts
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
The PALs program and the leadership of Mr. Thaxton and Mrs. Jones. They have taught me so much, both in class and outside. The lessons I learned from them will help me be a better leader, mentor and person throughout my life.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
This isn’t a specific memory, but my favorite moment in high school is right after we finish a show, and the cast runs upstage while the curtains close. The energy is electric, and we all recognize that we just shared an impactful story with an audience. I think we bonded more in that moment than throughout the entire rehearsal process.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I grew up as a military kid, so I moved quite frequently. After my eighth-grade year, my family moved here, and I really struggled to find friends in a way I hadn’t before. It’s not that the people weren’t welcoming, but at that age I struggled with confidence. I eventually put myself out there by auditioning for the One-Act Play and made many lasting connections and memories. I learned that I don’t always need people’s approval to have self-respect; it comes from within.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
Live in the moment. It’s so easy to focus on the negatives in life and wish for the future, and you lose sight of what is right in front of you. Be where your feet are and breathe in the moment because it passes by faster than you realize.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My family. Cheering on my sisters inspires me to be the best I can be and learning from the example of my parents gives me the tools I need to succeed.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I advanced to the State UIL meet in Prose. I have been on the team since my sophomore year and seeing my hard work payoff is very fulfilling.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
My dream is to be an author or a journalist and share stories with the world.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me in everything I do. I will always be thankful for their love and dedication. My sisters, for pushing me to be the best I can be, no matter what. Many of my teachers, including Ms. Ray for always believing in me, Ms. Lietz for being there for me when I need to rant (quite often), Mr. Thaxton for imparting invaluable wisdom always, Mrs. Mills for seeing my potential and being the catalyst to my success, Mr. Shoemake for guiding me through the challenges my roles and life presented, and Mrs. Jones for devoting her time and efforts to help me improve and for helping me regain my confidence.
#24 Foster Cave
Texas A&M University
Engineering
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
I think golf, cross country, and track taught me a lot about how success can vary on how much effort you put in, but sometimes it takes a while for the effort to pay off. They also taught me sometimes you do things for the experience of it, and it doesn’t matter how good you are at it.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
Sitting with Michael and Evan in chemistry class.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
I made bad grades on tests all year in AP chemistry and then I studied that weekend and the day of the test and got a 3, which is what I needed to get credit. I learned that things that seem hard and that you put off for a long time are easier than you think if you just sit down and do them.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
Get the most you can out of your free education. Don’t waste your free time, spend it doing something constructive or memorable.
Who or what gives you inspiration?
The thought of how my future is going to turn out. I know if I don’t work hard at things, it won’t turn out how I want it.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
My moccasins I made. I might be prouder of my boots I made, but I had a lot of help and guidance on those, and I think my moccasins are more of an accomplishment seeing as how I taught myself and made my own patterns on those.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m usually surprised when people don’t know things about me. I feel like I’m pretty open about most aspects of my life.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement?
The usual God, friends and family, and Anthony for helping me understand math.
#25 Kynslee George
Texas Tech University
Human Development and Family Studies
What high school activity, class, or teacher most impacted who you are today?
I feel like being involved in extracurricular activities while in school had a major impact on who I am today. I was a part of the softball program all four years of high school and grew and learned so much while playing school ball.
What is your most cherished memory in high school?
My most cherished memory in high school was junior year playoff season. It was the last time I would play with the girls I grew up playing with and knew I wanted to make the most out of it and cherish every moment possible.
Share a time when you overcame a challenge and the lessons learned from it.
My junior year I was on the fence about playing a sport and ended up not loving how it was going so I had to make a tough decision and do what was best for me. I learned to always put myself first even if it may upset some people.
What advice would you give to under classmen about making the most out of their high school experience?
Do you! Don’t be afraid to say yes to things and try new things. It goes by so fast so enjoy it all!
Who or what gives you inspiration?
My brother has always been someone I have viewed to be inspirational. He was the top of his class and pushed himself in everything he did. I have always wanted to have the same determination and hard work ethic he’s had in order to achieve things I didn’t know were possible.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I am proud to be graduating in the top 25 of my class and going to college as a first-generation student.
What is something most people don’t know about you or is surprising about you? I used to not like school but eventually began to enjoy school and am going to college to be a teacher!
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you reach this achievement? I would like to thank my parents and my siblings for all they have done for me and believing in me throughout everything!