Top area grads tell plans
Diana Gonzalez, Valedictorian, Bloomington High School
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Editor's note: We received incomplete information from four schools. We will print those when the information is complete.
Area graduations are over and the graduates are making plans. Here are area high school valedictorians and salutatorians and their plans for the future.
Victoria County
Bloomington High School
Valedictorian
Name: Diana Gonzalez
Age: 18
Parent: Maria Gonzalez
Immediate Plans: attend St. Mary's University in San Antonio, major in engineering
Salutatorian
Name: Crystal Danielle Alvarado
Age: 18
Parents: Rosemary Garcia-Atwell and Daniel Alvarado
Achievements: Student Council president; National Honor Society vice president; first place, district editorial writing; academic scholarship to St. Edwards
GPA: 101.096
Immediate Plans: attend St. Edward's University-Austin, major in psychology and music therapy
Faith Academy
Valedictorian
Name: Alice Ja-naysia Rodriguez
Age: 17
Parents: Jason and Tamara Burmeister
Achievements: President of Christian National Honor Society; highest GPA throughout high school; finalist for Wendy's Heisman award.
GPA: 3.9875
Immediate Plans: attend University of Houston-Victoria, major in business management and accounting
Salutatorian
Name: Courtney Erin Thomas
Age: 18
Parents: Michael R. and Mary Thomas
Achievements: National Christian Honor Society, 2007-10; Student Council president, 2010; DeTar Hospital Volunteer Service Scholarship recipient; honorable mention all-district volleyball, 2010
GPA: 99.625
Immediate plans: attend UHV, major in business, goal to own an interior design boutique
Memorial High School
Valedictorian
Name: Adam Groenhuyzen
Age: 18
Parents: Ralph and Chris Groenhuyzen
Achievements: Eagle Scout; Top 10, 2006-10; NASA High School Aerospace Scholar; first place VISD Science & Engineering Fair, 2008
GPA: 112.9889
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M-College Station, major in aerospace engineering
Salutatorian
Name: Jacob Daniel Motl
Age: 18
Parents: Anthony and Pamela Motl
Achievements: Top 10, 2006-10; TMEA Music Scholar, 2008-10; Math Award 2010
GPA: 111.4624
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M, major in electrical engineering
St. Joseph High School
Valedictorian
Name: Christian Travis Wade Maxwell
Age: 17
Parents: Jerome and Patricia Maxwell
Achievements: National Merit Outstanding Participant; president, National Honor Society, 2009-10; second state poetry division for Catholic Daughters of America, 2006-07
GPA: 102.157
Immediate Plans: attend Yale University and pursue a Bachelor of Science
Salutatorian
Name: Amanda Boozalis
Age: 18
Parents: George and Debbie Boozalis
Achievements: National Merit Commended Scholar, National Society of High School Scholars, National Honor Society, straight 5s on AP tests
GPA: 101.441
Immediate Plans: attend Washington University in St. Louis
DeWitt County
Cuero High School
Valedictorian:
Name: Dustin Wade Hajek
Age: 17
Parent: Donna Hajek
Achievements: Top College Chemistry student; seventh place at TMSCA State in Science; fourth in state for JETS
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University-College Station, major in chemistry and minor in chemical engineering
Salutatorian:
Name: Kenna Denae Neitch
Age: 18
Parents: Dwight and Donna Neitch
Achievements: National Merit Scholar Commended student; UIL state qualifier for ready writing, and solo/ensemble for band and choir; four-time Academic Achievement winner
Immediate Plans: Attend Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, major in English literature and minor in music.
Yorktown High School
Valedictorian:
Name: Austin Ray Seifert
Age: 18
Parents: Darren and Laurie Seifert
Achievements: AP pre-calculus, AP English and AP Spanish; UIL math awards; Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Most Outstanding Student Award; $4,000 Presidential Scholarship to Texas A&M-Kingsville
GPA: 99.3
Immediate plans: attend Texas A&M-Kingsville, major in civil engineering
Salutatorian:
Name: Kale Corwin Wagner
Age: 18
Parents: Craig and Sharon Wagner
Achievements: 21 college hours while in high school; $10,000 scholarship to Texas Lutheran College; UIL Top 10 percent of Class Award; honorable mention all-state defensive end in football
Final GPA: 95.36
Immediate plans: attend Texas Lutheran University, major in athletic training and kinesiology.
Goliad County
Goliad High School
Valedictorian
Name: Elizabeth Renee Garza
Age: 17
Parents: Rene and Rosie Garza
Achievements: National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar; first in class since seventh grade; San Antonio Express News All Region A Team; regional qualifying UIL calculator team
GPA: 5.19811
Immediate Plans: attend St. Mary's University Honors Program, major in biology with goal to become dermatologist
Salutatorian
Name: Jon Heibel
Age: 18
Parents: Jonathan and Kimberly Heibel
Achievements: Commended National Merit Scholar; second team All-District baseball; FFA elected reporter; varsity letterman in three sports
Immediate Plans: Attend Texas A&M University, major in chemical engineering
Jackson County
Edna Christian Academy
Valedictorian
Name: Makayla Lynn McLeod
Age: 17
Parents: Michael and Jackie McLeod
Achievements: Pastor's Award; Thousands Club; honor roll all quarters; Scripture Memorization Award
GPA: 4.4875
Immediate Plans: attend Victoria College, will transfer to a university to study veterinarian medicine
Salutatorian
Name: Michael Matthew McLeod
Age: 19
Parents: Michael and Jackie McLeod
Achievements: Scripture Memorization Award
GPA: 4.25
Immediate Plans: Attend Victoria College, will transfer to a university to study pharmacology
Edna High School
Valedictorian:
Name: Jana Lee Kubecka
Age: 18
Parents: Dan and Wanda Kubecka
Achievements: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp attendee and counselor; Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Camp; student council president
GPA: 5.4790
Immediate plans: attend Texas A&M University-College Station, major in biomedical science
Co-Salutatorian
Name: Ryan Patrick Blue
Age: 18
Parents: Chris and Brenda Blue
Achievements: Presidential Gold Scholar; Hugh O'Brian Leadership Participant; honor graduate; National Honor Society
GPA: 5.2441
Immediate plans: attend Baylor University, major in MT-Physical Therapy
Co-Salutatorian
Name: Traci Michelle Cowan
Age: 17
Parents: Roy and Nikki Cowan
Achievements: Honor graduate; Terry Scholar; National Honor Society
GPA: 5.2441
Immediate Plans: attend Texas State University-San Marcos, major in biochemistry/pre-dental
Ganado High School
Valedictorian
Name: Lindsey Ann Carroll
Age: 18
Parents: Stephen and Dana Carroll
Achievements: National Honor Society; distinguished graduate; completed 27 college hours
GPA: 4.243
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University, major in biomedical sciences, plans to become a pediatrician
Salutatorian
Name: Tyler Jered Biehle
Age: 18
Parent: Jere Biehle
Achievements: State UIL academic qualifier; National Honor Society; distinguished graduate; completed 26 college hours
GPA: 4.212
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University, major in computer engineering
Industrial High School
Valedictorian:
Name: Megan Leah Woodring
Age: 18
Parents: Gary and Kathleen Woodring
Achievements: Eight week paid internship at Johnson Space Center; member of NASA Inspire online learning community; one of two Texas delegates to National Youth Science Camp in Charleston, W.V.; member of State UIL science team in 2008
GPA: 102.81250
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M-College Station, major in aerospace engineering
Salutatorian:
Name: Landon Williams
Age: 18
Parents: Chad and Rita Williams; Mariett and Steve Moore
Achievements: Area Go Texan Scholarship winner; Texas State Achievement Scholarship winner; Lone Star Scholarship winner; UIL mathematics regional winner
GPA: 100.90625
Immediate Plans: attend Texas State in San Marcos
Lavaca County
Hallettsville High School
Valedictorian:
Name: Jacob Thomas Neskora
Age: 18
Parents: Alice Wagner and Thomas Neskora
Achievements: UIL regional qualifier in math, physics; National Honor and Spanish National Honor societies member; co-captain of state semifinalist basketball team; Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader
GPA: 5.39
Immediate Plans: attend the University of Texas at Austin, major in chemical engineering
Salutatorian:
Name: Tori Nicole Appelt
Age: 18
Parents: Mike and Darlene Appelt
Achievements: One-act play all-star cast and honorable all-star cast; regional qualifier for high jump in track; academic all district honors in basketball and volleyball, four years; member of student council, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society
GPA: 5.13
Immediate Plans: Attend Texas A&M in College Station, major in mathematics, specializing in actuary science
Moulton High School
Valedictorian:
Name: Wade Michael Zidek
Age: 18
Parents: Kenneth and Lisa Zidek
Achievements: State alternate - UIL chemistry 2009; All A's for 12 years; Regional UIL competitor 9-12 grade
GPA: 4.0
Immediate Plans: Attend Texas State University, major in physical therapy
Salutatorian:
Name: Taylor Michelle Dees
Age: 18
Parents: Jeff and Rhonda Dees
Achievements: State alternate - UIL headline writing and science; honor roll; United States Achievement Academy
GPA: 4.0
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University-College Station, major in nutritional science
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Co-valedictorian:
Name: Clay Bludau
Age: 17
Parents: Phillip and Lea Bludau
Achievements: 2009-2010 Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Senior Student; Texas Farm Bureau Leadership Conference, 2009; 2009 football beau; class president (senior year)
GPA 100.536
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University-College Station, major computer engineering.
Co-Valedictorian
Name: Emma Gray
Age: 18
Parents: Sara McDaniel and Doug Gray
Achievements: Junior class president; third place team at Victoria Knowledge Bowl; 2008 Gold Leadership Conference; tennis team state champions ninth- 11th grade, doubles champions 11th grade
GPA: 100.536
Immediate Plans: attend The Colorado School of Mines, major in mechanical engineering, specializing in renewable energy
Salutatorian:
Name: Megan Pavlicek
Age: 18
Parents: Jay and Suzanne Pavlicek
Achievements: National Honor Society president; Wendy's High School Heisman School Award winner; Softball-first team all-district, second team all-state, all-tournament; John Philip Sousa Band Award
GPA 100.0
Immediate Plans: attend Blinn College in Schulenburg and then transfer to Texas A&M University in College Station, major in accounting.
Shiner High School
Valedictorian
Name: Karrie Elpers
Age: 18
Parents: Rickie and Cecilia Elpers
Achievements: First in class since eighth grade; UIL science team, second in region, 2008; yearbook editor, 2010; student council president, 2010
GPA: 101.938
Immediate Plans: attend the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, major in English
Salutatorian
Name: George Colton Watzlavick
Age: 18
Parents: George and Sue Watzlavick
Achievements: National Honor Society member; student council member, 2007-09; 31 hours college credit; member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Victoria College
GPA: 4.0
Immediate Plans: attend the University of Texas-Austin as a first-year sophomore, major in exercise physiology
Shiner St. Paul High School
Valedictorian
Name: Justin Pesek
Age: 18
Parents: Anthony and Donna Pesek
Achievements: President's Award for Educational Excellence; DAR Citizenship Award, essay winner; National Honor Society member; TAPPS advanced math state qualifier
GPA: 4.0
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University, major in biomedical sciences to become a physician.
Salutatorian
Name: Brandon Pesek
Age: 18
Parents: Anthony and Donna Pesek
Achievements: National Honor Society member; academic all-state football; president's award for educational excellence; TAPPS state spelling qualifier
GPA: 3.97
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University, major in education
Matagorda County
Tidehaven High School
Valedictorian
Name: Reid Thomas Alley
Age: 18
Parents: Steven and Christy Alley
Achievements: Accepted into the Partnership for Primary Care at Texas A&M University; high point student in class eighth - 12th grade; first place at State Bar of Texas Area Citizen's Bee, advanced to state; Who's Who Among All-American High School Scholars
GPA: 99.982
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University-College Station, study biomedical science.
Salutatorian
Name: Brooke Jana' Holzapfel
Age: 17
Parents: Penny and Bill Holzapfel
Achievements: Academic all-state in volleyball, basketball and softball; UIL Scholar Award; National Who's Who in Academics and Sports (local also); Wharton County High Honors Scholarship
GPA: 97.7
Immediate Plans: attend Wharton County Junior College first year, then transfer to Texas State University, major in interdisciplinary studies
Refugio County
Refugio High School
Valedictorian
Name: Dylan Wade Klare
Age: 18
Parents: Wade and Judy Klare
Achievements: First team academic all-state; second place computer science team member; National Society of High School Scholars; UIL Scholar Award
GPA: 100.4
Immediate Plans: attend Rice University with a full athletic scholarship for football, major in environmental engineering
Salutatorian
Name: Brittney Renee Gumm
Age: 17
Parents: Bryan and Linda Gumm
Achievements: Alfred Marshall Academic Girl Athlete Award, 2009 and 2010; Refugio High School Outstanding Senior nominee; President's Award for Educational Achievement; Calculus award, 2010
GPA: 98.435
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University, major in biomedical sciences; plan to eventually pursue a career as an anesthesiologist
Woodsboro High School
Valedictorian
Name: Meagan Alysse Niemann
Age: 18
Parents: Richard and Beth Niemann
GPA: 99.067
Achievements: Board of Trustees Academic Excellence Award; National Honor Society; yearly Distinguished Honor Roll Award; outstanding senior of Woodsboro High School
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M-College Station
Salutatorian
Name: Mallory Lynn Jessop
Age: 19
Parents: Jeff and Melissa Jessop
GPA: 98.923
Achievements: Board of Trustees Academic Excellence Award; scholar award; President's Award for Educational Excellence; academic all-state golf and outfielder
Immediate Plans: attend Texas A&M University-College Station, major in biomedical science.
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