Top of the class: McLennan County's top graduates 2011
The Tribune-Herald presents the top high school graduates in McLennan County.
A.J. Moore Academy
Valedictorian: Kimberly Farias
Parents: Nelly and Samuel Arocha.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, studying pre-med with the goal of becoming a therapeutic ophthalmologist.
Activities, organizations: JROTC, Key Club, National Honor Society, Safe School Ambassadors, color guard.
Achievements: Waco ISD Academic Achiever, JROTC company commander, color guard co-captain, Northwest Optimist Club of Waco Award.
Salutatorian: James Y. Rauhut
Parents: Shawna and Lonnie Sibley, Keith Rauhut.
Plans after high school: Attend the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Activities, organizations: Key Club president, City of Waco Youth Council member, swim team captain, lifeguard at the YMCA of Central Texas.
Achievements: Rotary Club of Waco Youth Citizenship Award, Presidential Service Award, Wacoan Star Student, Waco ISD Academic Achiever, multiple first-place medals at the Heart of Texas Regional History Fair.
Axtell High
Valedictorian: Brandon Bordovsky
Parents: Khaki and Wendell Bordovsky.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M University.
Activities, organizations: Student Council, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), FFA, Beta Club, football.
Achievements: Academic all-state football team, all-state football honorable mention, All-A honor roll all four years, UIL academic regional qualifier, Rotary Youth Citizenship Award.
Salutatorian: Joshua Reynolds
Parents: Karen and Rusty Reynolds.
Plans after high school: Attend Sam Houston State University.
Activities, organizations: Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), Student Council, athletics (football, basketball, track and field, baseball), UIL academics, Beta Club.
Achievements: Academic all-state in football, academic all-state in basketball, state qualifer in track, All-A honor roll all four years, UIL academics regional qualifier.
Bosqueville High
Valedictorian: Alannah Domangue
Parents: Wyliene and Mark Domangue.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Activities, organizations: Bosqueville Outreach, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government, children’s ministry leader, varsity sports.
Achievements: Miss BHS, regional track qualifier (three years), regional UIL academics, “Waco’s Best and Brightest” recognition by Wacoan magazine, National Honor Society.
Salutatorian: Taylor Barnes
Parents: Rose and Darrel Barnes.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M University and major in computer engineering.
Activities, organizations: Football, baseball, National Honor Society, Student Council, class officer.
Achievements: Mr. BHS, Wendy’s High School Heisman Award nominee, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Victory Bowl selection, ESPN Central Texas Academic All-Star, all-district in baseball.
Bruceville-Eddy High
Valedictorian: Greg Bostick
Parents: Lotte and Steve Bostick.
Plans after high school: Attend either Texas A&M University or Baylor University.
Activities, organizations: Sports (track, cross country, tennis, baseball, basketball), Beta Club, UIL academics.
Achievements: “Most Likely to Succeed,” state champion in Class 2A boys’ 800 meters (2011), state qualifier in cross country for four years, all-district basketball (two years), all-district baseball (two years).
Salutatorian: Tye Doty
Parents: Cheryl and Alan Doty.
Plans after high school: Attend Tarleton State University.
Activities, organizations: Sports (cross country, track, tennis, baseball, basketball), Beta Club, UIL academics.
Achievements: State champion in Class 2A boys’ 3,200 meters run and silver medalist in 1,600 run (2011), silver medalist in Class 2A state boys cross country (2009 and 2010), class favorite, UIL academics regional qualifier, all-district baseball (two years).
China Spring High
Valedictorian: Sarah Frazier
Parents: Suzanne and Mark Frazier.
Plans after high school: Attend Rice University and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.
Activities, organizations: Band, theater, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra, UIL academic team.
Achievements: National Merit Scholar, High School Aerospace Scholoar, Association of Texas Small School Bands All-State Band, state UIL academic team, National Novel Writing Month Award.
Salutatorian: Michael Martin
Parents: Sue and Bill Martin.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M University and pursue a degree in biomedical engineering.
Activities, organizations: Five-sport letterman, Student Council, National Honor Society, Blue Berets, senior class officer.
Achievements: All-state academic team in football, all-state honorable mention in baseball, National Merit Finalist, First Team Super Centex in baseball, all-district co-MVP in baseball.
Connally High
Valedictorian: Danielle Richter
Parents: Michelle and Jeff Richter.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M University and major in meteorology while a member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band. After graduation, join the Navy and ultimately work as a hurricane hunter for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
Activities, organizations: Band, UIL, National Honor Society, Rotary Challenge team, 4-H.
Achievements: Daughters of the American Revolution-American Legion Bronze Scholastic Medal, All-Academic Award all four years; outstanding senior in band, multiple 4-H Pecan Food Show awards, academic subject awards.
Salutatorian: Kayla Colbert
Parents: Kelly Colbert and Hiram Ervin.
Plans after high school: Attend Xavier University in Louisiana and major in biology/pre-med.
Activities, organizations: Cheerleading, National Honor Society, Key Club, Spanish Club.
Achievements: American Legion Citizenship Award, full-tuition scholarship from Xavier University, HOT Fair & Rodeo Scholarship, Miss Connally High School.
Crawford High
Valedictorian: Allison Smith
Parents: Judy and David Smith.
Plans after high school: Attend Abilene Christian University, majoring in mathematics education and minoring in coaching.
Activities, organizations: Volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS).
Achievements: All-District Offensive MVP in volleyball, all-district honorable mention in basketball, academic all-state teams in basketball and volleyball, three-time regional UIL qualifier, regional tournament qualifier (volleyball in ‘09, basketball in ‘11).
Salutatorian: Jake Talbert
Parents: Robbie and Jimmy Talbert.
Plans after high school: Attend Baylor University and major in marketing with a minor in sports, sponsorship and sales.
Activities, organizations: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), football, basketball, class president.
Achievements: State Farm Texas Scholar Athlete, Texas High School Coaches Association/State Farm Insurance Academic All-State Elite Football Team, 2009 Associated Press all-state first-team defense, 2010 Texas Sports Writers Association all-state first-team defense, 2009 and 2010 Super Centex first-team defense.
La Vega High
Valedictorian: Maggie Kiss
Parents: Helen and Zoltan Kiss.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College and then transfer to Baylor University.
Activities, organizations: Band drum major and sweetheart, Student Council, National Honor Society treasurer, soccer team captain.
Achievements: Homecoming queen, Ms. LVHS, “Most Likely to Succeed,” Band Booster Scholarship, MCC 10% Scholarship.
Salutatorian: Priscilla Smith
Parents: Vickie and Charles Smith.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College and then transfer to Texas A&M University.
Activities, organizations: Band, Student Council secretary, National Honor Society, UIL One-Act Play, class secretary.
Achievements: All-A honor roll for two years, UIL academics, MAC Grant, Band Booster Scholarship, MCC 10% Scholarship.
Lorena High
Valedictorian: Cody Lovejoy
Parents: Juliekay and Paul Lovejoy.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas State University on baseball scholarship and major in engineering.
Activities, organizations: Baseball, track, National Honor Society.
Achievements: Elite academic all-state baseball and track honors, ACT and SAT score recognition, Academic Excellence for four years, all-district and Super Centex in baseball.
Salutatorian: Tyler Underwood
Parents: Carol and Jim Underwood.
Plans after high school: Attend Baylor University and major in math.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), basketball.
Achievements: National Merit Commended Student, ACT and SAT score recognition, first-team all-state in basketball, academic all-state in basketball.
McGregor High
Valedictorian: Hannah Lenamon
Parents: Michelle and James Lenamon.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas Tech University and go to pharmacy school.
Activities, organizations: Golden Flames drill team, UIL academic competition, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), Student Government.
Achievements: Regional qualifier in academic competition, Miss Starlite finalist at McLennan Community College, McLennan County Farm Bureau Talent Find winner (2009 and 2010), Texas Tech Presidential Scholarship, ACT College Readiness Award.
Salutatorian: Erik Perez
Parents: Graciela Perez and Vicente Vences.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of Texas at Austin School of Aerospace Engineering.
Activities, organizations: IGNITE Rocket Program. BEST robotics, art, UIL academic competition, National Honor Society.
Achievements: High School Aerospace Scholars through NASA, HOT BEST robotics champions, first-place individual and team in UIL math, perfect attendance.
Mart High
Valedictorian: Collin Bailey
Parents: Kim and Jeff Varvel and James Bailey.
Plans after high school: Attend Tarleton State University and major in physics.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society, FFA, Student Activities Government, band, tutor for God’s Gang at First United Methodist Church of Mexia.
Achievements: Numerous top student awards including calculus and physics, Outstanding Freshman Band Member Award.
Salutatorian: Raven Summers
Parents: Melissa and Mark Summers.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M University and major in finance.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society president, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Career and Community Leaders of America, Student Activities Goverment, athletics (softball and track).
Achievements: Senior class president, regional qualifier in cross country and track, member of state tournament softball team (2010).
Methodist Children’s Home School
Valedictorian: Preston Duke
Mentors: Kwesi and Tania Williams.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College and later transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Activities, organizations: Six-man football team, cross country and track, UIL academics, welding in FFA, recreation assistant at Boys Ranch.
Achievements: UIL academics, Methodist Children’s Home scholarship.
Salutatorian: Amanda Drumheller
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College to study social work. She hopes to eventually work on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the home of her Native American tribe, the Lakota Sioux.
Activities, organizations: Student Leadership Council, school choir, showed goats in livestock shows in FFA.
Achievements: Bulldog Pride Citizenship Award, Methodist Children’s Home scholarship.
Midway High
Valedictorian: Emily Neubert
Parents: Alison and Mitch Neubert.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M university and major in business honors while competing on the A&M swim team.
Activities, organizations: Varsity and club swimming, Highland Baptist Church youth group and orchestra, National Honor Society reporter, Spanish Club, Spirit of Midway.
Achievements: State champion in 100-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle (2010, 2011), ESPN Academic All Star Team, Academic All-American and AP Scholar, Wendy’s High School Heisman state finalist, All-American Swimmer (2009, 2010, 2011).
Salutatorian: Kurt Lockhart
Parents: Susan and Bill Lockhart.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar and study political science, religion and philosophy.
Activities, organizations: Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), Meistersingers, Mock Trial, National Honor Society, Blue Crew.
Achievements: National Merit Commended Student, Wordmasters champion, AP Scholar, Spirit of Midway four-year recipient, Mr. Midway.
Moody High
Valedictorian: Brianna Denaye Eby
Parents: Sandra and Eugene Eby.
Plans after high school: Earn master’s degree in physical therapy to pursue a career helping those born with physical challenges. those injured in accidents or war, and those who suffer from geriatric disabilities.
Activities, organizations: National Beta Club, band, Student Council, powerlifting and track, McLennan County 4-H Horse Club.
Achievements: State qualifier in powerlifting, region band for alto and tenor saxophone, drum major and alto saxophone section leader in band, McLennan Community College Honors Program, state and national recognition for most service hours in Beta Club at high school.
Salutatorian: Tyler Sellers
Parents: Krista Sellers and Mark and Sabrina Sellers.
Plans after high school: Attend Baylor University and major in accounting.
Activities, organizations: Beta Club, athletics, FFA, junior and senior class president.
Achievements: All-A honor roll, M Award, Beta Club president for two years.
Parkview Christian Academy
Valedictorian: Rachel Russell
Parents: Leisa and Steve Russell.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College to obtain a nursing degree, then transfer to a Bible college with the intent of becoming a medical missionary.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society, Central Texas String Academy, Student Council president, senior choir, Fellowship of the Unashamed.
Achievements: Rotary Club Youth Citizenship Award nominee, All-State Musician, Outstanding Instrumentalist Award, Jane McFarland Scholarship, All-A Honor Roll.
Salutatorian: Regan Gutierrez
Parents: Shea and Chris Gutierrez.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College and then Baylor University to pursue a business degree.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society, Student Government, cheerleading, choir, involved in children’s ministry at Harvest Time Revival Center in Robinson.
Achievements: Class president, varsity volleyball captain and first-team all-district, Principal’s Award, Christian Leadership Award.
Premier High
Valedictorian: Karen Castillo
Salutatorian: Lindsey Russell
Parents: Debbie and Greg Russell.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College and pursue a degree in either photography or physical/massage therapy.
Achievements: Top 10% graduate in class.
Rapoport Academy Meyer High
Valedictorian: Nash Turbeville
Parents: Misti and Kenneth Turbeville.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of North Texas and major in vocal jazz and math.
Activities, organizations: Jazz band, choir, UIL academics, UIL One-Act Play, robotics.
Achievements: UIL state qualifier, Heartland’s Got Talent Competition, Terry Scholar recipient, Best Actor in One-Act Play, Music Association of Central Texas Student Musician of the Year.
Salutatorian: Alan Turbeville
Parents: Misti and Kenneth Turbeville.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of North Texas and major in jazz piano performance.
Activities, organizations: Tips for Bricks (fundraiser to build school in Haiti), UIL One-Act Play, jazz band, Student Council president, Church Under the Bridge/Mr Brother’s Keeper.
Achievements: Music Association of Central Texas Student Musician of the Year, Tribune-Herald Difference Makers Award, Heartland’s Got Talent Competition, Terry Scholar recipient, Volunteer Family of the Year.
Reicher Catholic High
Valedictorian: Chris Gerik
Parents: Caryl and Jeff Gerik.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of Notre Dame and major in chemical engineering.
Activities, organizations: Student Council president, Reicher Ambassador, National Honor Society, class president, football and track.
Achievements: Eagle Scout, member of TAPPS 3A state championship academic/speech team (2010), member of TAPPS 4A state runner-up academic/speech team (2011), member of TAPPS 3A state football champions, Bishop Reicher Award, Waco Symphony Brass.
Salutatorian: Mahek Vellani
Parents: Rashida and Mehdi Vellani.
Plans after high school: Attend Baylor University and major in business.
Activities, organizations: Class treasurer, Reicher Ambassador, TAPPS academic/speech team.
Achievements: Two-time state champion in TAPPS art history competition (2010, 2011), member of TAPPS 3A state championship academic/speech team (2010), member of TAPPS 4A state runner-up academic/speech team (2011), first place in Modern Woodmen of America Creative Writing Essay Contest (2008).
Riesel High
Valedictorian: Michael Jablonowski
Parents: Amie and Mike Jablonowski.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M University and pursue an engineering degree.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, varsity baseball (four years), varsity basketball (three years), varsity football (three years).
Achievements: RHS Most Representative Senior 2011, National Honor Society president, first-team academic all-state basketball, first-team all-district middle infielder, first-team all-district secondary.
Salutatorian: Jennifer Clendening
Parents: Angela Bahajak, Jennifer and Kerry Clendening.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College and study radiology.
Activities, organizations: Band, color guard, athletics, National Honor Society.
Achievements: Centex Honor Band (2011), All A honor roll, perfect attendance.
Robinson High
Valedictorian: Tabitha Hooten
Parents: Denise and Clayton Hooten.
Plans after high school: Attend New York University and major in English.
Activities, organizations: Athletics (volleyball, soccer and powerlifting), Student Council, Link Leader, “Chop Suey” cast member, UIL One-Act Play and number sense.
Achievements: Super Centex soccer goalie, homecoming queen, Miss RHS, National Honor Society co-president, state qualifier in powerlifting.
Salutatorian: Ariel Combs
Parents: Jill Combs and Michael Combs.
Plans after high school: Attend Abilene Christian University and major in biology.
Activities, organizations: Texas Association of Future Educators treasurer, National Honor Society, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS), Link Leader, volleyball.
Achievements: Top 10% Club, Einstein Award, Biology Pre-AP Class Award, Biology AP Class Award, honor roll.
Texas Christian Academy
Valedictorian: Lauren Tidmore
Parents: Shirley and Donnie Tidmore.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College and then transfer to Baylor University and major in journalism with a minor in English and communications.
Activities, organizations: Joy’s School of Dance (classical dance training since age 4, on company performance team since sixth grade), “Motion” youth ministry performance team at Highland Baptist Church, cheerleading (varsity co-captain as senior), basketball (bi-district and area champion, senior captain and 2011 all-district honorable mention), softball, GOLD Youth Leadership Conference representative.
Achievements: Christian National Honor Society, U.S. Achievement Academy Honor Roll Award, Distinguished Christian High School Student Award in Academics/Leadership, Rotary Club Youth Citizenship Award nominee, 2011 Texas Christian Academy Female Star Award (recognizing academics, athletics and leadership).
Salutatorian: Andrew Michael
Parents: Sandra Michael and Monte Michael.
Plans after high school: Attend Elevate, a one-year Christian discipleship program at Antioch Community Church and then begin studies at either McLennan Community College or Baylor University to pursue a degree in computer engineering.
Activities, organizations: Football, Antioch Community Church youth group, mission trips and evangelism, worker in children’s department at Antioch.
Achievements: National Honor Society, A-B honor roll throughout high school.
University High
Valedictorian: Arielle Harris
Parents: Jane and Darwin Harris.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of North Texas and major in international studies with a concentration in peace studies.
Activities, organizations: Academic Decathlon, Academic Achiever, Mock Trial, Art Club.
Achievements: Parent Teacher Student Association Scholarship, LaDainian Tomlinson Scholarship.
Salutatorian: Santiago Vallejo-Gutierrez
Parents: Graciela and Santiago Vallejo.
Plans after high school: Attend McLennan Community College, then transfer to a four-year university to major in film and media studies.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society; Academic Decathlon, History Fair, Lunar Research Project, Glee Club, UIL academics, track and field.
Achievements: National Merit Hispanic Scholar, LaDainian Tomlinson Scholarship, Honors College Tartan Scholarship.
Valley Mills High
Valedictorian: Keri Brookshire
Parents: Michele and Saul Valdez, George Brookshire.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of North Texas.
Activities, organizations: Student Council president, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, National Honor Society treasurer, varsity basketball.
Achievements: Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, all-district basketball, Miss Bosque County 2010.
Salutatorian: Vanessa Baum
Parents: Trish and Doug Baum.
Plans after high school: Attend Baylor University.
Activities, organizations: Student Council, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, National Honor Society president, dance team, band.
Achievements: State UIL qualifier in spelling (second place at regional), first chair in Centex Symphonic Band, Danceline Elite Performer.
Vanguard College Preparatory
Academic Achievement Award: Randall Olmsted
Parents: Marcia and Dr. Jim Olmsted.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of Texas at Austin Plan II program.
Activities, organizations: Student Council co-president, Vanguard Honor Council, National Honor Society, varsity basketball co-captain, second-team all-district basketball, member of TAPPS state basketball runner-up team.
Achievements: Character Above All Else Award, University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Herff Jones Principal’s Leadership Award, Vanguarrd Viking Shield Award, Vanguard Scholar/Athlete Award, Vanguard Shining Star Award.
Waco High
Valedictorian: David Miller
Parents: Beth and Gary Miller.
Plans after high school: Attend Baylor University as a Presidential Scholarship recipient and pursue a degree in political science before going to law school.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society, Texas History Day, Mock Trial team, UIL One-Act Play (honorable mention All-Star Cast), Rotary Club Challenge Team, cross country.
Achievements: Rotary Club Outstanding Young Citizen finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Academic Achiever, HURD Scholarship, Outstanding Advocate finalist for state Mock Trial.
Salutatorian: Fernando Ramirez
Parents: Maria and Jesus Ramirez.
Plans after high school: Attend Rice University to pursue a bio-chemical engineering degree with plans to attend medical school and become a doctor.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society; member of concert, jazz and marching bands; A Cappella and show choirs; Environmental Club; calculus tutor.
Achievements: National Merit Hispanic Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, Questbridge Scholarship providing full tuition to Rice University, Texas Music Educators Association All-State Band, Academic Achiever.
West High
Valedictorian: Kayla Rejcek
Parents: Sharon and Anthony Rejcek.
Plans after high school: Attend Texas A&M University and major in biological and agricultural engineering.
Activities, organizations: National Honor Society reporter, FFA chaplain, Key Club editor, Science Club president, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALS).
Achievements: Regional track qualifier for three years, Texas A&M Lechner Scholarship, Texas Society of Engineers Scholarship, Greater Waco A&M Foundation Scholarship, Hubert O. Roberts Jr. Agricultural Engineering Scholarship.
Salutatorian: Melany Jean
Parents: Gena and Steve Jean.
Plans after high school: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in anthropology in the Honors Program; wants to pursue career as a museum curator.
Activities, organizations: Cross-examination debate, Key Club, Student Council, Drama Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Achievements: Presidential Achievement Scholarship, Visual Arts Scholarship, West Public Library Tale Tellers Scholarship.
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