AXTELL HIGH
Valedictorian • Stephanie Mitchell
Parents: Doug and Julie Mitchell
Plans: Attend Texas A&M University and major in business to become an accountant.
Achievements: FFA officer; National Honor Society member; participated in UIL academics.
Salutatorian • Courtney Stephens
Parents: Mike Stephens, Amber Stephens
Plans: Attend Tarleton State University.
Achievements: National Honor Society; cheerleader; participated in UIL academics; volleyball; softball.
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BISHOP LOUIS REICHER
Valedictorian • Garrett Chollett
Parents: Galen and Becky Chollett
Plans: Attend Trinity University in San Antonio and major in computer science.
Achievements: Robotics team (4 years), captain and lead driver and builder; placed in TAPPS state academics events (4 years); Student Council (4 years); Reicher Leadership Team.
Salutatorian • Alisha Velji
Parents: Sadruddin and Fehmida Velji
Plans: Attend the University of Texas in Austin and major in mathematics.
Achievements: Robotics team (4 years), head notebook and marketing; placed in TAPPS state academics events (4 years); Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership; Reicher Leadership Team; Global Encounters and Virtual Leadership Seminar.
BOSQUEVILLE HIGH
Valedictorian • Emry McDonough
Parents: Bryan and Veronica McDonough
Plans: Attend Baylor University and play softball while majoring in nursing.
Achievements: Super Centex first team softball (2019, 2021); regional track and field qualifier (2018, 2021); basketball, softball and track academic All-State; UIL academics; class president; yearbook editor.
Salutatorian • Madison Walker
Parents: Charles Walker, Teresa Walker.
Plans: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and double-major in cellular biology and physics on a pre-med track. Wants to become a trauma surgeon.
Achievements: Won second place in editorial writing at state UIL; regional UIL qualifier in seven academic events and state qualifier in two; state qualifier in powerlifting; accepted to Freshman Research Initiative at UT-Austin.
BRUCEVILLE-EDDY HIGH
Valedictorian • Camryn Trevino
Parents: Brian and Detria Trevino
Plans: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
Achievements: Student council president; UIL district spelling champion; National Honor Society; Taco Bell Live Más $10,000 scholarship, Bruceville-Eddy Ex-Students $20,000 scholarship.
Salutatorian • Kade Illian
Parents: Joshua and Erin Illian
Plans: Attend Montana State University beginning in fall of 2022.
Achievements: State qualifier to Texas High School BBQ Championship; first place in district UIL Lincoln-Douglas debate; first place in district UIL informative speaking; helped create Gold Rush student section; National Honor Society.
CHINA SPRING HIGH
Valedictorian • Charlye Baker
Parents: Donald and Sara Baker
Plans: Attend Baylor University and major in mechanical engineering.
Achievements: ATSSB All-State Band (4 years); first China Spring student to make TMEA Region and Area orchestras; head section leader in marching band; National Honor Society; Lockheed Martin STEM Scholar.
Salutatorian • Sam Webb
Parents: Nicholas Webb, Julie Talbert
Plans: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in cellular biology and molecular biology.
Achievements: Earned associate of science degree from MCC; drum major (2 years, band was state finalist); All-State trombonist; State Solo and Ensemble (4 years); FFA business management team (3rd at state); competed at state UIL academics in science.
CONNALLY HIGH
Valedictorian • Katheryn McGinty
Parents: Blake and Teri McGinty
Plans: Attend Tarleton State University to earn bachelor’s degree in pre-pharmacy (biomedical sciences).
Achievements: ATSSB Area Band qualifier; National Honor Society officer; marching band drum major and soloist; placed in multiple UIL academic events.
Salutatorian • Bryce Rolan
Parents: Wesley and Tara Rolan
Plans: Attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and major in business.
Achievements: Academic All-State Award; first team all-district outfielder; 4.0 Athlete Award; state finalist in 2020 Latino History Essay competition; National Honor Society.
CRAWFORD HIGH
Valedictorian • Lily Norcross
Parent: Kelley Norcross
Plans: Attend Texas Christian University and major in dietetics.
Achievements: Class vice president; Crawford Booster Club Scholarship; Crawford PTO Scholarship; First Baptist Church Scholarship; Stanley Ford McGregor Scholarship.
Salutatorian • Grace Powell
Parents: Keith and Donna Powell
Plans: Attend Baylor University and play softball while majoring in medical humanities.
Achievements: All-State Softball Tournament Team at catcher; All-State academic softball first team; FCA Victory Bowl softball participant; Beta Club; yearbook staff.
EAGLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Valedictorian • Natalie Bull
Parents: Frank and Melinda Bull
Plans: Attend Baylor University to ultimately earn master’s degree in psychology/social work.
Achievements: National Honor Society president; senior class president; Acteen (girls ministry) senior officer; homecoming queen.
Salutatorian • Matthew Mathis
Parents: John and Tina Mathis
Plans: Attend Dallas Baptist University to major in sports management and compete on the cross country team.
Achievements: TAPPS 1A 3200-meter state champion, TAPPS 1A 1600-meter state champion, TAPPS 1A cross country state champion, National Honor Society vice president; Academic All-State.
GHOLSON HIGH
Valedictorian • Breanna Hajek
Parents: Bobby and Randi Jones
Plans: Attend McLennan Community College and then Texas Tech University to earn degree in education to become a teacher and coach.
Achievements: Cheer captain; volleyball captain; basketball captain; FFA chapter president; honor roll.
Salutatorian • Victor Toca
Parents: Victor Toca Sr., Santos Barrios
Plans: Attend Texas State Technical College to earn a degree in welding, then work toward inspector’s license and eventually become a welding instructor.
Achievements: Student council president (senior year); FFA reporter (junior year); FFA treasurer (sophomore year); Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo Scholarship; TSTC Scholarship.
HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION
Valedictorian • Hannah Chu
Parents: Harold and Aurea Chu
Plans: Attend Baylor University and major in biochemistry on pre-med track.
Achievements: Founded AIM (Aspire, Inspire and Mentor) program during pandemic year; FRC robotics team; First Tech Challenge robotics team captain; SWENext (Society of Women Engineers); Student Council; HOSA.
Salutatorian • Mia Thompson
Parent: Jennifer Thompson
Plans: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in mechanical engineering.
Achievements: National Honor Society vice president; HOSA, American Sign Language Club; College Readiness and Leadership Program; robotics; jiujitsu since middle school; started online business in summer 2020.
LA VEGA HIGH
Valedictorian • Ithzel Rubio
Parents: Juan Rubio, Maria Escobedo
Plans: Attend Rice University and major in psychology.
Achievements: National Hispanic Scholar; Dell Foundation Scholarship; Quest Bridge National College Match finalist; state band soloist; earned associate’s degree from MCC.
Salutatorian • Larry Garcia
Parent: Francisco Garcia
Plans: Attend the University of Michigan and major in business administration with concentration in finance.
Achievements: Participated in UIL math and science competitions; alto saxophone in marching band (3 years); Outstanding Achievement Awards in geometry and Algebra II; National Honor Society; earned associate’s degree from MCC.
LIVE OAK CLASSICAL
Valedictorian • Caleb Chakmakjian
Parents: Stephen and Jennifer Chakmakjian
Plans:Â Attend Baylor University and major in mechanical engineering honors program.
Achievements:Â National Merit Commended Scholar; 3-time International Science and Engineering Fair finalist; 3-time Texas Music Educators Association all-state tenor; 2-time TAPPS all-district and academic all-state basketball.
LORENA HIGH
Valedictorian • Ava Sanders
Parents: Zach and Shannon Sanders
Plans: Attend Texas A&M University and major in allied health to become a physician’s assistant.
Achievements: Ms. LHS; prom queen; Waco Rotary Club recognition; Super Centex soccer first team; district soccer offensive MVP; Smoaky’s Academic All-Stars Scholarship.
Salutatorian • Rylee Ritchie
Parents: Mike and Jana Ritchie
Plans: Attend Texas A&M University and major in allied health to become a physician’s assistant.
Achievements: DAR Good Citizen Award; Waco Rotary Club Youth Citizenship Award nominee; President’s Volunteer Service Award; Miss Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo Scholarship; FCCLA H-E-B Scholarship.
MART HIGH
Valedictorian • Kaylyn Forrest
Parents: Jerry and Sherri Forrest
Plans: Attend McLennan Community College to pursue a nursing degree.
Achievements: MCC Presidential Scholar; National Honor Society vice president; Student Activities Government; Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader; 105.0 grade-point average.
Salutatorian • Allyson Pechacek
Parents: Jeff and Monica Pechacek
Plans: Attend Baylor University Honors College and double-major in business and psychology.
Achievements: Baylor Presidential Academic Scholarship; senior class secretary; Texas High School Coaches Association All-State Academic first team; three-time state champion athletic trainer.
McGREGOR HIGH
Valedictorian • Aimee Bowling
Parents: Bryan and Caren Bowling
Plans: Attend Tulane University’s honors college and major in cell and molecular biology on pre-med track.
Achievements: U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate; Interact Club president; class president; varsity volleyball; Miss MHS; Waco Rotary Club Youth Citizenship Award nominee.
Salutatorian • Kimberli Taylor
Parents: Chris and Sohyun Taylor
Plans: Attend Baylor University in University Scholars program on pre-med track.
Achievements: National Merit Commended Scholar; AP Scholar; College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program Award; Baylor University Scholar; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholar.
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Valedictorian • Nikkie Andrews
Guardians: Grandparents Douglas and Leslie Andrews
Plans:Â Attend McLennan Community College and pursue degree in social work.
Achievements:Â Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce No Boundaries Scholarship; varsity cheerleading; Bulldog Pride student; LEAD program; dance, choir and planning team.
MIDWAY HIGH
Valedictorian • David Park
Parent: Yoo-Mi Chin
Plans: Attend Northwestern University and major in materials science.
Achievements: National Merit Commended Scholar; National AP Scholar; UIL Cross-Examination Debate state semifinalist and Bronze Gavel Speaker Award; UIL state Solo & Ensemble Div. I medalist; Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra concerto competition winner.
Salutatorian • Avery Hammond
Parents: Scott and Kimberly Hammond
Plans: Attend Baylor University as a Business Fellow studying pre-medicine.
Achievements: Founding member, team captain of The SHEnanigans all-girl robotics team; National Charity League Waco chapter president; Waco Rotary Club Youth Citizenship Award nominee; cross country captain; Panther Patrol.
MOODY HIGH
Valedictorian • Darian Rogers
Parents: Roy and Teresa Rogers
Plans: Attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in kinesiology, eventually go into occupational therapy.
Achievements: Moody ISD Scholarship; 4.0 grade-point average; earned associate’s degree from MCC with highest honors.
Salutatorian • Mercedez Kunze
Parents: Kenneth Sells, Lynda Brown
Plans: Attend the University of Texas at Austin with double-major of government, international relations and global studies.
Achievements: State Cross-Examination Debate; regional UIL impromptu speaking; robotics championship; earned associate’s degree from MCC with honors.
PARKVIEW CHRISTIAN
Valedictorian • Cody Tindle
Parents: Brian and Laci Tindle
Plans: Attend Texas A&M University and earn bachelor’s degree.
Achievements: Phi Theta Kappa collegiate honor society; All-State football first team at tight end; FCA Victory Bowl; Educators Credit Union Scholarship; Fin Benton Pope Memorial Scholarship.
Salutatorian • Caitlin Gibbs
Parents: Jay and Heather Gibbs
Plans: Attend McLennan Community College and major in radiology.
Achievements: Volleyball; basketball; softball; active in youth group at Parkview Baptist Church and went on several mission trips across the United States.
PREMIER HIGH
Valedictorian • Ana Martinez
Parents: Hugo Martinez, Ana Enriquez
Plans: Attend McLennan Community College and study accounting.
Achievements: Early graduate; provided Spanish tutoring.
Salutatorian • Hannah Kennemer
Parents: Robby and Kelli Kennemer
Plans: Attend Tulsa Community College.
RAPOPORT MEYER HIGH
Valedictorian • Chrishawnie McWilliams
Guardian: Samantha Luke
Plans:Â Attend Texas State University and study biology (pre-med).
Achievements:Â Graduated with associate of arts degree through MCC; Student Council; volleyball; track; basketball.
Salutatorian • Zachary Deckard
Parents:Â Jeremy and Brittany Deckard
Plans:Â Attend the University of Texas at Austin to study graphic design.
Achievements:Â Graduated with associate of arts degree through MCC; Student Council president; placed in Visual Arts Scholastic Event competition; basketball (team went to playoffs).
RIESEL HIGH
Valedictorian • Hunter Glenn
Parents: Vincent and Jaime Glenn
Plans:Â Attend MCC in the fall and later transfer to pursue a bachelor degree in nursing.
Achievements: First team All-State in football; 4-year varsity letterman; 2021 Smoaky’s Academic All-Star; McLennan County Livestock Show (1st place for sheep, 2018; 5th place for goats, 2019).
Salutatorian • William McClintock
Parents:Â Tom and Heather McClintock
Plans:Â Attend Missouri Western State University and pursue a bachelor degree in nursing.
Achievements:Â All-district offense and defense in football (2019-2021); academic All-State team (2020); All-Centex honorable mention (2020); 4-year varsity letterman.
ROBINSON HIGH
Valedictorian • Zachary Hoelscher
Parents: Glenn and Lisa Hoelscher
Plans:Â Attend Texas A&M University to study biomedical science, then medical school to become endocrinologist.
Achievements:Â Robinson 4-H (9 years, district and state officer, Gold Star Award); FFA Lone Star Degree; Rotary Club Youth Citizenship Award winner; NHS president; class president; Mr. RHS.
Salutatorian • Brooke Ashcraft
Parents:Â Tony and Karen Ashcraft
Plans:Â Attend Baylor University to study psychology on the pre-law track.
Achievements: Academic All-State volleyball, basketball and track; All-State volleyball and track; Smoaky’s Academic All-Star; Stephen Mackey Letterman to Leadership Award; Miss RHS; National Honor Society.
UNIVERSITY HIGH
Valedictorian • Karin Rodriguez
Parents: Abel and Araneli Rodriguez
Plans:Â Attend the University of Texas and major in engineering.
Achievements: National Hispanic Recognition Scholar; AP Scholar with Honors; earned associate’s degree through Accelerate program; soccer; ambassador for UHS Engineering Academy.
Salutatorian • Emily Alvarado
Parent:Â Cecilia Alvarado
Plans:Â Attend Sam Houston State University and major in psychology, minor in human services.
Achievements:Â Academic Achiever (3 years); National Honor Society officer; Smith-Hudson Scholarship; Dan and Jean Rather Scholarship; student council; choir.
VALLEY MILLS HIGH
Valedictorian • Kaelynna Fikes-Jaimes
Parents: Pedro and Nichole Jaimes
Plans:Â Attend McLennan Community College, then Baylor University and major in business management.
Achievements: UIL academics; yearbook staff; tennis; Peer Assistance and  Leadership (PALS); Las Estrellas de Waco.
Salutatorian • Valerie Lozano
Parents:Â Ricardo Huitron and Alejandra Cartagena
Plans:Â Attend Abilene Christian University and major in accounting.
Achievements: Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA); UIL academics; student council; Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALS).
VANGUARD COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Academic Excellence • Elizabeth Watson
Parents: José and Marta Watson
Plans:Â Attend Yale University and major in neuroscience and English on a pre-med track.
Achievements:Â National Merit Commended Scholar and Hispanic Scholar; Vanguard Review editor; Liquid Paper co-editor; Teen Leadership team; student council (6 years); vice president (11th, 12th).
WACO HIGH
Valedictorian • Evelyn Guevara
Parents: Juan Guevara and Camerina Mendoza
Plans:Â Attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in biochemistry on pre-med path.
Achievements:Â AP Scholar with Distinction; Terry Scholarship at UT-Austin; Gates Scholarship finalist; UIL orchestra ensemble state qualifier; Academic Achiever.
Salutatorian • Bonnie Gibson
Parents:Â Brent and Katherine Gibson
Plans:Â Attend Abilene Christian University and major in biology.
Achievements: AP Scholar with Distinction; R.L. Money Chancellor’s Award; Academic Achiever; ACU Presidential Scholarship; ACU Honors Fellow Scholarship.
WEST HIGH
Valedictorian • Kaylin Gerik
Parents: Ronnie Joe Gerik and Jennifer Gerik
Plans:Â Attend Texas A&M University and major in civil engineering.
Achievements:Â Head drum major of Pride of West Band; National Honor Society president; class of 2021 vice president; Terry Foundation Scholarship at Texas A&M; NHS Scholarship.
Salutatorian • Hailey Routson
Parents:Â Wesley Routson, Tanya and Don Snook
Plans:Â Attend U.S. Air Force Academy to pursue degree in aerospace engineering, become fighter pilot.
Achievements: Texas Technology Student Association state sergeant-at-arms; All-American Mascot (4 years); College Board Rural and Small School Recognition Program; Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Summit.