2022 Graduation Guide

Killeen High School Page 5

Shoemaker High School Page 8

Ellison High School

Top-ranked Killeen High School students discuss future plans

BY TODD MARTIN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Page 10

Harker Heights High School Page 12

Early College High School Page 15

Copperas Cove High School Page 18

Lampasas High School Page 19

Belton High School

Page 20

Belton New Tech High School Page 21

Gatesville High School Page 22

Florence High School Page 23

The two top-ranked Killeen High School Class of 2022 graduates chose to pursue the most rigorous courses available, while packing their schedule with athletics, fine arts and leadership opportunities.

Alison Howe is the valedictorian and Brianna Fruik is the salutatorian in this year’s KHS graduating class. “I received the email and I cried,” said Howe of finding out she finished first in her class. “The weight of it hit me. All the work was worth it in that moment. My parents cried, too.”

Acknowledging that she is a competitive person, the daughter of Robert and Catherine Howe moved to Fort Hood with her military family her freshman year and dove into top academic classes and varsity soccer. She began taking classes through Central Texas College through KISD’s STEM Academy as a sophomore but switched to the Texas Bioscience Institute connected to Temple College,

where she completed the two-year dual credit program and earned an associate degree.

“That was probably the best choice I could have made,” she said of TBI.

“The professors there treated us like college students. It was a learning curve. You could never slack off. I’m so glad I learned there.”

In addition to tackling college-level, STEM courses, Howe played varsity soccer four years and up until her senior year managed to play with an Austin-based club soccer team.

Sometimes, the club team schedule required the family to travel out of state to games. “I took all my books and managed to study between games,” she said.

The intense schedule, made even more demanding with virtual schooling her junior year, forced her to organize.

“It was hard to do both. I had to find balance,” she said. “I’m so appreciate I was able to study when I needed to

Alison Howe, right, is the valedictorian and Brianna Fruik is the salutatorian in the Killeen High School Class of 2022. Graduation is set for 2 p.m. Friday at the Bell County Expo Center.

Congratulations, Killeen High Class of 2022!

Killeen: Both graduates heading to Texas A&M University

— it was definitely worth it.”

The salutatorian’s schedule was no less challenging.

The daughter of Nathaniel and Cecelia Fruik attended Brookhaven Elementary and Rancier Middle School, was determined to participate in the Kangarettes dance team, the Roo Band and take top-level courses to maximize her grade-point average.

The past two years, Fruik has used three class periods for band, dance team and an additional dance period as a Kangarettes officer. She was the colonel, the top leadership position, as a senior.

“I packed my schedule as tight as I could and took all the AP classes I could,” she said.

“Colleges look at how well-rounded you are,” she said. “I’ve been in dance

since I was 4, so I knew I wanted to dance. I started playing the flute in sixth grade and fell in love with it. Those extra facets of high school allowed me to express myself and to get involved more in the community.”

There were people in her life who urged her to pare down the activities, but Fruik praised her dance and band directors in high school and her middle school band director for working with her to allow her to pursue all.

The top KHS graduates will continue to be classmates as they transition to Texas A&M University this fall. Howe is planning to study engineering and Fruik is set to study dance science.

Killeen High School graduation is 2 p.m. Friday, May 27 at the Bell County Expo Center.

Todd MarTin is a Communications Specialist with the Killeen Independent School District.

Strange roads led to top spots for Shoemaker students

BY TODD MARTIN

SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

The top Shoemaker High School graduates have walked unusual paths to the top of the Class of 2022.

This year’s valedictorian is Christopher Adkins and salutatorian is Mekaila Vila.

The top-ranked Adkins attended Reeces Creek and Haynes elementary schools, Patterson and Smith middle schools and transferred to Shoemaker High School because he was impressed with the athletics program.

Always an athlete growing up, Adkins jumped into football and powerlifting, was sidelined for a year due to injury and came back his senior year but spent as much time in an afterschool and weekend job as he did in the classroom.

Vila lived her young life in North Carolina, Hawaii and Germany with her military family before settling in Guam where she began high school.

A military move brought the family to Fort Hood and Vila had to adjust from a small, private school where

there were 60 students in her class to a large public high school.

“This is the first public school I’ve been to,” she said. “I went from 60 in my class to 600. It was a big change.”

To her credit, she has thrived in the midst of uncertainty.

Her sophomore year — her first in a large, public school was cut short by COVID-19. She spent her junior year as a virtual student and her senior year she has mostly attended Central Texas College as a KISD STEM Academy student.

Still, she played volleyball and soccer, ran cross-country and was

Shoemaker High School Class of 2022 valedictorian is Christopher Adkis and salutatorian is Mekaila Vila. Graduation is set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 27 at the Bell County Expo Center.

part of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and Youth Sponsorship at Shoemaker High.

“It was definitely relieving,” she said of finding out her No. 2 rank. “I’ve been working toward it since sophomore year. My counselor here told me I had the potential to be high up in the class, so I started to work toward that.”

She plans to continue studying locally, attending Texas A&M University Central Texas to pursue a degree in computer science.

“Overwhelming and underwhelming,” is how Adkins described his feel-

ings when he found out he was ranked at the top of his class. “It’s a huge accomplishment. I put in the effort, but I still have more to do.”

While many of his peers went virtual in the middle of their high school experience, Adkins remained on campus face-to-face.

He took numerous AP classes and chose to continue taking academic core classes even when he satisfied the requirements for graduation.

Even working a full academic load and competing with the powerlifting team, this school year he has worked at Cavender’s Boot City, often logging 40 hours after school and on weekends.

He plans to attend Texas State University and study human resources management with the intention of staying with the western wear retailer. “I like the ompany and want to keep working there,” he said.

Shoemaker High School graduation is set for 9 a.m. Friday, May 27 at the Bell County Expo Center.

Congratulations, Shoemaker High Class of 2022!

Todd MarTin is a Communications Specialist with the Killeen Independent School District.

TODD MARTIN KISD

top two both participated in STEM Academy at CTC

BY TODD MARTIN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

This year’s top two Ellison High School Class of 2022 seniors are Killeen natives who labored academically to rise to the top and found creative outlet and close friends in fine arts.

Brianne Gaines is the Ellison High School Class of 2022 valedictorian and Kimberly Niemiec is the salutatorian.

“It feels pretty good. It’s exciting,” said Gaines of finishing at the top of her class. “I’ve accomplished what I’ve been working toward the past three years.”

She attended Reeces Creek and Timber Ridge elementary schools, Liberty Hill and Smith middle schools and Ellison High School, where she split time at Central Texas College as a STEM Academy student.

Gaines also made time to participate heavily in technical theater and was student council president and National Honor Society president.

“I’ve always taken the hardest

course work, all honors, AP and dual credit,” she said.

“I think it was pure force of will,” she said, explaining her method of academic success. “I put in long hours, a lot of sleepless nights finishing essays and assignments. I’ve sacrificed a lot taking college classes.”

Very often, Gaines said, it was the evening work behind the stage in the Ellison theater department that kept her going.

“Being in theater was daunting at

first,” she said, “but it helped me to break out of my shell. It gave me a support group and most of my close friends.”

The class salutatorian said she was nervous about speaking at graduation in front of her peers.

“Overall, I was really scared because I have to speak,” she said.

“I was excited, too. I’ve been ranked second and third and it felt good to be second.”

Niemiec attended Timber Ridge

Elementary School and Liberty Hill Middle School prior to moving on to Ellison High School.

She has been part of the KISD STEM Academy, taking classes online and in-person at CTC during the school year and in the summer.

She also excelled in the school band as a French horn player and as the brass colonel, a leadership post she did not seek out.

“I had a lot of good support,” she said, pointing out two high-achieving sisters, as well as friends in academic circles and the directors and close friends in band.

“It was humbling my freshman year to start at the bottom,” she said of band. “Now, I’m first chair and have had solos. I was afraid to take charge, but others saw something in me, and they made me apply. I came out of my shell.”

Ellison High School graduation is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at the Bell County Expo Center.

Congratulations, Ellison High Class of 2022!

Todd MarTin is a Communications Specialist with the Killeen Independent School District.

TODD MARTIN KISD Brianne Gaines is the Ellison High School Class of 2022 valedictorian.

TODD MARTIN KISD Kimberly Niemiec is the Ellison High School Class of 2022 salutatorian.

Top Harker Heights students both found success in music

BY TODD MARTIN S PECIAL TO THE H ERALD

They attended local schools from the elementary grades all the way up, found creative outlets and important friendships in the fine arts and wound up at the top of their graduating class.

Grace Koh is the valedictorian and Rachel Roberts is the salutatorian of the Harker Heights High School Class of 2022.

Koh is a three-time AllState Orchestra violinist and part of the National Youth Orchestra. She is headed to Northwestern University in Illinois on scholarship and will study music education.

Roberts is part of the award-winning Pitch Black acapella ensemble in the

school choir, a Knight Club performer and member of the Knights of the Round Table. She is headed to

Texas Tech University and the honors program where she plans to study architecture.

Grace Koh, right, is the valedictorian and Rachel Roberts is the salutatorian of the Harker Heights High School Class of 2022. Graduation is 7 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at the Bell County Expo Center.

ranked first, second and third at various times the past four years. She is the orchestra president and National Honor Society president. Showing her range, she is also the school’s prom queen.

“I was excited,” said Roberts of finding out she is salutatorian. “I’ve been (ranked) two to four the last few years. I was happy to find out I was still second.”

“It’s very rewarding and relieving,” said Koh. “It’s worth all the hard work I put into it.” She has been

She took numerous Advanced Placement and dual credit classes, was part of the architecture program at the KISD Career Center and performed with the school choir. She was also part of National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society.

“It’s been a lot of study-

Congratulations, Harker Heights Class of 2022!

TODD MARTIN KISD

HeigHTs: Looking forward to new cities, new perspectives

ing and late nights,” Roberts said. “This has been a goal since freshman year.”

“Winning Aca Tex was exciting,” she said of the Dallas choir competition that Pitch Black won last fall. “I’ll always remember my choir family and my academic family. I’ve known Grace since middle school and have appreciated her support.”

She is the daughter of Burk and Cindy Roberts and attended Mountain View Elementary and Union Grove Middle School before moving on to Harker Heights High School.

Koh and Roberts, seated together to talk about their class rankings, agreed that they have been part of something special and that they are prepared for the next challenge.

“It will be a fresh start for me,” said Koh of moving on to the Chi-

cago area and Northwestern. “I’ve been in Killeen since first grade. I’m going to a bigger city, and I expect to widen my perspective.”

The daughter of Youmi Kim and Sang Koh attended Trimmier and Venable Village elementary schools, Union Grove Middle School and Harker Heights High School.

“We have been here so long,” Koh said of she and Roberts. “We have lots of friendships, lots of teacher relationships and extra-curricular experiences. I think we’re both glad for a fresh start.”

The Harker Heights High School Class of 2022 graduation is 7 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at the Bell County Expo Center.

Early College top duo worked hard to retain rankings

BY TODD MARTIN SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

The top two graduates of the Killeen ISD Early College High School Class of 2022 happened into the specialized high school and finished at the top academically.

“I was happy to find out,” valedictorian Devin Xiao said of his status at the top of the class. “I was proud of myself. I had been (ranked) two or three at times.”

After attending Saegert Elementary School and Manor Middle School in Killeen, he began high school at Ellison, but a counselor there suggested that the Early College, mixing two years of college with high school might be a good fit.

In the beginning, Xiao said, he was most interested in the fact that KISD provided transportation to the Early College campus on Fort Hood. “They gave me a bus,” he said.

The four years at Early College ended up providing more than a

The Killeen ISD Early College High School Class of 2022 valedictorian is Devin Xiao and the salutatorian is Jade Garcia. The graduation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 at the Bell County Expo Center.

free ride to school. “I made a lot of friends here,” he said. “I’m glad I came.”

Salutatorian Jade Garcia attended Cavazos Elementary School and Union Grove Middle School.

She was interested in Early College from the beginning of high school, but her application was originally waitlisted.

At the time she was about to finish middle school, her soldier dad, Jose Garcia, as stationed at El Paso apart from the family.

“My dad was deployed in El Paso and my mom was here,” she said. “We decided that if I got in here (at Early College), I would stay.” If her application had been denied, Garcia said she would have moved in with her dad in El Paso.

Like Xiao, Garcia has found a home at the smaller, academically focused high school that allows students to take Central Texas College courses concurrently with high school classes.

“It’s been a struggle,” the salutatorian said. “We’ve made memories and lots of friends. We are already planning to get together for a

TODD MARTIN KISD

Todd MarT in is a Communications Specialist with the Killeen Independent School District.

Congratulations, Early College Class of 2022!

College: Both encourage socializing, outside interests

fROM PAge 1

‘friendsgiving,’” she said.

Xiao is headed to the University of Texas at Austin to study math. Garcia is going to Texas A&M Central Texas to study sociology and intends to be a school librarian.

The pair said they worked hard and stayed organized in order to complete the challenge of Early College High School and to excel at the highest level.

“I wrote notes and looked over them and tried to finish assignments early,” Xiao said.

“I took a lot of notes and tried to stay on track,” Garcia said. “I set deadlines for everything and tried to be productive.”

Reflecting on their high school

experience and thinking toward the next stage, both said they would encourage their peers to take time for socializing and exploring interests outside the classroom.

“I would say don’t compare yourself to others,” said Garcia. “A lot of students here don’t do what they want to do and sacrifice a social life. We can all relate to each other.”

“I would say it’s OK to not know what you want to do in the future,” said Xiao. “Take it slow and enjoy life and figure it out along the way.”

The KISD Early College graduation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 at the Bell County Expo Center.

Congratulations, graduating Class of 2022!

Todd MarTin is a Communications Specialist with the Killeen Independent School District.

High honors surreal for Copperas Cove’s top two graduates

BY ThADDeus MeRMAN KILLEEN DAILy HERALD

If you were to ask Copperas Cove ISD graduating seniors Lea Boal and Chandler Gastelo about being named the district’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, both would tell you the honor is “surreal.”

“I have had the title attached to me unofficially throughout the majority of my high school career, but in the past week, all the responsibility and officialness associated with it has rushed in,” Boal said via email in mid-May.

She added that while things have been overwhelming, the title may help her as she pursues her post-secondary degree. She said it has helped her get into college as well as making her eligible for the Highest Ranking Graduate tuition waiver.

After graduating high school, Boal plans to study business at the University of Texas in Austin.

Gastelo, who has been in the top-20 of his class since his sophomore year, said he did not expect to surpass as

many peers as he did in the past two years.

“I am grateful for what I have achieved and grateful for all the support that allowed me to end up where I am,” Gastelo said via email in May. Gastelo said he has plans to study engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station. Though those are his plans, Gastelo admitted that he is willing to shift them if need be.

“I have my plans for after high school, but if God puts me on another path, I’ll be ready,” he said.

Lampasas High School seniors hopeful for future

senior year was my first year back fully in-person, so I had forgotten how enjoyable competing for clubs and going on school trips could be.”

One of Gastelo’s responses revolved around a sports championship.

“The best experience by far was being able to be a member of the high school Special Olympics Unified Track Team and win the state championship (in 2022),” he said.

Gastelo also named some particular people who stuck with him through high school: Ashton Thompson, Brayden Smolen and Kayla Zamora.

BY lAuReN DODD KILLEEN DAILy HERALD

Two high-achieving Lampasas High School seniors are ready to start their next chapters.

Lampasas High School valedictorian Abigail Valdez, 17, daughter of Christopher and Candice Valdez, said she’s nervous but excited about her next big move.

On a 5.0 grade-point average scale, which Copperas Cove ISD uses, Boal finished with a 4.98 and Gastelo finished with a 4.83.

MeMORABle MOMeNTs

Boal and Gastelo were quick to list their most memorable moments from high school.

“The most memorable aspect of my high school experience was the two trips I took my senior year with DECA and SkillsUSA to Houston and Corpus Christi respectively,” Boal said. “My

exTRAcuRRIculARs

It wasn’t all books and schoolwork for Boal or Gastelo, who were both involved in several clubs/activities.

Boal was part of DECA, SkillsUSA, and the National Honor Society. She took several projects to state competitions in both DECA and SkillsUSA.

Gastelo said during high school he was part of football, baseball, powerlifting, track, DECA, Special Olympics and Holy Family Catholic Church Youth Group.

Valdez will be attending the University of Texas at Dallas next year in pursuit of a degree in actuarial science. The senior said she will miss seeing her high school friends but looks forward to the challenges that await her in college.

Lessons learned playing sports in high school, she said, will stay with her forever.

“Everything in tennis relates to life,” she said.

Valdez said she attributes her academic success to her parents’ support.

When asked what advice she’d give her freshman peers, she said, “Honestly, just do your best, and even if you don’t, it’s ok. It’s scary, I know, but you’ll get used to it.”

At the age of 16, Kaitlyn McLen-

don, daughter of Jackie and James McLendon, will be trading in the Hill Country scenes of Lampasas for the windy beaches of Corpus Christi. McLendon, this year’s salutatorian, will be graduating a year early from Lampasas High School.

“I just felt like I wasn’t really fitting

in in high school and I wanted to get out a bit early, so I decided to graduate early,” McLendon said. The young high school graduate said she looks forward to attending Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi in the fall where she plans to study graphic design and studio art.

The LHS student thanked high school counselors and teachers who worked with her during troubling times.

“Having people to count on and depend on, sometime’s that’s hard to come by,” she said.

McLendon also thanked her parents.

“They’ve been supportive during the toughest times of getting through high school, they’ve been right by my side,” she said. “They’ve really been my protectors and my supporters and I really appreciate them for that.”

Lea Boal is the Copperas Cove High School Class of 2022 valedictorian.

Chandler Gastelo is the Copperas Cove High School Class of 2022 salutatorian.

Abigail Valdez is the Lampasas High School Class of 2022 valedictorian.

Kaitlyn McLendon is the Lampasas High School Class of 2022 salutatorian.

Belton High School’s top graduates excited about future plans

BY KAReN RuDOlPh SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Belton High School’s top graduating seniors say working smarter, not harder, was a secret to their success in achieving the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the class of over 700 students.

Valedictorian Jackson Belobrajdic and salutatorian Matthew Salazar were called to Principal Ben Smith’s office on Tuesday morning, where they learned the good news.

“School is for learning how to solve problems rather than just solving the example problem,” Belobrajdic said. “So sometimes finding shortcuts is not always the best way to go. I also think it makes it easier when your main motivation to learn is coming from yourself and not someone else.” Relationships were also important. Belobrajdic and Salazar credit teachers, friends and family for supporting them throughout their academic careers.

“I’ve had a lot of great teachers along the way in high school and even before then that have prepared me

to do all this,” Belobrajdic said. “It’s really nice to have teachers you can talk to one-on-one or before or after school.”

Belobrajdic, the son of DJ and Lindsay Belobrajdic, participated in orchestra, UIL Academics and the National Honor Society. He made history twice this year by being the first Belton ISD student to earn a place in the All-State Orchestra and the first

Hard work pays off for Belton New Tech’s top graduates

continue their education at Texas A&M University — Belobrajdic to study engineering and Salazar to study architecture.

“Since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed creating things,” Salazar said. “At first I considered studying engineering, but I also have always really liked art. I see architecture as a way of combining building with my love of art and beauty. I hope it’s a good fit for me.”

Principal Smith said the class of 2022 has achieved so much despite obstacles thrown at them.

BY KAReN RuDOlPh SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

When Belton New Tech High School

@Waskow senior Krithika Rajesh was a little girl, she dreamed of giving a valedictorian speech. But she didn’t think it would actually happen.

“It was just one of those little kid dreams,” she said.

to medal in the science category of the UIL Academic State Competition. Salazar, the son of Steve and Susie Salazar, was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in UIL Academics, where he has won medals in math and current events. In his free time, Salazar enjoyed playing guitar.

The two met in sixth grade at Lake Belton Middle School and will both

6 tips for planning a sweet graduation celebration

COuRTESy Of fAMILy fEATuRES

When years of hitting the books lead to a hard-earned diploma, there’s just one thing left to do: celebrate the graduate with something sweet. A graduation is a major life milestone that deserves plenty of recognition, and a graduation party is a perfect way to celebrate the occasion with family and friends.

Whether the party celebrates a recent grad or accepted student, you can make the moment all the more memorable with these planning tips and personalized party favors and customized gifts from M&M’S.

MAKe A guesT lIsT

Deciding who you’d like to invite is

a good starting place because it may influence several other choices you need to make down the road, like where you host the party and what you serve to eat and drink.

chOOse The PlAce AND TIMe

Another decision you’ll need to make right away is where and when the party will be held. Having a rough

idea of how many people will attend can help determine where to host the party, since you’ll want to have enough room for everyone to be comfortable. If you’re timing the celebration to coincide with a graduation ceremony, be sure to schedule your party so any guests who also plan to attend the ceremony can do both. Many families choose to hold open house-style parties for an extended period of time so people who have multiple graduation parties to attend can fit them all in.

PlAN YOuR MeNu

The style, timing and duration of your party all influence what kind of

PLEASE SEE Tips, 21

“This is a class of students who had a regular freshman year followed by three years of unprecedented events,” Smith said. “Jackson and Matthew were both huge leaders on campus, and I know they’ll launch into the world and do great things.”

BHS graduation ceremonies will take place at 1 p.m. on May 26 at the Bell County Expo Center.

For more information, go to www. bisd.net/graduation.

On Tuesday, Rajesh got the news that she’s the school’s top student and will give the valedictorian speech at graduation ceremonies at 9 a.m. on May 26 at the Bell County Expo Center.

She is joined at the top of the class of 108 students by her friend, salutatorian Aditi Bhat.

“It’s always been tough, but it’s never been about competition,” Rajesh said. “It’s been about learning. We like learning.”

Bhat said this growth mindset and collaborating as friends — not competitors — is a distinguishing feature of their high school experience.

“It’s not been about getting to a spot,” said Bhat, the daughter of Sanjay and Nandita Bhat.

“In general, we’re all friends. The rankings are just kind of there. If we were focused on getting rankings, we might have gotten there, but we would

Tips

food you serve. If your party overlaps a traditional mealtime, you may want to serve a full meal. However, if you’re hosting an open house format, keeping food fresh for an extended period can be a challenge. If you take care to keep chilled foods cold and heated foods warm, a buffet can allow guests to serve themselves as they wish. You may also find

have been stressed out.”

At New Tech, Rajesh was a member of the varsity tennis team, the National Honor Society, Student Leadership Council and served as secretary for the Chamber Orchestra. Outside of school, she likes to sing classical Indian music, create art and is coauthoring a novel with her twin sister, Maheshwari.

Bhat played violin in the Chamber Orchestra, served as senior co-council of the Student Leadership Council and participated in the National Honor Society. She placed first at the

appetizers are easier to heat and replenish throughout the party. Don’t forget about dessert: A celebratory cake or tray of cupcakes are traditional ideas you can complement with other selections, such as candy bars to add colorful fun and variety to the party.

AccOMMODATe gIfTs

While common etiquette suggests a host should never expect them, most people do bring gifts to celebrate the graduate. You can set up an attractive gift table with a

No. 1 supporter.

National History Day as a junior, the first-ever Belton ISD student to do so. The seniors are grateful to their teachers, friends and parents for helping them through their educational journey, which began in Belton ISD at South Belton Middle School.

“Our teachers, especially, have been really helpful,” Bhat said, explaining their willingness to offer snacks and answer millions of questions.

Rajesh said she was raised in a home where there was never a question about doing something half baked and where her mom was her

gift of your own to discretely show guests where to place gifts when they arrive, such as an M&M’S Occasion Bottle, which can be personalized to toast your grad with up to three colors, text, clip art and photos. The bottle stands nearly a foot tall, so it makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at the gift table.

ORgANIze PARTY fAvORs

One way to thank guests for honoring your graduate and inspire more moments of fun is by offering a favor that

“Sometimes I would question ‘Why am I working this hard? For what?’” said Rajesh, the daughter of Manjula Kalyansundaram and Rajesh Ramamuruthy. “It’s for the confidence. When you learn something and accomplish a task and you do something right — you feel good. Even if it’s tough. The tough things are a challenge. Like a code you can crack. They’re made for you to get better.” Rajesh and Bhat will continue their studies at the University of Texas in the fall. Rajesh, as a member of the Polymathic Scholars Honors Program, will study environmental science and possibly pursue a career in medicine or business. Bhat will major in public health with the goal of attending medical school.

Principal Kim Winters has no doubt both young ladies will achieve all their dreams.

“We are so proud of Krithika and Aditi and the hard work that these academic designations represent,” she said. “I can’t wait to see where life takes them and all the wonderful things they will do that will benefit others.”

doubles as a memento of the event. For example, M&M’S Class of 2022 Graduation Favor Tins make for a perfect way to send guests home with a sweet reminder of the celebration. Each stylish tin can be customized with a lid design and message for guests and be filled with a delicious serving of personalized candies that match the party’s theme.

selecT eNTeRTAINMeNT

Often, there’s enough hustle and bustle at graduation parties that you don’t need to go

overboard planning activities or entertainment. You might have some music playing at a moderate level so guests can still have casual conversations without yelling, and you may want to display a slideshow celebrating the graduate’s accomplishments along the way to this big day. Other fun ideas include photobooths with props, a signature frame for guests to sign and notecards for guests to offer their congratulations, advice or predictions for the graduate’s future.

Karen rudolpH is a Communications Specialist with the Belton Independent School District.

Jackson Belobrajdic is the Belton High School Class of 2022 valedictorian. Matthew Salazar is the Belton High School Class of 2022 salutatorian.

Karen rudolpH is a Communications Specialist with the Belton Independent School District.

Krithika Rajesh is the Belton New Tech Class of 2022 valedictorian.

Aditi Bhat is the Belton New Tech Class of 2022 salutatorian.

‘A graduation is a major life milestone that deserves plenty of recognition.’

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Gatesville Independent School District seniors shoot for the stars

BY lAuReN DODD KILLEEN DAILy HERALD

Two Gatesville seniors are ending their high school careers with bright hopes for the future.

Gatesville High School valedictorian Rachel Conner, 18, daughter of David and Elke Conner, said she is excited to study cellular and molecular biology at Texas Tech University in Lubbock next fall.

The senior said she was drawn to the study of genetics thanks to a professor, Ms. Clawson, at Texas Bioscience Institute.

Her goal, Conner said, is to become a genetics counselor one day.

Conner will be ahead of many of her Texas Tech freshman peers after having earned an associate degree through Temple College this year.

“I’m feeling pretty excited,” she said. “Since I’ve gone through the TBI program I feel more prepared to do the college work up there. I’m looking forward to it.”

The senior said earning the title of valedictorian was always a goal she hoped to achieve.

Time management, she said, was the key in attaining her goal.

“For me it was just keeping up with the hard work and making sure that I made time for everything,” she said.

Top Florence High School students thankful for their family roots

she “always prioritized academics in life.”

The senior thanked her parents for supporting her throughout her high school career.

“They have been very supportive in everything I do,” she said.

Luensmann said she is especially thankful for her GHS English AP teacher Johna Underwood.

“She always pushed her students, made me appreciate education and offered some great insight,” she said. Her ultimate goal, she said, is to become a corporate attorney.

For GHS freshmen seeking to become valedictorian or salutatorian one day, Luensmann offered the following advice.

BY eMIlY hIlleY-sIeRzchulA HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Florence High School’s top academic achievers might be heading in different directions — one is destined to be an Aggie, the other, a Longhorn — but both are thankful for their family roots that steered them in the right direction.

The valedictorian for the Class of 2022 is Abigail Brown. She will be attending Texas A&M University, where she will be part of the College of Nursing.

Luke Harris is the salutatorian. He will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to study pharmacology.

Both Brown and Harris also are athletes. Valedictorian Abigail Brown is a competitive person, whether in a classroom or on a court.

said. “It basically took away half of our sophomore year.”

Folks can look forward to seeing salutatorian Luke Harris behind the counter at a pharmacy someday.

“My mom is a pharmacist at H-E-B and that’s what I want to do,” he said. “I love her drive and her character. She shaped me into the person I am and she’s my main role model. She’s always pushed me my whole life, and my dad has encouraged me in sports.”

Harris said he likes football and weightlifting and he’ll continue to pump iron while at UT.

“Another of my main hobbies is playing video games, I’ll admit,” he said. “I love hanging out with friends.”

Harris is thankful for the lessons that his mom and dad have instilled in him.

Gatesville High School salutatorian Hailey Luensmann, 18, daughter of Brian and Kandi Luensmann, said she looks forward to studying business next year at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Luensmann said she was excited to be named salutatorian seeing as

“Just keep going, keep striving,” she said. “There are times when everything piles up and seems like its so much, but it will be worth it in the end. Keep your head up and keep going.” ldodd@kdhnews.com

Five interviewing tips to help you land the job of your dreams

COuRTESy Of fAMILy fEATuRES

With so many job openings these days, you may think you’ll have an easy time sliding into a new role. Not so fast. Because of the huge number of options available and plenty of workers contemplating changes, you’re likely to encounter some competition to land the job you want. A solid interview can help you close the deal.

Consider these five tips to help you make a great impression and land the job of your dreams:

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Avoid thinking of the interview as your first step toward a new job. Once you set the appointment, it’s time to take a deeper dive to learn as much as you

can about the company and position. Ideally, you did some of this legwork when you created a custom resume and cover letter, but for the interview, you need to know more. After arming yourself with all the information you can, practice answers to questions you expect the interviewer to ask.

2. Decide what the interviewer should know about you. Using the job description as a guide, create a list of points you want to communicate to show how your experience and knowledge fit the role. During the interview, pay attention to opportunities for sharing these details about your skillset. Most interviewers will give you the opportunity to add information you haven’t covered; use

this time to deliver a succinct summary of how you can succeed in the position.

3. Create your own list of questions. An interview isn’t just about determining whether you’re a fit for a job; you also need to decide whether the job is a fit for you. Think about what you need to know in order to feel confident accepting an offer. You might organize your thoughts by considering what is essential in a new job and what aspects are “nice to have.”

4. Present yourself as a winning candidate. Impressions are everything when it comes to interviews. Dress to impress with well-fitted clothing appropriate for the job and practice good grooming habits,

including details like trimming your nails and minimizing distractions like pet hair. Arrive early enough

PLEASE SEE dreaM Job 23

“I like to be first in whatever I do,” Brown said. “My parents raised me to be hardworking. They taught me to keep my head down and also to stand up for what I believe in.”

Sports has been a big part of her life through the years.

“Volleyball is my favorite sport but I also like basketball and tennis,” Brown said. “I’m always going to remember the times I had with my teammates. I’ll miss them and I’ll miss being on the team, but I’ll continue to play intramural sports at A&M.”

Brown also is active in the high school’s Future Farmers of America program as a member of the floral team.

“I must have good time management,” Brown said with a chuckle. “I have to make sure I don’t do other fun things before I get my work done.” Brown has wanted to be a nurse since at least middle school.

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fROM PAge 22

that you’re not rushed or flustered when you check in for your appointment. Use good posture, a firm handshake and a clear, confident voice. Speak authoritatively but respectfully and try to make the interview a comfortable, conversational exchange.

COuRTESy PHOTO

The valedictorian for Florence High School Class of 2022 is Abigail Brown. Luke Harris is the salutatorian.

“In 8th grade I was hospitalized and had to undergo emergency surgery,” she said. “I got to experience really good nurses, which is what made me want to be a nurse.”

Of course, COVID-19 has posed a challenge for many teens over the past few years.

“Doing online school was not fun, but it was a chance to strengthen my computer skills,” Brown

5. Leave a lasting impression. Before you end the interview, ask for clear insight on the next steps in the process. Within 24 hours, send followup messages to each person you met with. Thank them for their time and include references specific to your conversation, such as elaborating on a question or reiterating a key point. This shouldn’t be a copy-paste message, but rather a tailored one to each individual. Close by reiterating your interest and how your skills are a fit.

“I’m a competitive person, but it’s more than that: I want to succeed and I’m always going to try my best at everything I do,” he said.

Harris might be heading to the big city of Austin, but his heart will remain in the small town of Florence.

“I’ll miss the community we have in Florence,” he said. “It’s small so everyone is close. I’ll miss the close relationships that I made here.”

He can’t help but be excited for the future, though.

“I’m looking forward to college life, to being independent,” Harris said.

Harris said he might have missed out on half of his sophomore year but he learned from it.

“I’ve always been an introvert at heart, but it was tough to be away from people for that long,” he said. “I’ll never take those social interactions for granted ever again. It’s important to be with friends and the people that you love.”

Because of the huge number of options available and plenty of workers contemplating changes, you’re likely to encounter some competition to land the job you want.

Rachel Conner is the Gatesville High School Class of 2022 valedictorian.

Hailey Luensmann is the Gatesville High School Class of 2022 salutatorian.