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 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.

@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.

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.