2023 Graduation

Chaparral High School Page 5

Early College High School Page 7

Ellison High School Page 8

Harker Heights High School Page 10

Killeen High School Page 12

Shoemaker High School Page 13

Copperas Cove High School Page 15

Lampasas High School Page 16

Gatesville High School Page 17

Florence High School Page 18

Belton High School Page 19

Lake Belton High School Page 19

Belton New Tech HIgh School Page 20

Area college graduations Pages 21-23

Killeen i SD

Early College High School — Graduated May 24 at Bell County Expo Center

Chaparral High School — Graduated May 24 Bell County Expo Center

Harker Heights High School — 9 a.m. May 26 (Bell County Expo Center)

Shoemaker High School — 2 p.m. May 26 (Bell County Expo Center)

Killeen High School — 2 p.m. May 27 (Bell County Expo Center)

Ellison High School — 7 p.m. May 27 (Bell County Expo Center)

CopperaS Cove i SD

Crossroads High School — Graduated May 25 at S. C. Lee Junior High School

Copperas Cove High School — 7 p.m. May 26 (Bell County Expo Center)

Belton i SD

Belton New Tech — Graduated

May 25 at Bell County Expo Center

Belton High School — Graduated May 25 at Bell County Expo Center

Lake Belton High School — Graduated May 25 at Bell County Expo Center

t emple i SD

Temple High School — 10 a.m. May 27 (Bell County Expo Center)

Sala D o i SD

Salado High School — 7 p.m. May 26 (Mayborn Campus Center, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor)

Floren C e i SD

Florence High School — 8 p.m. May 26 (Stampede Stadium)

l ampaSaS i SD

Lampasas High School — Graduated May 19 in Lampasas

GateSville i SD

Gatesville High School — 8 p.m. May 26 (McKamie Stadium)

[ graduatIon dates & tImes ]

Chaparral’s inaugural senior class crosses the stage for graduation

BY toDD martin SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

The first valedictorian in Chaparral High School history is a native Killeen resident who already earned an associate degree through the STEM Academy at Central Texas College.

The first salutatorian in school history just arrived in Central Texas two years ago when her dad’s Army career brought her family to Killeen.

The Chaparral valedictorian is Izma Dar and the salutatorian is Emily Hernandez.

Dar attended Bellaire Elementary, Patterson Middle School, Harker Heights High School and Chaparral High School.

“I knew I was in the top 10 at Harker Heights and I hoped I wouldn’t drop. I actually got higher,” she said. “I’m

happy I transferred.”

She has been part of the STEM Academy and graduated with honors, earning an associate degree.

At the start of the school year, Dar spent the afternoon at CTC. She said it was a collective experience getting lost together being part of the first year of a new high school.

“We were all together and none of us knew where to go,” she said. “We were getting lost together and we found everything together. It was nice being the first to use the classrooms.”

She plans to attend University of Texas and study audiology with the goal of going to medical school.

She discovered audiology by scrolling through the degrees that UT offers. “It seemed interesting when I looked into it. It met everything I

PLEASE SEE Chaparral, 

TODD MARTIn | KILLEEn ISD

The Chaparral High School valedictorian is Izma Dar, left, and the salutatorian is Emily Hernandez. The inaugural Chaparral High School graduation was Wednesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

wanted. Audiologists seemed happy with their careers.”

“It feels really good,” Dar said. “The hard work paid off. I get to go to the Starmaker Banquet. I get to give a speech. It was stressful, but it was worth it. Sometimes I wanted to give up. I’m glad I pushed myself.”

When she addresses her peers, she plans to point out the logic of doing what you enjoy. We have a limited time on earth, so why not pursue your passion, she said. “Don’t worry about what others think.”

Chaparral High School’s first salutatorian was born in the Dallas area and lived much of her young life in California, but her dad’s military career moved the family to the Fort Cavazos area.

Hernandez actually spent about two months attending school in Fort Worth where she has multiple older siblings living before the family could get settled in Central Texas. Then, she spent a semester at Harker Heights High School and this year transferred to the new Chaparral High School.

The school’s salutatorian embraces change and opportunity. She made the transfer to the new KISD school based on a design plan she saw that made her think it would be exciting to take advantage of a brand-new school.

“I’ve had a great time,” she said. She takes two classes at Chaparral, which she said are heavily collaborative. In the afternoon, she attends the Career Center where she takes pathology and physiology and earned a certified medical assistant credential.

Her interests and experiences are varied.

Hernandez spent her two months in Fort Worth at a Career Center campus participating in a sports medicine practicum that convinced her she wanted to pursue that field.

As a freshman she made the varsity cross country team and showed promise but suffered a knee injury. She went on to compete in wrestling and

at Chaparral has been on the golf team.

“I got to experience so many different atmospheres,” she said. “I’ve always made friends and gained from everywhere I’ve been.”

Though she’s excited to pursue sports medicine, probably at the University of Texas at Arlington, she has run a baking and catering business and is an accomplished history researcher.

In eighth grade she made it to the state level of a National History Day competition and has participated in the research activity every other year, culminating this year when she won the Texas History Day 2023 historian program.

Hernandez wrote a paper called “Frontiers in History: African Americans’ Struggle for Equality,” winning first place in the senior division category.

She argues in the paper that ordinary African American citizens of the Civil War era, including soldiers, played key roles in the eventual Civil Rights Movement.

The Chaparral salutatorian is set to represent Texas in the National History Day event this summer in Maryland.

The inaugural Chaparral High School graduation was scheduled for Wednesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

TODD MARTIn | KISD

Students head to class for the first time at Chaparral High School on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, the first day of classes for Killeen Independent School District.

ECHS top graduates follow in siblings’ footsteps

BY toDD martin SPECIAL

TO THE HERALD

The top two ranked seniors of Killeen ISD’s Early College High School are following in siblings’ footsteps.

The valedictorian this year is Nina Stinehour. The salutatorian is Vincent Xiao.

Both are longtime KISD students who learned about the Early College High School during presentations at their middle schools and were aware of it through their high-achieving siblings.

Stinehour, whose sister was valedictorian two years ago, said she remembered Principal Kathleen Burke coming to speak at Patterson Middle School.

“I found out about getting a free associate degree and thought it would be worth it getting it all at once,” she said.

“I learned about it in elementary school,” said Xiao, who attended Saegert Elementary School and Manor Middle School. “I understood how much money we would save.” His brother was valedictorian of the school last year.

Both also confirmed that attending college and high school simultaneously is not easy. Early College High School is a partnership with Central

Texas College. Students attend their freshman and sophomore years at a campus on Fort Hood and their junior and senior years on the CTC campus.

This year’s seniors earned CTC degrees at the college commencement ceremony May 12, 12 days before their high school graduation.

“Sometimes it can be pretty hard,” said Stinehour of the rigorous program. “It’s challenging. We have great teachers and a strong support network. That helped me through.”

“It was definitely challenging,” Xiao said. “I had to balance classes.”

He pointed out that COVID restrictions began after spring break of his class’s freshman year and that sophomore year was a hybrid year of online and in-person classes, bringing additional obstacles.

“There is a lot of support here,” he said. “It helps that we are focused on college. I think it worked out in the end.”

Both Stinehour and Xiao are headed to the University of Texas at Austin to study computer science. Both were set to give a charge to their classmates during the graduation ceremony Wednesday, May 24 starting at 3 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

“I want to thank my parents, counselors and teachers,” said Stinehour.

“I want to wish everyone luck in their future and remind everyone that we. Had each other to rely on.”

“I’ll talk about how we all made sacrifices,” Xiao said, “and it was worth it in the end.”

TODD MARTIn | KILLEEn ISD Killeen ISD Early College High School Class of 2023 valedictorian is Nina Stinehour, left, and salutatorian is Vincent Xiao.

Top two Ellison students dancing off to college

BY toDD martin SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

The top two Ellison High School Class of 2023 seniors set to graduate are members of the two-time national champion Ellison Emeralds dance team.

Valedictorian Olivia Farmer and salutatorian Kaylee Parker have managed four years of intense physical training to perform at events and compete at the highest levels of dance competition while completing rigorous coursework and finishing at the top of a large class.

“It’s a big relief,” said Farmer. “It was a lot of stress and long days. I’m ready for the next step.”

The top-ranked Ellison senior attended Saegert Elementary School and Liberty Hill Middle School before moving on to high school. The past two years, she has started her days at Temple College’s Texas Bioscience Institute.

The hard-working student left her

house every morning by 6:30, completed college-level, STEM courses at TBI and then headed back to Ellison, where she normally ended her day with dance practice, that stretched to 6 or later.

She has maintained the No. 1 spot in her class since her freshman year. She earned an associate degree from Temple College.

“I’m proud of my class,” said Farmer, who didn’t want to give away her plans for her valedictory speech, which is tailor-made for her EHS classmates.

She is on her way to the University of Houston to study mechanical engineering.

“Shocking,” is how Parker described how she felt at landing at No. 2 in her class. “I didn’t think I would ever make it.”

She spent most of her schooling at Florence ISD with a class of 71 students before making a move to Ellison as a freshman, when that class was

TODD MARTIn | KILLEEn ISD

The Ellison High School Class of 2023 valedictorian is Olivia Farmer, left, and salutatorian is Kaylee Parker. Ellison High School graduation is set for Saturday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

PLEASE SEE Ellison, 

about 10 times larger than the one she came from.

Parker knew she wanted to be an Ellison Emerald and this year was an officer on the highly ranked team.

“I found out I was in the top 10 my junior year, then I found out I was No. 3,” she said, “and I really wanted the second spot.”

She praised the opportunities she found at KISD, where she took a full load of dual credit and Advanced Placement courses.

When she addresses her class, Parker said she will congratulate her peers, recall the strange days of COVID restrictions, the excitement of getting back to in-person school and the joy of getting through it all.

“We learned to be determined, to work hard and to be persistent.”

She is going to the University of Texas at Austin, where she already made the Texas Pom Squad.

Ellison High School graduation is set for Saturday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

Congratulations, KiSD graduates of 2023!

‘I found out I was in the top 10 my junior year, then I found out I was no. 3, and I really wanted the second spot.’

Kaylee parker

Ellison High School salutatorian

HERALD | FILE

Ellison High School is seen from a distance recently.

Top two HHHS graduates preparing for collegiate futures

BY toDD martin SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

This year’s top Harker Heights High School graduate spent 10 years in Killeen ISD schools and is now headed to one of the elite universities in the country.

This year’s Harker Heights High School salutatorian spent nine years in Korea and Poland, before arriving in KISD the second half of eighth grade. He is moving on but staying in Central Texas to attend the University of Texas at Austin.

Valedictorian Rebecca Mack, a National Merit Scholar Finalist is on her way to Harvard University. Salutatorian Richard Sporluck lived with his military family abroad until moving to Killeen in eighth grade. He is headed to the University of Texas.

“It’s amazing,” Mack said. “It’s a privilege to be honored after so many years. It’s a nice culmination and it’s great to move on.”

The valedictorian attended Moun-

tain View Elementary and Union Grove before high school. She has mixed Advanced Place-

ment and dual credit classes at

TODD MARTIn | KILLEEn ISD Harker Heights High School valedictorian Rebecca Mack, left, and salutatorian Richard Sporluck. Harker Heights High School graduation is Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

hEights

Harker Heights High School, while serving as a class officer, National Honor Society and performing in the choir, where she twice earned AllState Choir honors.

“I have dedication to a lot of things,” she said. “It was important to me to make time for choir and for academics.”

She also worked as a math tutor and volunteered with the city of Harker Heights.

Sporluck lived in Korea seven years and Poland two years but said the Killeen area is the most diverse place he’s experienced and he has enjoyed getting to know other military students.

As a freshman, he said, he explored the range of opportunities at Harker Heights High School.

He competed on the swim team four years and was team captain the past two years.

He was part of Student Council and National Honor Society and

started a juggling club.

When coaches saw his athleticism, the accomplished swimmer found himself running track, which then led to joining cross country, too.

“It’s all been really fun,” he said.

When he addresses his classmates, Sporluck said he will make a point of the importance of doing what you enjoy instead of focusing on just academics or sports or another interest.

“When I joined cross country and track, it just made everything more enjoyable,” he said.

“Doing what you like helps everything.”

He plans to study business at UT.

Mack is currently set to study environmental science and public policy but is staying open to a wide range of social science and STEM fields.

“I want to focus on how special our class is,” she said, previewing her valedictory speech. She pointed out how the senior class elevated much of the school’s success in athletics, fine arts and academics.

Harker Heights High School graduation is Friday, May 26 at 9 a.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

Harker Heights High School, 1001 E. Farm-to-Market 2410 Road, is seen recently.

Top Killeen High students heading to University of Texas

BY toDD martin SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

A pair of students who grew up in Killeen and are now headed to the University of Texas are the top two Class of 2023 seniors of Killeen High School.

The KHS valedictorian is Audrey Frisch and the salutatorian is Kaycee Caravan Gomez.

The top-ranked student attended Ira Cross Elementary School, Manor Middle School, Smith Middle School when it opened with the STEM program and Killeen High School.

A top student who took numerous Advanced Placement really found her joy in high school in the fine arts.

Frisch was a two-time All-State Treble Choir member the past two years. She is also the choir president. “Fine arts are really where I was able to grow in my confidence,” she said. Ironically, it was a scheduling error that first put her in choir in middle school. Gratefully, she stuck with it. “I found that choir was intrinsically motivating,” she said.

She is headed to the University of Texas at Austin to study environmental science.

She and Gomez hovered between the top two positions in the class before Frisch finished in front in the final reporting period.

The top KHS graduate said she wants to point out the wide variety of

opportunities her peers took advantage of throughout their schooling.

“I want to talk about how public education fosters free thought,” she said. “I appreciate the diversity at Killeen High School. We learn to respect opinions.”

Gomez attended Sugar Loaf, Iduma and Maxdale elementary schools, Palo Alto and Smith middle schools and KHS.

In high school, she played tennis and took part in visual art and Upward Bound.

She took Advanced Placement and dual credit courses and participated in the STEM Academy, earning an associate degree from CTC. She plans to attend University of Texas and study computer science.

“It feels weird,” she said of coming to the end of high school and ending up No. 2 in the class.

“I never thought about it until I found out I was No. 2 as a freshman and decided I wanted to maintain it.”

The KHS salutatorian said she wants to thank a lot of people for their support, guiding her and her peers through the year of COVID restrictions, hybrid learning environments and the return to traditional learning.

“I want to thank all the teachers who helped me and supported me.”

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

TODD MARTIn | KILLEEn ISD

The Killeen High School valedictorian is Audrey Frisch, left, and the salutatorian is Kaycee Caravan Gomez. The Killeen High School graduation is scheduled Saturday, May 27 at 2 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

STEM Academy drove top Shoemaker grads to succeed

BY toDD martin SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

The top two graduates of the Shoemaker High School Class of 2023 took advantage of the STEM Academy that Killeen ISD coordinates with partner Central Texas College.

The valedictorian is Yazmin Ortiz Colon and the salutatorian is Melanie Wilkinson.

Colon attended Haynes Elementary, Palo Alto Middle School and Smith Middle School when it opened, before advancing to Shoemaker High School and the STEM Academy.

She said during her freshman year she was aware that she was ranked fourth in her class and that she steadily climbed to the No. 1 spot.

“I didn’t have a really big reaction,” she said. “Mainly, I was just tired from taking finals.”

The past four years has been a dizzying routine of studying and researching. The valedictorian said that when she didn’t understand something, she combed through websites to learn what she needed.

She will attend Texas A&M University with plans to earn a biology degree en route to a career in toxicology or forensics.

“I think I will remember how helpful everyone was at Shoemaker and CTC,” she said.

When she addresses her class, Colon said she will urge her classmates to celebrate their academic achievements.

“Any progress you make academically, you should be proud of it,” she said.

“It feels amazing,” said Wilkinson of ending high school in the secondranked spot of her class.

“It’s good to know all the hard work paid off and I get to show it off in a way by encouraging others.”

She attended Maxdale Elementary School and Live Oak Ridge Middle School. In high school, Wilkinson has played tennis and volleyball and split her time the past two years between high school and the STEM Academy at CTC.

TODD MARTIn | KILLEEn ISD

Shoemaker High School valedictorian is Yazmin Ortiz Colon, left, and the salutatorian is Melanie Wilkinson. Shoemaker High School graduation is set for Friday, May 26 at 2 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

PLEASE SEE shoEmaKEr, 14

“It was a good experience,” she said. “I’m glad I got to be in it. It helped solidify my career interest in the health field and prepare for life after high school.”

Wilkinson said she studied a lot and made it a point to get together with peers to help push her along. “We made connections and helped each other stay on top of it all.”

She plans to complete the CTC nursing program and continue to Texas

A&M University to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

“I think it’s cool to understand the body we all live in,” the Shoemaker salutatorian said. “It intrigued me, especially childbirth. It’s cool to understand all of that.”

Considering her speech to her classmates, she said, “Learning in whatever way is important. It helps you understand the world around you and helps you to stay positive and open to ideas.”

Shoemaker High School graduation is set for Friday, May 26 at 2 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center.

Congratulations, KiSD graduates of 2023!

Robert M. Shoemaker High School is seen recently in Killeen.

Copperas Cove High School names top two graduates

BY t ha DD euS i merman K ILLEE n DAILy H ERALD

Copperas Cove High School seniors Haley Wang and Shreya Patel were named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of the 2023 graduating class.

Both of the top two graduates were honored by their respective distinctions.

“It feels gratifying to be valedictorian because I have put sweat and tears into my education while balancing other extracurriculars in which I am now able to indulge in the fruits of my labor,” Wang said.

Wang, who finished with a gradepoint average of 5.19 on a 5-point scale, said she plans to use her platform to make a difference in the lives of others.

“I have also learned many lessons along the way about life, consistency, and passion which I will take with me later in life as well,” she said.

Patel, who earned a 5.18 GPA, said it was much the same.

“Being named salutatorian is an incredible honor and achievement,” she said. “It feels immensely rewarding to be recognized for my hard work, dedication, and academic success.”

Both Wang and Patel have used their senior year as a time of reflection and also of looking ahead.

“This year has been a period of reflection for me. I have been taking the time to appreciate all of the experiences I have had throughout high school, and I am ready to take on whatever lays ahead,” Wang said.

Patel said the feeling of finishing high school is a mixture of a variety of emotions.

“It is a significant milestone that marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new journey,” she said. “I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in completing this

phase of my education, but also a tinge of nostalgia as I say goodbye to friends, teachers, and familiar routines.”

Classmates in high school, Wang and Patel are both heading a few miles south to Austin to study at the

University of Texas.

Wang said she plans to study finance and public health on a premedicine track before pursuing a master of business administration and attending medical school to be an anesthesiologist.

Patel, on the other hand, has yet to declare a major.

For Wang, the most memorable thing about high school was the friendships she built.

“The most memorable thing about my high school experience having a blast with my friends and meeting like-minded peers at the HOSA State Leadership Conference during my junior year in Galveston,” she said. Patel said her senior year was a memorable one.

“The most memorable moment of my high school experience was my senior year. Senior year encapsulated the essence of my growth, achievements, and new beginnings. It was a time of self-discovery, deep friendships, and a celebration of the journey our class had taken together,” she said.

Wang and Patel will both deliver remarks to their peers at the commencement ceremony that is at 7 p.m. May 26 at the Bell County Expo Center.

Copperas Cove High School valedictorian Haley Wang.

Copperas Cove High School salutatorian Shreya Patel.

Lampasas top graduates look forward to great things

BY jana lYnn KilCreaSe KILLEEn DAILy HERALD

With Harvard in her sights, Lampasas valedictorian Anna Burgess is looking forward to the next chapter. Lampasas salutatorian Ben Stone has plans of his own as he journeys off to Angelo State University to major in Civil Engineering.

For either, or both Lampasas seniors, the future looks bright as they embark on new adventures.

Burgess, 18, is the daughter of David Burgess and plans to major in mechanical engineering, and minor in computer science and electrical engineering.

She goes to Harvard with a “fullride” scholarship, which should offset most of the costs to attend in Cambridge. Burgess applied to MIT, her late mother’s alma-mater, but did not get accepted. However, Burgess says, she can cross-register from Harvard, so her dream of taking classes there is still possible.

Burgess ran track and cross-country throughout high school but plans to mostly set aside sports when she goes to college.

“My favorite sports are cross-county and soccer, but I’m not going to continue competitive sports,” she said. “I think I’m going to run long-distance for myself … like, I’m going to keep doing half-marathons. I’ve done three

— two in College Station and one in Austin — and I want to do a full (marathon) one day.”

Although Stone, hasn’t quite decided what area he wants to focus on at Angelo, he is well prepared, whatever the decision. The son of Stone says there are many areas where engineering can be useful.

“Developing infrastructure plans for cities, helping communities develop structurally sound transportation routes or clean water facilities all require a good engineer,” Stone said. He volunteers regularly throughout his community and enjoys reading, theater and running cross-country.

This AP Scholar has an impressive resume which includes coaching, mentoring and several construction opportunities.

His theater experience includes four years in production, two lead roles and was part of the District Championship Team in 2020, State in 2021, and fifth at Region in 2022.

Stone holds the title of Battling Badger for 2020, 2021, and 2022 in Cross Country and also earned all-state academic honors from the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas. Stone ran cross country all four years in high school and advanced to regional competition in 2022 and 2023.

With multiple scholarships as Distinguished Scholar and Honors College from Angelo, he has also earned

“I plan to stay busy,” Stone said. “And, I’m looking forward to next year.”

the Jim G. Heatherly scholarship, Methodist scholarship and a Lamar scholarship.

Lampasas High School valedictorian Anna Burgess.

Lampasas High School salutatorian Ben Stone.

Best-friend duo take top spots at Gatesville High School

BY m a D eline oD en K ILLEE n DAILy H ERALD

Gatesville High school seniors

Slone Early and Ty Warren are two friends who did almost everything together. It was only natural that these two also became the valedictorian and salutatorian for the 2023 graduating class.

Slone Early, 18, the son of Sam and Se’Vette Early, is this year’s valedictorian.

Early was accepted into the Engineering Department at Texas A&M University-College Station and plans to study computer science to become a software developer.

“I’ve always like computers. That field involved al lot of problem solving and puzzles. I’ve always liked do that kind of stuff,” he said. “It’s the kind of stuff you would go into making video games and such which is what I’m interested in.”

When asked if he had any advice for his underclassmen, he laughed and said “If you’re gonna procrastinate, you should do any big projects first so you can take your time on the smaller assignments.”

Ty Warren, 18, is the son of Codie and Steve Warren and he is also going into the Engineering Department at Texas A&MCollege Station.

The duo will also be roommates on campus.

Warren said he is still deciding on what he wants to specialize in but for now will study general engineering during his first year. His advice to any underclassmen is to set high goals.

“Hard work and persistence is key; never say your goal is too low because you won’t reach your full potential if you do

that,” he said. “If you really do want to become something more, you’ve got to set your goal high.”

When asked about their favorite achievement, both agreed that it was when the Gatesville tennis team went to state.

“Definitely getting 3rd in state in tennis,” Early said.

“I think I will always remember that just cause tennis is one of my hobbies that I really enjoy,” Warren said.

Early will be graduating with a 4.58 GPA and Warren will be graduating with a 4.51 GPA.

Some of Early’s achievements include Newcomer of the Year, four-time Academic All-District, three-time District MVP, threetime Boys Singles Champion, three-time Regional Qualifier, State Qualifier, and Two-time Hornet Radio Player of the Week.

He was instrumental in establishing an annual summer tennis tournament for the Gatesville Tennis Team and has also hosted summer camps for his service project for the National Honor Society.

Some of the more notable awards Warren has received include Outstanding Students Awards for Engineering, Robotics, Geometry, Biology, Algebra II, Chemistry, and OnRamps Precal.

He will have completed 37 college hours by the time he graduates.

He has been a part of the varsity tennis team that has earned the fall Team Tennis district title the past three seasons.

Throughout tennis, he has earned Academic All-District four years in a row, Boys Singles and Doubles 1st Team All-District for three years, and 1st Team All-State his senior year.

Gatesville High School valedictorian Slone

Early. Gatesville High School salutatorian Ty Warren.

Florence High School’s top graduates to pursue medical dreams

BY emilY hilleY-SierzChula HERALD CORRESPOnDEnT

Florence High School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2023 each are community-oriented women, which is why it seems natural that both will be pursuing their dreams in the medical field where they can help others.

Valedictorian Truth Strong will be attending Angelo State University to become a nurse.

“I plan to do an internship as soon as possible to get experience in the nursing field and to find my passion,” she said. “I’m excited to become the person that God has called me to be. I’m looking forward to the freedom and independence that college brings to a young adult.”

Salutatorian Emily Gann soon will be a Baylor Bear, which is a stepping stone to becoming a neuropsychologist.

“At Baylor University, I plan to major in neuroscience and then I’d like to attend graduate school to study either neuroscience or psychology,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to help people with ailments and the brain has always interested me.”

valeDiCtorian truth StronG

Throughout high school, Strong could be found at the lake hanging out with friends and bonding with family.

“I’m very family-oriented, which is the greatest blessing because my relationships with my family members are so strong,” she said. “They’ve been supportive of everything I have and haven’t yet accomplished.”

One particular family member influenced her in more ways than one.

“My brother was the salutatorian for the Class of 2019, which inspired me to accomplish the same academic award; but of course, I had to one-up him,” Strong said.

Strong said that her family has encouraged her to succeed.

“My family has always pressured

me to get the best grades I could and to never slack off and this has made me a better student,” she said. “My mom has supported everything I do and she’s also supported me in my mental health by allowing me to take breaks, be a teenager and make mistakes. She helped me through everything and this was the biggest blessing I could have asked for in the midst of struggles during high school.”

Strong made great memories along the way.

“My most enjoyable moment in the entire four years was my senior prom,” she said. “We made memories to last a lifetime and danced our hearts out.”

Salutatorian emilY Gann

Gann, a cheerleader, also has kept busy as a member of the Future Farmers of America, FHS Student Council, National Honor Society and Girl Scouts of Central Texas.

“I loved being a part of these organizations because it allowed me to discover myself, branch out and learn valuable life skills,” Gann said.

She’ll be moving to Waco, but Gann forever will cherish her memories of Florence High School.

“The best part about high school was all the lake trips and laughs me and my friends experienced,” she said. “I appreciate every lesson in high school that’s prepared me for what is to come. My thirst for knowledge and ambition is what helped me obtain my goal of becoming a salutatorian. Now I’m excited about making lifelong friends throughout my time in college.”

Of course, even a smart and driven person can’t do it all alone.

“I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family and the sacrifices they have made,” Gann said. “They’ve always praised my hard work and dedication. Because of this, I strive to be as loving and strong as my mom and as funny and ambitious as my dad. I pushed myself harder than anyone expected to obtain my goal of becom-

ing a Salutatorian. While everyone wanted me to reach my goals, I know

that everyone would have been proud either way.”

Florence High School valedictorian Truth Strong.

Florence High School salutatorian Emily Gann.

Roberts, Lehrmann named top two Belton High graduates

BY joel valleY FME nEWS SERVICE

Belton High School seniors Bryce Roberts and Kaden Lehrmann will continue their education this fall at Texas A&M University, where they will both study civil engineering. However, they were first scheduled to graduate at the top of their class as the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton.

“(Roberts and Lehrmann) have been competing to remain at the top of their class since the pandemic began,” Belton ISD spokeswoman Candice Griffin said in a news release. “They reminisced about leaving for spring break and never coming back. Since then, their focus has been finishing at the top of their class.”

Belton High School Principal Ben Smith surprised the two, who he not-

ed were humble when they received the news, with the news last Tuesday. During his time at Belton High, Roberts — a youth leader at Christ the King Baptist Church in Belton and an avid deer and dove hunter

— was an active athlete, competing on the cross country and soccer teams.

“Give your best work and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Roberts said in 2021 about how to be successful in school.

He looks forward to continuing his academic career at his dream school.

“I come from a proud Aggie family,” Roberts, who hopes to one day open his own engineering firm, said.

Lehrmann, meanwhile played on the BHS tennis team, served as a National Honor Society vice president, won multiple awards for UIL academics and created the Big Future Ambassador Club — an organization that provides graduate resources to students in need.

He will receive his diploma from his mother, Michelle Mikeska, who serves as a substitute assistant principal for Belton ISD.

“Studying civil engineering will help me have a positive effect on the world,” said Lehrmann, who has a goal to raise scholarship funds for fatherless children like him.

Further information about Belton High School’s graduation can be accessed online at www.bisd.net.

Bailey, Zuniga named two top grads of Lake Belton High School

BY joel valleY FME nEWS SERVICE

Katie Bailey and Dalilah Zuniga are the first Lake Belton High School seniors to earn the honor of valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Their campus, which was to hold its graduation ceremony at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Bell County Expo Center, first opened its doors for classes in 2020 when the campus only served freshmen and sophomores.

“Principal Jill Ross surprised Bailey and Zuniga with the news with beautiful floral bouquets prepared by their peers on Thursday morning,” Belton ISD spokeswoman Candice Griffin said in a news release. “These students were ecstatic and could not wait to share the news with their parents.”

Both seniors have aspirations of working in health care.

Bailey — a youth state championship gymnastics coach who has participated in Health Occupations Students of America, National Honor Society, Altrusa International and Student Council — will study Allied Health Science at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth to pursue her goal of working in sports medicine.

“So proud of Katie. She has such determination and such a great work ethic,” Angie Bailey, her mother, said in a Facebook post. “So excited for her next chapter at TCU.”

Zuniga — a first-generation college student who enjoys playing spikeball, pickleball and crafting — will study nursing at Texas A&M University with the hopes of working in an

intensive care unit before becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist.”

“So proud of you Dalilah,” Laura Bodeman, a family friend, said in a Facebook post. “You have worked

so hard and are so deserving of this spot. You are going to do amazing things.”

Further information about Lake Belton High School’s graduation can be accessed online at www.bisd.net.

Belton High School valedictorian Bryce Roberts.

Belton High School salutatorian Kaden Lahrmann.

Lake Belton High School valedictorian Katie Bailey.

Lake Belton High School salutatorian Dalilah Zuniga.

Petersen, Hammonds named top two New Tech graduates

BY joel valleY FME nEWS SERVICE

With the high school graduation season underway, the Belton Independent School District announced the valedictorians and salutatorians for its three graduating classes.

Kole Petersen and Mylie Hammonds, who were named the top two graduating seniors at Belton New Tech High School @ Waskow, were to be the first two Belton ISD students to receive their diplomas when they walk across the stage at 9 a.m. on Thursday at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton. They each applied to just one school.

Petersen — a USA Swim-

ming All-American and volunteer referee for special education soccer tournaments — will attend Colorado College in the fall to major in neuroscience with a minor in indigenous studies, while Hammonds — a teen cystic

fibrosis advocate and lobbyist who has recorded more than 400 service hours — will attend Texas A&M University to major in civil engineering.

“I can’t wait to spend the next four years at such an amazing school and be a

part of an incredible team,” Petersen, a first-generation college attendee, said. “Thank you so much to my teammates and coaches, and most importantly my family for supporting me through this entire process.”

His mother, Kathy Petersen, was among the many that extended their congratulations.

“Kole, we are so proud of you. Congratulations on reaching this goal and proving hard work pays off,” she said. “Those who know where you started, understand that this is a huge accomplishment. Enjoy this moment. Take it in. It is only the beginning of your amazing future.”

Petersen hopes to one day become a pediatric surgeon

or clinical psychologist, according to Belton ISD.

Like Petersen, Hammonds — who plays violin at First Baptist Church in Belton and has earned medals at the Visual Arts Scholastic Events — has a passion for serving others.

“Community service, healthier environments, clean hospitals and schools are important to me,” she said.

Her mother, Megan Hammonds, extended her gratitude for the ongoing support they have received from teachers, friends and family.

“Thank you New Tech community for helping to grow and guide our precious girl,” she said. “She’s going places, for sure.”

Make sure to pick a college bank account as carefully as your college

BY SpenCer tierneY nERDWALLET

Attending college can get pricey, so you’ll want to avoid costs from other places — like your bank account.

More than 668,000 students paid nearly $15.5 million in bank account costs in a year, an average of almost $26 per person, according to a 2022 report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What’s worse is that some colleges endorse costly bank accounts as part of their partnerships with banks.

“Do not assume that because your college or university partners with a bank, that bank is offering you a good deal,” Aaron Klein , senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, said in an email.

Before heading off to college, consider what factors you need in a college

checking account. There’s no grade on this, but the wrong bank can cost you.

DeCiDe What FeatureS matter

Checking accounts work similarly wherever you bank, but some features vary or aren’t available at every bank, including branches, highly rated mobile apps, certain account fees and perks such as direct deposit up to two days early.

Decide a few things going in, like whether you need a bank that offers joint bank accounts to share finances with a parent and whether you’ll want credit cards or other loan options at the same place.

The biggest banks generally have robust apps and big branch networks , but their account fees can be high . In contrast, regional banks and credit unions — the not-for-profit counter-

part to banks — might have lower fees and more of a community focus, but they have fewer branches and might lag in technology. Online banks can have minimal fees and high-quality apps, but they often lack a branch network and the ability to deposit cash isn’t guaranteed. Nationwide ATM access is usually available at credit unions and online banks through shared networks, but they might not be as easy to spot as big bank ATMs. Just don’t limit your options to only accounts marketed as “college checking.” You might miss out on banking features you’d want.

CheCK For FeeS

Watch out for fees on monthly maintenance, ATM usage and overdrafts. You can often avoid a monthly fee, such as $5 or $10, by having a certain

minimum balance or direct deposits into your account — or by finding a checking account without monthly fees. Using an ATM to withdraw cash outside your bank’s network can trigger a fee of around $2 to $3 from your bank, plus a fee from the ATM operator. And overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees can be $30 or more per transaction, which will kick in if a payment drops your account balance below zero.

Carla Sanchez-Adams, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, recommends looking into Bank On certified accounts, which don’t have overdraft or NSF fees. Transactions that would bring an account balance below zero get declined instead . Plus, these accounts can have screening practices inclusive of those with less banking history.

Belton New Tech High School valedictorian Kole Petersen.

Belton New Tech High School salutatorian Mylie Hammonds.

CTC confers more than 320 degrees in spring commencement

BY thaDDeuS imerman KILLEEn DAILy HERALD

BELTON — Nearly half of the graduates during the Central Texas College commencement ceremony May 12 walked the stage again this week as graduates of Early College High School.

The 180 such students not only received their high school diploma in a ceremony on May 24; they received their associate degrees May 12 at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton.

Two of the dual graduates did so with the highest honors, meaning they each completed their degrees with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

“It’s really satisfying,” said Madison Nichols, one of the young scholars. “I’ve been working hard for four years now. So being able to actually achieve it and be here in the cap and gown is really exciting.”

Nichols received her associate degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on biology. She said she plans to go to college to do biochemistry with a goal of becoming an emergency room doctor.

Vincent Xiao also achieved the same 4.0 mark as Nichols, a distinction he said he is grateful for.

“I feel very grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “It’s not very common for people to graduate with both an associate’s degree and a high school diploma.”

Xiao said he followed his brother’s footsteps by going to CTC.

Xiao’s associate degree is in general studies. The 17-year-

old said he has already been accepted to the University of Texas at Austin to begin studying computer science in the fall.

Also graduating Friday from CTC were married couple Susan Schenck and Tony Schenck.

The two nontraditional students may not have had the honor of walking in the same ceremony were it not for Susan’s persistence.

Susan finished her degree in 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, so she never went through an actual graduation ceremony. After speaking with the graduation department,

college officials said she was eligible to walk in a ceremony and told her she could in December 2022.

“(Tony) had already been accepted and I knew he was going to graduate in May, and I said, ‘Absolutely not. I want to walk in May,’” Susan Schenck said.

For Susan, 53, and Tony, 49, their children took precedence in their academic careers over their own.

“When our daughter graduated high school, I went back to school,” Susan said. “Because I had to work 120 hours versus an LPN to make what I make as an RN on a regular week. I couldn’t deny my

kids for me to go to school. So she graduated in June (2018) and in August, I was in the program.”

Both Schencks completed their associate degrees in applied science nursing. Since completing her degree in 2020, Susan has worked at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple.

Friday’s graduation, while known as the beginning for the graduates, was the end of an era of sorts, with Chancellor Jim Yeonopolus presiding over his final graduation. After a 50-year career, he will retire in August.

“I’ve attended every graduation since 1973 — to include

the ones I did overseas and other installations in the United States,” Yeonopolus said before the ceremony.

Though it was his final graduation, Yeonopolus said it is not necessarily bittersweet.

“I’m looking forward to this,” he said. “I’m looking forward to retirement. After 50 years, you kind of know when it is — and (the college is) in good hands.”

The guest speaker for the graduation was retired Command Sgt. Maj. Edgar Fuentes, who was appointed in January 2022 as one of the civilian aides to the Secretary of the Army.

THADDEuS MERMAn | HERALD

Central Texas College conferred more than 320 degrees Friday evening at its Spring 2023 commencement ceremony at the Bell County Expo Center.

A&M-Central Texas hits graduation milestone with commencement

BY thaDDeuS imerman KILLEEn DAILy HERALD

BELTON — Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas hit a milestone in its history May 13, surpassing 10,000 students who have completed a bachelor or master’s degree.

The university held its spring commencement ceremony at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton. The university had 329 students complete their degree. Of that number, 227 walked the stage May 13.

“When you get to double digits (in thousands) with your number of graduates, (and) when you’re a small school ... it’s a lot of graduates for the size of the institution,” said Marc Nigliazzo, president of the university prior to the ceremony.

Nigliazzo said the university maintains an enrollment of around 2,200 to 2,300 students per year and confers more than 700 degrees each year. No matter how many graduations Nigliazzo goes through — during his tenure as president of A&M-Central Texas and his previous positions elsewhere — he said he never gets tired of seeing the students’ reaction as they cross the stage.

“Truly, every time I reach out and grab one of those hands ... I know that’s a life-changer — it’s usually a dream,” he said. “Many of our students never thought this day would be possible. It continues to be a big day.

“And I can see some of them are trying so hard not ... they’re looking real stern. But when the diploma cover is in their hand, that big smile comes out.”

One of the 227 walking the stage Saturday was 24-year-old Christian Wesbrock, finishing with a bachelor degree in liberal studies, with a minor in math, English and criminal justice.

“My next plans are to become a high school teacher — for KISD, hopefully — in the math department,” Wesbrock said before the ceremony. “I’m

Marc Nigliazzo, president of Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas, presents a student with a diploma cover, signifying the student completed her necessary requirements for graduation.

currently a long-term sub(stitute) at Chaparral High School, and I’m hoping to continue that on next year.”

Bachelor’s degree in hand, Wesbrock hopes to continue his education at some point to get a master’s degree and pursue a career in education administration.

Wesbrock, who comes from a military family, said his father serves at Fort Cavazos, and he moved here when his father was stationed here

shortly after his high school graduation in 2017 from West Potomac High

School in Alexandria, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.

THADDEuS MERMAn | HERALD

‘Truly, every time I reach out and grab one of those hands ... I know that’s a life-changer.’

marc nigliazzo University president

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor holds spring commencement

purpose for your lives.”

BELTON — The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor held commencement services for its spring 2023 semester May 6 at Crusader Stadium in Belton.

This was the university’s 167th graduating class, and an estimated 591 students were awarded degrees, including 421 baccalaureate degrees, 162 master’s degrees, and eight doctoral degrees. Six commissioning officers also participated in the graduation ceremony, according to a news release from Ashley Smith, UMHB director of marketing and public relations.

UMHB President Dr. Randy O’Rear commended students for their dedication and determination to finish their degrees and celebrated the accomplishments of the class of 2023.

“Class of 2023, we are honored that you chose Mary Hardin-Baylor. We hope you grew in ways you never expected and are better people because of your experiences here with us,” O’Rear said. “One hundred seventeen of you are the first in your family to graduate from college, and 23 of you are graduating with a perfect 4.0. The youngest members of your class, there are three of you, are 19 years old. And the oldest member of your class is 65 years young,” he said. “Please come back and visit us often. We’ll have a Cru Dog and some purple vanilla ice cream waiting for you. We love you and will pray that God richly blesses you as you seek to fulfill his

Student recognitions during the ceremony included the Provost Medal for highest overall GPA, which was awarded to 23 students who each graduated with perfect 4.0-grade point averages: Daniel Benavides, Austin Black, Angela Bowers, Ashley Brooks, Caroline Cademartori, Brandon Crouch, Holly Dasher, Robert Fulmer, Gavin Gallop, Alexis Headding, Lauren Lents, Abriella Loya, Catherine Loyd, Jonathan Montgomery, Dat Nguyen, Bailey Plummer, Emma Powell, Rebecca Reeves, Addison Schievelbein, Emily Schmid, Roise Spangler, Krystal Spence, and Christine Willett.

The university also recognized eight students who have successfully completed all the Honors Program requirements, including a senior research project: Lauren Chesshir, Gavin Gallop, Emma Johnson, Karlie Kalischko, Abriella Loya, Mindy Moore, Jakayla Pink, and Christine Willett.

The President’s Award, presented to the graduating senior who has provided meritorious service to the university, particularly the senior class, was awarded to Jordan Thomas of Belton. She was involved in Welcome Week, Stunt Night, Psalm 139, Easter Pageant, Wellness Cru, chapel worship, and a chapel speaker.

The Loyalty Cup, awarded to the student most representative of the university’s ideals, traditions, and spirit, was given to Anthony Avila of Troy.

Students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor attend commencement services May 6 for the Spring 2023 semester at Crusader Stadium in Belton.

Avila is actively involved in campus life, intramurals,

Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and student teaching, and he played Crusader football.

COuRTESy OF THE unIVERSITy OF MARy HARDIn-BAyLOR