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.”