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.”