Honoring the Top 10 Graduating Seniors
Photo caption: Klein ISD 2013 valedictorians and their distinguished educators. Distinguished educators are chosen by the students for their profound educational impact.
Education Foundation
Congratulations and Best Wishes Graduates Klein ISD Education Foundation Board of Directors
SPONSORS PLATINUM UNDERWRITER
Campus Kids, LLC
Donald R. Collins Distinguished Klein Educator Award Sponsor Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR & HONORED EDUCATOR AWARD SPONSORS Absolute-All Sports
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Bay-IBI Group Architects
SHW Group
Durotech, Inc.
Tellepsen
TABLE SPONSORS • Absolute-All Sports • Bank of America • Bay-IBI Group Architects • Campus Kids, LLC • Dahill, A Xerox Company • D & L Global Consulting, Inc. • Durotech, Inc. • Cindy Hardy • Herff Jones • Hometown Insurance • Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce • InvesTex Credit Union • Joiner Partnership - Architects
• Jones & Carter, Inc. • Tom & Sue Kikis • Klein Equities • Klein Forest High School • Klein ISD Board of Trustees • Lone Star College - Tomball • Lone Star College - University Park • Duong Nguyen Family • North Harris County Regional Water Authority • Outlook Financial Group, LLC • PBK Architects • Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP
• Prestige by Lifetouch • RBC Capital Markets, LLC • Radcliffe Resources • Rogers, Morris & Grover, LLP • SHW Group • Smart Financial Credit Union • Steven & Debbie Smith • Sunrise Custom Homes • Tellepsen • The Collins Family • State Rep. Sylvester Turner, District 139
Program printed courtesy of Dahill, A Xerox Company Program photos courtesy of Prestige By Lifetouch
The Klein ISD Education Foundation
Academic Banquet Monday, April 22, 2013
Program Welcome
Cindy Hardy, Treasurer Klein ISD Education Foundation Dr. Jim Cain, Superintendent Klein ISD
Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
Dr. Mark Young Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
Donor Recognition
Cindy Doyle, Director Community Relations and Education Foundation
Keynote Speaker
Recognition of Distinguished Scholars & Educators
Student Comments
Donald R. Collins, Distinguished Klein ISD Educator Award Closing Remarks
Derrick Brew Klein Forest High School, Class of 1996 Cindy Hardy, Treasurer Klein ISD Education Foundation Klein ISD Education Foundation Directors Haley Marek, Klein High School Tram Nguyen, Klein Forest High School Ryan Bradley, Klein Oak High School Kurt Lantion, Klein Collins High School
Dr. Jim Cain, Superintendent Klein ISD
Cindy Doyle, Director Community Relations and Education Foundation
The Klein ISD Education Foundation Honors
Dr. Nancy Reeves Radcliffe
2013 Donald R. Collins Distinguished Klein Educator Award Previous Honorees: Dr. Donald R. Collins, Ed & Wanna Hickey, Betty L. Dodd, Frank Lemmon and Dr. Robert LeBlanc
Klein High School
Nicholas Nguyen, Wesley Cossick, Diana Evans, Kevin McMahon, Peter Yu, Haley Marek, Afiya Ali, Abhishek Pillarisetti, Alexandra Reed & William Bing Hua Principal: Larry Whitehead
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: French Club French National Honor Society Orchestra (Region IX & Texas Music Scholar) Mu Alpha Theta Health Occupations Students of America Business Professionals of America United States Achievement Academy Science Scholar Performing Arts Institute Boston University, Summer Honors Intern Most Outstanding French Student Most Outstanding Musician Leadership Positions: French Club, Vice President French National Honor Society, Treasurer Community/Volunteer Service: French National Honor Society, French Tutor National Honor Society, Math Tutor Boy Scouts of America Retirement Home Musician
Nicholas Nguyen Valedictorian Klein High School
Plans After High School: Major in biology at either Stanford or Johns Hopkins University and pursue a medical profession. Distinguished Educator: Sandra Miller Klein High School
“Bonjour mes choux! Qui aime la rentrée? Every summer I couldn’t wait to hear these words as the first day of school approached. I am one of the few people who was lucky enough to study under Madame Miller for all four years of high school. To tell you the truth, Madame is not only my French teacher; she is also my English and History teacher as well as my pronunciation coach. But most importantly she is my life mentor. I cannot express how much it means to me whenever she shows concern for my well-being. Madame is the quintessence of kindness, intelligence, and sincerity. Even after school, she takes time out to help us further our knowledge in the French language. Meetings with her for French Club and French Honor Society will forever be engraved in my memory. Without her jovial anecdotes, our meetings would be dry and flavorless. I owe a big part of who I am today to her. Merci Madame pour tout ce que vous avez fait. Vous serez toujours dans mon coeur.”
Wesley Cossick Salutatorian Klein High School
Plans After High School: Attend either the University of Texas or Baylor University and major in computer science. Distinguished Educator: Kathryn Miller Klein High School
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Merit Finalist Standleader Owner, Next Step Webs LLC Texas Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist National Federation of Independent Businesses, Young Entrepreneur Award Semifinalist Band Latin Club National Honor Society Computer Science Club Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor National Junior Classical League Latin National Honor Society Leadership Positions: KHS Band, Section Leader Latin Club, President Champion Forest Baptist Church Media Crew, Director Community/Volunteer Service: Champion Forest Baptist Church, Media Crew Gospel Lakes Houston Habitat for Humanity Annual Mission Trips National Honor Society Caroling at Nursing Homes Toy Drives for Christmas Champion Forest Baptist Church, Vacation Bible School
“When people think of exciting academic courses, Latin typically isn’t the first subject that comes to mind. However, Ms. Miller brings life to what most people consider a dead language. At the start of my freshmen year, I could never have imagined that Latin would quickly become my favorite subject, largely due to outstanding teachers like Ms. Miller. She challenged us with material that not only prepared us for her class, but also improved our understanding of the English language and broadened our vocabulary. Ms. Miller shows a genuine concern for her students, and invests the time to learn the individual abilities and unique personalities of each. It was a privilege to have her as my third year Latin teacher, and I have enjoyed the opportunity to assist her in the Standleader adopt-a-teacher program during my senior year. It is teachers like Ms. Miller who make Klein an outstanding school.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Merit Finalist Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction 4 years Varsity Track- ranked top 25 in State 4 years Varsity Cross Country, Most Valuable Runner Most Valuable Freshman and Junior Daughters of the American Revolution, Good Citizen Award Computer Science Club Junior Varsity Soccer, Most Valuable Defender Student Council Leadership Positions: National Honor Society, President Spanish National Honor Society, Officer Junior Guild Volunteer Organization, Parliamentarian Student Leader on Mission Trip to El Salvador Community/Volunteer Service: Spanish National Honor Society, Tutor Faithbridge Church, Mission Trips Mittelstadt Elementary School, Mentor National Honor Society, Volunteer Junior Guild Volunteer Organization, Volunteer People to People, Student Ambassador
Diana Evans Klein High School
Plans After High School: I will be attending Duke University where I plan to major in economics and potentially minor in statistics, computer science or Spanish. Distinguished Educator: Tim Rice Klein High School
“If you can count on one thing when you have Mr. Rice as a teacher, it’s that class won’t be traditional. Don’t expect to be bored with PowerPoints and monotonous lectures, but instead, prepare yourself to laugh, speak out in class, question what behavioral disorder your teacher is demonstrating today, and learn lots and lots about psychology. What really made Mr. Rice stand out to me as a teacher was his originality and unpredictability. From his certificates on the walls claiming that he is a certified Buddhist monk (which are fake, by the way) to his hilarious stories about encounters with the psychologically abnormal in Whataburger, Mr. Rice ensured that we didn’t just learn about psychology, we experienced it. Soon I found myself eagerly anticipating his class every day, and he genuinely kept me interested in learning the subject matter. Mr. Rice, thank you so much for your dedication to keeping school fun and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of your class and I’m sorry to hear that future students will not get the privilege of having you as a teacher after you retire.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Academic Decathlon National Junior Classical League Band Full Orchestra Boy Scouts of America National Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar Advanced Placement Scholar
Kevin McMahon Klein High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Colorado School of Mines and major in petroleum engineering.
Leadership Positions: Band Brass, Captain Section Leader Latin Club, Co-Scribae Latin Olympics, Organizer Community/Volunteer Service: 45 and Hope, Feeding the Homeless Northwest Assistance Ministries: Meals on Wheels Habitat for Humanity Mixed Race Marrow Registry (MRMR) Volunteer
Distinguished Educator: Alicia Eichhorn Klein High School
“Despite not knowing Ms. Eichhorn until this year, she has had an enormous impact on me in this short span. As an English teacher, she has imparted to me a greater appreciation for the value of literature, and I hope to carry this with me for the rest of my life. As one of my Academic Decathlon coaches, she played a major role in helping me develop the self-confidence that I needed to be successful. This confidence has proven beneficial to me in many aspects of my life, and has allowed me to realize the truth in Henry Ford’s famous words: ‘Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you’re right.’ Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude for the impact she has had on my life. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from her.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Texas Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra Academic Challenge French National Honor Society National Honor Society French Club Leadership Positions: French National Honor Society, Treasurer Orchestra, Section Leader
Peter Yu Klein High School
Community/Volunteer Service: Church, Volunteer Camp Barnabas Baptist Mission Centers of Houston
Plans After High School: Major in bioengineering/biomedical engineering at either Rice University or the University of Texas at Austin.
Distinguished Educator: Vicki Hermsdorf Klein High School
“A gift is only as warm as the heart it comes from. In the same way, learning is a gift from teacher to pupil, and its effect has much to do with the effort in which the teacher works. For what reason is the teacher working? Is there a heart in this present that the students are receiving, or is it merely being forced down their throats? Clearly for Mrs. Hermsdorf, it is not the latter. Although I have known her for only a short year, it is evident from her teachings that there is depth to her words, spirit to her lectures, and energy in her instruction. She has shown me the joy in knowledge of chemistry and the many adventures it contains. Her constant support, lively disposition, and overall kind-heartedness make her that much more inspirational. I’m grateful for the chance to experience a foreign sense of comfort in an otherwise challenging class, and for a refreshing learning experience that I won’t forget. Thanks.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society Health Occupations Students of America National Competitor, State Competitor, Lettered Student Council Speech and Debate Team Theater Production
Haley Marek Klein High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend either the University of Texas at Austin or the University of Alabama and major in biochemistry (pre-med).
Leadership Positions: Legacy League, Inc., First Vice-President, Second Vice-President Elect, Nominating Community/Volunteer Service: DeBakey Diet and Medical Spa, Volunteer Helped teachers move into the new building Abercrombie Academy, Tutor Vacation Bible School, Teacher Silverado Senior Living Center Legacy League Spring Assistance Ministries Northwest Assistance Ministries Keep Pace Cypresswood Clubhouse Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Distinguished Educator: Kristen Haggard Klein High School “As I’ve told her many times before, to call Ms. Haggard just my teacher would be an insult. She has become so much more than that over the past two years, and I am truly blessed to have had her in my life. As my teacher for Health Science Technology, Ms. Haggard gave me the opportunity to experience medicine firsthand, coached me in proper interview techniques, and helped me map out my future career. Her guidance has proved time and time again to be beneficial, and I value her opinions and suggestions above almost everyone else’s. I can’t imagine making any important decisions without consulting with her first, nor do I plan to do it anytime soon. She has become one of my true best friends, my confidant, and a fellow goofball. There are no words to encompass the gratitude I have for all that she has done for me over the past two years. I just hope that one day I can be a fraction of the person she is. I love you Ms. H!”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Health Occupations Students of America Klein Islamic Thought Business Professionals of America Student Teens Aiding Resource Students Spanish National Honor Society Distributive Education Clubs of America National Honor Society Leadership Positions: Health Occupations Students of America, Secretary Student Teens Aiding Resource Students, Historian Community/Volunteer Service: Champions Mosque Health Occupations Students of America National Honor Society Klein Islamic Thought
Afiya Ali Klein High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend the Honors College at the University of Houston; my major is undecided.
Distinguished Educator: Phyllis Head Klein High School
“Throughout high school I have had many teachers who have had a lasting impact on my education. One such teacher, Ms. Head, stands out in my mind. I was lucky enough to have Ms. Head for two coursesWorld History AP and European History AP. Being in Ms. Head’s class helped shape my high school experience. Her passion and commitment to teaching have instilled in me a palpable determination to succeed. The love she has for the subjects she teaches and her witty sense of humor have brought history to life for me. The patience she has with her students is endless and her genuine caring for them is obvious. Her classroom is one that inspires a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge. Every day she has a new “Fact of the Day” written on the board and different quotes by influential people in history hung up in her room. It’s the small things like this that greatly contribute to her unique teaching style. Ms. Head truly epitomizes all the qualities of an amazing educator.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Math Club Texas Math and Science Coaches Association State Contest, 2nd in Number Sense UIL Science Club Team Academic Decathlon, 2nd in Interview in State Academic Challenge Team
Abhishek Pillarisetti
Leadership Positions: Math Club, Vice President Science Club, Vice President
Klein High School
Community/Volunteer Service: National Honor Society, Tutor National Honor Society, Volunteer Plans After High School: I plan to major in electrical engineering and go to Columbia University or Rice University.
Distinguished Educator: Don Robinson Klein High School
“When I set foot in my first physics class in my life at Klein High School, I became immediately intrigued by Mr. Robinson. His calm demeanor and passion for physics that oozed out of him was bestowed on his students like me, after which we could not help but love physics just as much as he did. But for me, Mr. Robinson did not just instill his craving for physics; he also pushed me to work harder and to get the most out of my abilities. Whether I spent my time after school preparing for upcoming Decathlon competitions or Academic Challenge, it was Mr. Robinson who urged me to try new and unique activities to diversify my knowledge, so I would not be susceptible to carrying the title of a “one-trick pony.” So, as I leave Klein and go off far away to college, I will always keep in mind the lessons that Mr. Robinson taught me as I tackle life’s difficult challenges, wherever they may take me.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Drama Tommy Tune Best Leading Actress Nominee International Thespian Society Speech and Debate Texas Forensics Association, State Qualifier National Forensics League French National Honor Society French Top Scholar UIL Literary Criticism National Honor Society Commended National Merit Scholar Advanced Placement Scholar Leadership Positions: Drama, Publicity Head French National Honor Society, Secretary Speech and Debate, Historian Community/Volunteer Service: Mission Trips to Kentucky, Montana & Baja, Mexico Faithbridge United Methodist Church Student Ministry, Missions Consultant National Honor Society
Alexandra Reed Klein High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend the University of Texas, Plan II Honors Program, majoring in psychology.
Distinguished Educator: Josie Mallery Klein High School
“When Mrs. Mallery steps up to the whiteboard, not only does her genius radiate throughout the room, but her passion as well. It’s not just letters and numbers, it’s about mind expansion and problem solving; it’s about real life problems and real life solutions. It’s about going down the slide and through the tunnel, killing Bambi, sexy curves, whooping cranes, and cooling off that cake for the math team. For the first time ever, I can honestly say that I genuinely enjoy my math class. If there is a teacher out there who is more dedicated to her students than Josie Mallery, I certainly have never heard of them. The amount of hours she invests in her kids is unfathomable, and it’s all because she cares about us and sincerely wants us to succeed. By sharing her excitement for Calculus, her patience, and (my personal favorite) her anecdotes, Mrs. Mallery inspired me to push myself; now I know that I’m capable of so much more than I originally thought.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Orchestra, Regional Qualifier Debate, State Qualifier Business Professionals of America, State Qualifier Distributive Education Clubs of America, State Qualifier Tennis Computer Science Club National Honor Society Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction National Merit Commended Scholar
William Bing Hua Klein High School
Plans After High School: I am undecided on my college choice but plan to major in statistics, computer science and finance.
Leadership Positions: Distributive Education Clubs of America, Secretary Student Teens Aiding Resource Students, Treasurer Community/Volunteer Service: National Honor Society Student Teens Aiding Resource Students Houston Northwest Medical Center
Distinguished Educator: Ryan Hennessey Klein High School
“When I first joined debate during the second semester of my sophomore year, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I had a fear of public speaking, knew nothing about philosophy or public policy, and was constantly confused by debate jargon. RH managed to help me through dealing with all my problems and even qualify me for state during my junior year. RH’s biggest impact on me is developing my ability to think. For every argument I ever made, he forced me to question everything: the wording, the assumptions, the evidence, everything. He taught me to always think from the opponent’s point of view and imagine how they would respond. The skills that I learned in my debate shifted the way that I think and has drastically altered my views on issues such as religion and politics. Debating under RH’s expertise was an incredibly rewarding experience and has made me a more open minded individual.”
Congratulations from the Staff of Campus Kids. We proudly salute the student scholars and distinguished educators who continue to strive for excellence.
campuskidsllc.com
Klein Forest High School
Tram Nguyen, Briana Nguyen, Rachel Wesson, Tan Luu, Camille Broadus, Victoria Nguyen, Apeksha Sandesara, Sunny Patel, Darrion Nguyen & Roechelle Torres Principal: Patricia Crittendon
Klein Forest High School Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction Outstanding Artist Award Academic Decathlon National Art Honor Society National Honor Society Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Honorable Mention Published in Aquilae Stilus Mu Alpha Theta Leadership Positions: National Honor Society, Vice President Interact Club, President Octathlon, Team Captain Habitat for Humanity, Vice President Aquilae Stilus, Art Editor Teacher Assistant Community/Volunteer Service: Our Lady of Lavang Church Alzheimer’s Association Hope Initiative BEAResource for CPS Kids Greens Bayou Clean-Up Northwest Volunteer Fire Department Speak Up to Vote Vietnamese Outreach Houston Chevron Marathon, Volunteer
Tram Nguyen Valedictorian Klein Forest High School
Plans After High School: Study mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
Distinguished Educator: Cynthia Griffin
“Three hours into my first day of high school, Ms. Griffin proved everything I knew about art wrong. I thought it was a hobby, a thing to pass the time. Instead, her charisma and zeal about the subject showed me that art was a burning passion inside every soul. I remember the day she handed me my first set of acrylic paints and paintbrushes and told me to get out of my comfort zone. However, it is evident that she did much more than that. She pushed me out, gave me wings, and let me truly grow as both a person and an artist. Ms. Griffin helped me learn to love the paint in my hair, the graphite smudged against my hands, and the chalk pastel rubbed on my jeans. She continues to inspire me every day with her enthusiasm and magnetic personality, and she never fails to make me laugh with her quirks and witty remarks. Ms. Griffin, thank you for the last four years of my life, and you are definitely more beautiful!”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society Math National Honor Society Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor Chamber Orchestra Full Orchestra Spanish National Honor Society Interact Club Health Occupations Students of America Key Club
Briana Nguyen Salutatorian Klein Forest High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend the University of Notre Dame; my major is undecided.
Distinguished Educator: Danae Perez Klein Forest High School
Leadership Positions: National Honor Society, President Math National Honor Society, Vice President Community/Volunteer Service: St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital St. Luke’s Hospital at The Vintage Cypress Creek YMCA Lone Star College, Leadership High School Program Our Lady of LaVang Church Collier Branch Houston Public Library Autumn Grove Cottages - Alzheimer’s Home National Honor Society Math National Honor Society Interact Club
“I walked into Ms. Perez’s class thinking - “First year as an AP teacher? This should be a piece of cake!” and boy was I wrong. Every agonizing Thursday was a timed essay and every Monday was the impossible AP multiple choice. In my mind and in those of my peers, we all sort of thought she was crazy. As I progressed through the year, though, watching myself fall in love with her book selections for the class and seeing myself complete a hand-written three-page essay within forty minutes, I realized the effect of her work on me. And then came my five. Never before had I ever been lucky enough to have a teacher so passionate in her goal to create better readers and powerful writers. For everything, thank you, Ms. Perez.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Orchestra Aquilae Stilus Academic UIL National Honor Society Decathlon Leadership Positions: Aquilae Stilus, Editor-in-Chief Community/Volunteer Service: Second Baptist Church, Volunteer Northwest Volunteer Fire Department, Volunteer Grace England Pre-Kindergarten Center, Volunteer Swim Meet Volunteer Reforestation Volunteer
Rachel Wesson Klein Forest High School
Plans After High School: I plan to study English at Texas A&M University or the University of Arizona.
Distinguished Educator: Kristi Brockman, Retired Klein Forest High School “My first contact with Mrs. Brockman was an email, sent while I was in eighth grade. I was interested in both her Creative Writing class and the school anthology, Aquilae Stilus. I thought they looked like fun, and I wanted to be involved. So Mrs. Brockman was one of the first teachers at Klein Forest that I met. I joined Aquilae-I took Creative Writing, during sophomore year-and I learned that Mrs. Brockman was more than a teacher. She was a Muse, the Literary Goddess. Her enthusiasm and creativity brought the class to life. Her approach was less to tell us how to write than to inspire us to write, which made Creative Writing-with its music, art, and first-day trust exercise-a unique and favored course. Even outside of class, Mrs. Brockman proved to be awesome; for instance, there was a certain incident with a kangaroo. And as for my experience with her as the sponsor of Aquilae, I am so proud to have had that experience. Mrs. Brockman will live in my memory as a treasured, integral part of my high school experience.�
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society Math National Honor Society Health Occupations Students of America Interact Club Tennis
Tan Luu
Leadership Positions: Math National Honor Society, President Interact Club, Historian
Klein Forest High School
Plans After High School: I plan to go to the University of Texas at Austin, where I will study natural sciences. Distinguished Educator: Amy Chang Klein Forest High School “I never knew that I would find someone so similar to me, especially a teacher. Since the first day I met Ms. Chang, I had a feeling she was going to be a lot of fun. Some days, I stayed after school with her, helping her with things such as the next day’s lab. In return, she feeds me snacks from her “hidden snack drawer,” which isn’t so hidden to me! Her enthusiasm and passion to help me with any problem I had, such as prom, college, and school, has created a bond between us. I will miss her quirkiness because she is like an older sister I have never had. I know that Ms. Chang has taught me many important things besides biology, even if we do argue about homework sometimes. She has taught me the joy of being myself within the classroom, with my lab coat, light saber, and all the things that make me, me. I will forever cherish this bond, as she has become an inspiration to me.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Cross Country Track Swimming and Diving Orchestra National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta French National Honor Society French Club Academic All State Cross Country Team Regional Swim Team Qualifier Outstanding Artist Award Leadership Positions: National Honor Society, Treasurer Mu Alpha Theta, Secretary Community/Volunteer Service: Elves & More Annual Bike Build Elves & More Bike Race Elves & More Charity Northwest Volunteer Fire Department Epps Island Turkey Trot Houston Chevron Marathon Northwest Assistance Ministries
Camille Broadus Klein Forest High School
Plans After High School: I plan to study biomedical engineering at either the University of Texas or Texas A&M University.
Distinguished Educator: Leslie Wylie Klein Forest High School
“I chose Leslie Wylie to be my honored educator. She has been my coach for cross country and track since my freshman year at Klein Forest. Coach Wylie has motivated me to excel not only in my pursuit of sports but in my academics as well. Her ability to lead such an amazing team each year I’ve been at Klein Forest has given me the drive to pursue my goals and strive to be great. Coach Wylie not only has been there to encourage me as I was running a race but has been there throughout my high school career encouraging me to be among the top ten people of my class. Being on a team led by her has been remarkable and I know it won’t be the same once I leave for college. I greatly appreciate her magnitude of patience and leadership and I am blessed to have been able to be on a team that felt like my second family. She has instilled in me a passion for sports and a drive for excellence. Thank you Coach.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Cross Country Track Student Council Class Officers Octathlon French National Honor Society Math National Honor Society Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction
Victoria Nguyen
Leadership Positions: Senior Class, President
Klein Forest High School
Community/Volunteer Service: Barbara Bush Library, Volunteer Plans After High School: I plan to go to Texas A&M University and major in biology.
Distinguished Educator: Michelle McCharen Klein Forest High School
“It takes a special person to take out their time and make an effort to help change the lives of other people. I feel that Klein Forest has been blessed with a person that does all that and so much more in having Mrs. McCharen as their college and career counselor. Throughout much of my senior year, Mrs. McCharen has mailed off countless copies of my transcript to different schools, notified me of any qualifying scholarships, and introduced me to numerous college advisors. Her caring manner and positive determination shines through to show that she is passionate in helping students reach their full ambition and absolutely loves her job. She always offers me words of encouragement that have inspired me to attain my own goals. I’ve been so grateful to have her there to guide me through such an important time in my life and help me make the right decisions in my choice of college and major so that I can achieve my dreams. She has done so much not only for me, but countless other seniors, in helping them reach their future goals.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: International Business Academy National Honor Society Pakistani-Indian Student Association Interact Club Advanced Placement Club Health Occupations Students of America Habitat for Humanity Leadership Positions: Pakistani-Indian Student Association, Art Director Advanced Placement Club, Treasurer
Apeksha Sandesara Klein Forest High School
Community/Volunteer Service: National Honor Society Service Interact Club Health Occupations Students of America Operation Christmas Child Northwest Assistance Ministry Food Drive
Plans After High School: Major in business at either the University of Houston or the University of Texas at Austin.
Distinguished Educator: Dr. Norman LaFave Klein Forest High School “High school is a balancing act. With the constant workload from classes and clubs, it can be an emotional rollercoaster. If something has stayed the same in these four years of mayhem, it is my love for Dr. LaFave and his involvement in my life as my sponsor, teacher, and mentor. I first met him in 2008 when I took part in KF’s annual Culture Shock show organized by the Pakistani-Indian Student Association. I was inspired by his cheerful personality and undying dedication towards his club. His strong support for cultural awareness and the community is inspiring and enlightening. After two years of membership in his club, I had the opportunity to learn physics from him, a subject I was not looking forward to. Science is just not my cup of tea, but Dr. LaFave pushed me to face the challenges that came before me rather than avoiding them. Thank you, Dr. LaFave, for being such an important role model in my life and sharing your love for culture and knowledge with me.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Orchestra Decathlon Scholastic Arts and Writing -- Honorable Mention, Gold Key and Harris County Department of Education Trustee’s Incentive Award Lone Star College, Leadership High School Program
Sunnysuraj Patel
Leadership Positions: Orchestra, Equipment Manager Mu Alpha Theta, Vice President
Klein Forest High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Stanford University or Rice University and major in computer science.
Community/Volunteer Service: Interact Club Walk to End Alzheimer’s Juvenile Diabetes Relief Fund Walk Chevron Houston Marathon
Distinguished Educator: Matthew Smith Klein Forest High School
“Though I’ve had many teachers whom I respect and who motivate me, Mr. Smith has shown me that any subject can be interesting if viewed in the right way. In the three years that I have known him, he has been nothing but a knowledgeable, lighthearted, and vivacious man. He’s made his students feel like a circle of friends, and that makes the environment to learn not only entertaining but also that much more comfortable. Mr. Smith shows a love for his subject, and it inspires me to find a subject I can enjoy equally as much. He speaks to all students with respect and never fails to bring a bit of humor into the room. No soap radio!”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society Varsity Swimming UIL One Act Play Klein Forest Musicals Klein Forest Play International Thespian Society Superintendent’s Advisory Council Chamber Orchestra Drama Club Full Orchestra Klein Forest’s Announcement Team Academic Decathlon Academic Octathlon
Darrion Nguyen Klein Forest High School
Leadership Positions: Interact Club, Vice President National Honor Society, Secretary Superintendent’s Advisory Council Community/Volunteer Service: Interact Club National Honor Society
Plans After High School: Major in chemistry and biology at the University of Texas at Austin.
Distinguished Educator: Kim-Ling Sun Klein Forest High School
“Prior to taking Mrs. Sun’s English Dual Credit class, I honestly felt unprepared for college. I didn’t know what to expect from a college course except for the long and tedious essays; however, my perspective changed when I first sat in Mrs. Sun’s room. She’s able to bond with all her students and her creative teaching methods help each student easily comprehend the material. She goes out beyond the classroom, and treats all her students as if we’re kids of her own. Besides this, her class reassured me that though college may seem hard, perseverance will get me through everything. Her enthusiasm for teaching English is both intriguing and inspiring and taught me the pleasure of constantly challenging myself. Mrs. Sun, the word thank you cannot simply describe how much I appreciate what you have taught me. To me, you’re more than a teacher; you’re family.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Orchestra National Honor Society Leadership Positions: Cello Teacher
Roechelle L. Torres Klein Forest High School
Community/Volunteer Service: Montrose Street Reach, Volunteer Grace England Pre-Kindergarten Center, Volunteer Church Volunteer Fire Department Volunteer Attendance Office Assistant
Plans After High School: I plan to attend either Sam Houston State University or North Park University and major in music education. Distinguished Educator: Laurie Arnold Klein Forest High School
“Ever since I met Ms. Arnold, I could tell that she loved the cello. Her passion for music showed in everything that she did, whether it was making random references to various works of music to simply describing it. Whenever she taught or played the cello, she gave you an image so vivid and beautiful that you couldn’t help but fall in love with music even more than before. Her crazy descriptions and comparisons were always so perfect, no matter how irrelevant they seemed. Ms. Arnold’s devotion to music and to her students has allowed me to grow and mature as a musician. Her constant guidance and encouragement has transformed me from the completely lost freshman in orchestra who had no idea what she was doing to the slightly less lost senior who almost knows what she is doing. Ms. Arnold has always been there and has never given up on me; whenever I felt like giving up in orchestra, her dedication reminded me why I joined in the first place. She has inspired me to continue pursuing the cello, and my hope is that when I grow up, I am able to give the joy and beauty of music to the rest of the world in the same way she does every day.”
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Klein Oak High School
Lauren Beccue, Tahir Hafeez Malik, Chelsea Grace Jamieson, Sally Jean Choi, Hira Saleem Chaudhary, Meghana Chappidi, Lauren Carina Canady, Brock James Medlin, Ryan Matthew Bradley & Rukan Nissa Huq Principal: Ron Webster
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Merit Scholar Finalist National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Spanish Club Gifted and Talented Program Church Youth Group Leadership Positions: St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Vacation Bible School Leader Algebra and Pre-Calculus, Tutor Community/Volunteer Service: Habitat for Humanity Abandoned Animal Rescue Shelter Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center Relay for Life Coreluv International Orphan Care Walk Debate Tournament Judge Houston Food Bank Toys for Tots Northwest Assistance Ministries, Holiday Food Drive Group Workcamps, Home Repair Mission Trip
Lauren Beccue Valedictorian Klein Oak High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in journalism.
Distinguished Educator: Mindy Faber Klein Oak High School
“Throughout the past four years of high school, I have had the privilege of learning from many intelligent and inspiring educators, but Mrs. Faber has had the biggest impact on me by far. I feel incredibly lucky to have been one of her students during both 10th and 11th grade. Her enthusiasm and deep appreciation for literature and writing not only made her class enjoyable and interesting, but also motivated me to pursue my own interests. She taught me lessons that I have found to be invaluable both in and out of the classroom: most importantly, to never be afraid to challenge myself. I know that in the years to come, I’ll be facing a future filled with uncertainties and obstacles. Yet I believe that I am ready to face them, and I have her to thank for that. I truly hope that she realizes just how much all of her support and encouragement as a teacher have meant to me.”
Tahir Hafeez Malik Salutatorian Klein Oak High School
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Debate Science National Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Academic Decathlon Health Occupations Students of America Academic Octathlon Public Forum Debate Quarter-Finalist UIL District Extemporaneous Finalist 1st place Economics Regional Octathlon 1st place Math Regional Octathlon 1st place Economics District Octathlon 1st place Social Science District Octathlon 1st place Art District Octathlon 1st place Geology District Octathlon Top Score District Octathlon Leadership Positions:
Plans After High School: I plan on attending Rice University and majoring in biology. Afterwards, I plan on attending medical school and obtaining my doctorate in medicine to become a neurosurgeon. Distinguished Educator: Randy Tumlinson Klein Oak High School
Debate, Secretary & Executive Council Member Science National Honor Society, Sergeant-at-Arms
Community/Volunteer Service: St. Luke’s Hospital Volunteer Program Habitat for Humanity Academic Tutoring Relay for Life Gulf Coast Regional Blood Drives
“Mr. Tumlinson redefined the way I think by guiding us as we considered boundaries, frameworks, and the truth. We pushed past the superficial, exploring the vast depths beyond. While Descartes never said, “I think, therefore I am,” this misquote applied to us every single day in that classroom. As we changed the way we thought, we changed ourselves. We matured and grew into thoughtful beings. Mr. Tumlinson, someday I’ll read Gulliver’s Travels, and every time I see a jar, I’ll wonder where I should put it. I’ll never forget to look for the nuances in my words, and I’ll think before I speak and then I’ll think again. The differences between “same” and “similar” are too great to be discounted. But the greatest lesson I learned is to not be afraid to voice my opinions no matter what they were. Thank you, Mr. Tumlinson.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Band - Region Band 4 years National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Tri-M Music Honor Society French National Honor Society French Club French Symposium - 1st Place Drama Group Leadership Positions: French Club, Freshman Representative Tri-M Club, Treasurer Community/Volunteer Service: Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition, Baby Bird Feeder Nursing Home Visitation Preschool, Assistant Sunday School Teacher Tree Planting - Hermann Park, Houston Arboretum, ProVision School Trail Clearing - Houston Audubon Society Gospel Lakes (Inner City Youth Camp) Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Walks - Care Net, Aid Sudan, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis
Chelsea Grace Jamieson Klein Oak High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Samford University and major in environmental science and minor in math. I hope to attend graduate school and study ornithology.
Distinguished Educator: Mike Spencer Klein Oak High School
“I’ve always been good at math, but this year I discovered that, as strange as it sounds, I love calculus! By sixth period, I would usually be dreading another class, but this year it has turned out to be the best part of my day. Mr. Spencer somehow manages to take a subject that most people think is dull and boring and make it understandable and entertaining. His subtle humor always brightens my day. When I think back over my day, the highlights usually come from Mr. Spencer’s class. I admire that he genuinely cares about each of his students. Whenever we walk into class, he makes an effort to relate to us. Mr. Spencer puts a lot of time and effort into teaching, grading, and being available for questions before and after school, always with a smile on his face. It’s not just a job to him. He actually enjoys it. His passion for teaching calculus has made me realize how much I enjoy math. I’m still not sure of what career I want to pursue, but I’ve learned from Mr. Spencer that it’s important to do what you love.”
Sally Jean Choi Klein Oak High School
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Science National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society Science Club Science UIL Klein ISD Superintendent’s Council Band National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Tri-M Music Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar Texas Bluebonnet Girls State Completion of Neurobiology-S50 course through Harvard Secondary School Silver Award on Spanish National Exam National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine University of Texas Honors Colloquium United States Achievement Academy Mathematics National Award
Plans After High School: I hope to attend Yale University for my undergraduate studies and major in molecular biophysics and biochemistry.
Leadership Positions: Science National Honor Society, Vice President Science Club, Vice President Spanish National Honor Society, Senior Representative Superintendent’s Council, Member
Distinguished Educator: Brad Rice Klein Oak High School
Community/Volunteer Service: Tomball Regional Medical Center, Volunteer Atria Cypresswood Senior Living, Volunteer First Korean United Methodist Church, Volunteer
“Each day, I spend two math class periods with Mr. Rice, and every day his abounding intelligence kindles my flirtations with Math. His explanations of the “why” and of the “what” provided me with a whole new perspective and understanding of his lessons. There’s also no way we could let Pi Day pass without properly celebrating the fun Pi Day festivities! Mr. Rice’s classes have revived my passion for math, and I look forward to these class periods every day. His class is by no means one in which I was handed everything wrapped in a pretty gift bow, but instead I found myself with both the freedom and the responsibility to take care of my own work. He sacrifices his own convenience for his consideration for his students’ unforeseen obstacles in their schedules, so he established a lenient homework schedule that often left him with 900+ DyKnow slides of homework to grade on quiz days. Best of all, Mr. Rice treats his students as competent adults. Thank you, Mr. Rice, for all that you have taught me.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Merit Finalist Health Occupations Students of America Mu Alpha Theta TaeKwonDo (Universal Martial Arts), Black Belt National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society Science National Honor Society International Baccalaureate (IB), Senior Class Project Leadership Positions: Tae Kwon Do Junior Instructor Biology Tutor Community/Volunteer Service: St. Luke’s Hospital Barbara Bush Library National Honor Society Habitat for Humanity Relay for Life
Hira Saleem Chaudhary Klein Oak High School
Plans After High School: I am considering several schools including Rice University. I plan to study biology/biomedical science and hope to go to medical school. Distinguished Educator: Brenda Fabian Klein Oak High School
“I love all my teachers, so it was difficult to choose only one. However, Mrs. Fabian has been an amazing teacher, as many of her students would attest. I’ve had her for three years and her class really challenged me and forced me to learn to take good notes. Although she can seem strict at times, she really cares about preparing all of her students for IB and AP exams and does a very good job of it. She often stays long hours after school to oversee her students’ experiments and is always available for questions. I’m in her class almost every morning and she is always ready to answer anything I might ask as well as give me advice on various things. Knowing we have busy schedules, she is often willing to postpone due dates for the numerous worksheets and labs we have to do for Higher Level Biology. She puts thought into all our activities and gives memorable examples; I’ll miss her expert guidance when I take Biology in the future.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Band Texas French Symposium Science Club Science National Honor Society French National Honor Society Music Honor Society Interact Club Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society Tennis, Freshman District Singles Champion Piano
Meghana Chappidi Klein Oak High School
Plans After High School: I hope to attend Yale University and plan to major in chemistry.
Leadership Positions: Science Club, President Science National Honor Society, President Music Honor Society, Vice President French National Honor Society, Publicist Community/Volunteer Service: Tomball Public Library The Village at Gleannloch Farms National Honor Society Interact Club
Distinguished Educator: Kathy Shipper Doerre Intermediate School “Although I took Mrs. Shipper’s English class seven years ago, it had a lasting impression on me. For example, Albert Einstein said “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” In other words, I was awakened to the joys of writing and reading. Even now I vividly remember many of the works we read, such as Call of the Wild, The Lottery Rose, and Maniac Magee. Other activities included diagraming sentence relays (In all honesty, Mrs. Shipper was the only teacher who made learning grammar fun!), visiting the library, and the career project. I will never forget how persistently Mrs. Shipper pushed me to read for pleasure. Reading became my window into other worlds. Furthermore thanks to Mrs. Shipper, I truly began to fall in love with writing. After 6th grade I pursued writing through ready writing contests and entering literary works to the Scholastic Writing Contest. In the future I hope to continue this passion by combining writing with whatever field of study I choose to pursue! Thank you, Mrs. Shipper.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Band (Marching and Concert) Science National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society Tri-M Music Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar National Merit Hispanic Scholar Freshman Honor Band Member All-District Band Member Leadership Positions: Klein Oak Band, Drum Major and Drill Instructor Science National Honor Society, Treasurer Spanish National Honor Society, Senior Representative Community/Volunteer Service: Tomball Regional Hospital, Junior Volunteer Assistant Swim Lesson Teacher Vacation Bible School, Crew Leader
Lauren Carina Canady Klein Oak High School
Plans After High School: I plan to major in economics with a minor in psychology at Texas A&M University. I then plan to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. Distinguished Educator: Kathleen Rushing Klein Oak High School
“Some memories of high school that will linger with me forever happened in the band hall, in the cafeteria, in the parking lot, and even in the chemistry lab. The memories that I will keep from that chemistry lab are of my favorite teacher. She is always so kind, generous, knowledgeable, and helpful. I always feel so at home in her classroom whether I am learning a lesson, decorating her board, taking a test, working on an Internal Assessment, or making Borax ornaments for Science Club. Specifically, what she did to impact my education was to simply teach me chemistry. I had a hard time at first but through her help and guidance and amazing ability to make science fun, I was able to master the subject, and this boosted my self-confidence in mastering other subjects in school. Mrs. Rushing, thanks for making chemistry fun and for being my teacher.�
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Tri-M Music Honor Society French National Honor Society Marching Band Meritorious Award Outstanding Woodwind Member
Brock James Medlin
Leadership Positions: Texas Boys, State Representative Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, Ambassador
Klein Oak High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Michigan State University or Texas A&M University and major in physics.
Community/Volunteer Service: Spring Baptist Church, Nursery Assistant Relay for Life, Volunteer Vacation Bible School, Drama Team Member Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, Donor
Distinguished Educator: Susan Parent Klein Oak High School
“When I entered Mrs. Parent’s classroom, I was a relatively shy tenth grader, who had only barely begun to distinguish myself above my peers. However, all of that was to change under Mrs. Parent’s tutelage. Mrs. Parent allowed me to express myself in ways that I had never conceived of before, by being spontaneous and creative, while at the same time learning new and exciting things and opening myself to ideas and topics I had never considered before. I discovered how to laugh and interact with my teachers beyond the traditional student-teacher relationship, transforming those relationships into mentor and mentee, all due to Mrs. Parent allowing me to make that initial bond with her. Mrs. Parent also exposed me to my first taste of AP classes, and helped to prepare me for the requirements for all of my future AP classes. Above all, Mrs. Parent’s personality and teaching helped me to learn to be myself in the classroom, and to never shy away from that, no matter how quirky that character may be.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Marching/Concert Band Texas Music Educators Association Region 9 Wind Symphony Tri-M Music Honor Society Drafting Club Texas Technology Student Association State Contest, 1st in Architecture Plan Spanish Club Advanced Placement Scholar Award Leadership Positions: Marching Band, Drill Instructor & Soloist Concert Band, Section Leader
Ryan Matthew Bradley Klein Oak High School
Community/Volunteer Service: Abandoned Animal Rescue, Volunteer Tri-M Music Honor Society, Performed Clarinet for The Village at Gleannloch Farms Plans After High School: Major in aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
Distinguished Educator: Donna Wicker Klein Oak High School
“If anyone asks who the best teacher I’ve ever had is, without a doubt I would answer, “Mrs. Wicker.” I’ve always been one who enjoyed math and consider it my favorite subject, but Mrs. Wicker made me enjoy it even more. She made sure we understood everything she taught us, and explained everything, down to the last complex equation. She even went above and beyond and made videos of her lessons and quizzes, so that we could catch up if we missed a day or just wanted to simply review. She’s such a great teacher that whenever I would hear a student taking Algebra II complaining about their teacher, I would tell them to just wait for they would have Mrs. Wicker next year, the best math teacher they would ever have. Now, unfortunately Mrs. Wicker is retiring, so I cannot say that anymore. But without a doubt in my mind, Mrs. Wicker will always be the best teacher I have ever had and I wish her the long and enjoyable retirement she rightly deserves.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: International Baccalaureate Programme Klein Oak Band National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta Tri-M Music Honor Society Spanish Club International Baccalaureate Advisor Interact Club
Rukan Nissa Huq Klein Oak High School
Plans After High School: I plan to major in neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin.
Leadership Positions: Klein Oak Band, Secretary Spanish National Honor Society, Secretary Community/Volunteer Service: St. Luke’s Hospital at The Vintage Tomball Regional Hospital Barbara Bush Branch Library Habitat for Humanity Masjid Al-Salam The Village at Gleannloch Farms Abandoned Animal Rescue Relay for Life
Distinguished Educator: Kimberly Perez Klein Oak High School “I always imagined Spanish as merely a high school course requirement for graduation, until I met Señora Perez. After three years in her class, I can proudly say that I would not be the person I am today without her. Not only has Señora Perez ingeniously cultivated an appreciation for the Spanish language and culture in my mind through her dedication, but she has taught me lessons I will carry the rest of my life. Aristotle said, “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all,” and I cannot think of another teacher that epitomizes these words better than Señora Perez. With her wealth of knowledge, she has always been there to assist me with school or offer advice to solve my dilemmas. She has been a friend that I can count on to lend an ear when I need to vent or to believe in me when I have no confidence in myself. Thank you Señora, for picking me up when I am down and for persistently inspiring me to be the best possible version of myself.”
Congratulations to the outstanding scholars and educators of Klein Independent School District! Durotech is proud to have been a part of the team that built the Klein ISD Multipurpose Center for a school district that recognizes and promotes excellence in education. We wish you continued growth and success in the future.
11931 Wickchester Lane, Suite 205 Houston, Texas 77043 www.durotechgc.com 281.558.6892
Klein Collins High School
Zoe Matranga, Makenzie Miller, Ian Arbuckle, Lauren Fennel, Michele Higgins, Raveena Patel, Cathryn Blackman, Kurt Zen Lantion, Krystal Rhodes & Ashley Brighton Principal: Randy Kirk
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Colorguard Winterguard Band Council National Honor Society Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors Klein Collins Gay-Straight Alliance Students Taking a New Direction Winterguard International (WGI), Regional Champions Leadership Positions: Guard, Team Captain Guard, Flag Captain Drill Instructor Community/Volunteer Service: Mentoring Christmas Eve Feast Food Kitchen Server Band Volunteer Work
Zoe Matranga Valedictorian Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Rice University and study social sciences. Distinguished Educator: Tiffany Quinones Klein Collins High School
“Even before my first day in high school, my color guard director Tiffany Quinones was there to support and guide me. She is such an incredible and influential person. Her infallible judgment and her ability to understand and communicate with people have inspired me over the past years. Thinking back to my very first auditions, I remember being inexperienced and terrifyingly nervous. However, Tiffany has this way about her that puts everyone at ease. Even as a novice member, she put her trust in me, and gave me the chance to see my own potential. I have worked ever since to make her proud. I have felt her unwavering support, and it has allowed me to build and achieve goals I never would have dreamed possible. I cannot imagine a stronger woman. Tiffany has helped me find and nurture my desire to do big things with my life, and single-handedly made me believe I could. Four years later I am privileged to have had my life changed by such a powerful, insightful, trustworthy, and delightful person.�
Makenzie Miller Salutatorian Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to major in biology at either Duke University, Texas Tech University or Auburn University. Distinguished Educator: Mike DelDonno Klein Collins High School
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society National Art Honor Society Key Club Fellowship of Christian Athletes Jogging Photography Club Varsity Track and Field, 4 Year Letterman, MVP, Regional Qualifier Varsity Cross Country, Letterman, Regional Qualifier Cypresswood Sharks Swim Team, Ponderosa Invitational Finalist Bannon’s Gymnastix Team Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors Leadership Positions: National Honor Society, Treasurer and Teacher Help Committee Head Track and Field, Senior Team Leader Bannon’s Gymnastix, Optional Team Member Community/Volunteer Service: Habitat for Humanity Teacher Helper National Honor Society, Volunteer Spanish National Honor Society, Volunteer National Art Honor Society, Volunteer
“Any athlete dreams of having a coach like Mike DelDonno. Caring, calm, encouraging, dedicated and gifted with impeccable taste and an extensive knowledge in running shoes. He easily and rightfully earns the respect and admiration of all his athletes. When I first met Coach DelDonno during my freshman year, his passion for running was unmistakable. Throughout the three memorable years I had him as a coach, Coach DelDonno’s passion remained unwavering and nurtured my own lasting love for running. I owe much of my success in Track and Cross Country to the countless amounts of time and effort Coach DelDonno sacrificed for both programs. At meets and practices, he encouraged me to perform outside of my comfort zone, enabling me to achieve goals far beyond my expectations. I am certain that I would not be the athlete I am today without Coach DelDonno’s guidance, and for that I am forever grateful.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout) Junior ROTC Orienteering Private Pilot National Honor Society Latin National Honor Society Latin Club Ultimate Frisbee Club Church Youth Group Leadership Positions: National Honor Society, President Latin Club, President Senior Class, Officer Boy Scouts, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Ultimate Frisbee Club, President Junior ROTC, Squadron Commander Orienteering, Team Captain Community/Volunteer Service: Habitat for Humanity Boy Scouts Mission Work National Honor Society
Ian Arbuckle Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy and plan to major in aerospace engineering.
Distinguished Educator: Juergen Schulz Klein Collins High School “Mr. Juergen Schulz is a very difficult character to describe with anything smaller than an encyclopedia. His numerous idiosyncrasies give his classroom an unmistakable charisma and create a learning environment that is like no other. He is able to take full advantage of his superior intelligence to display a very unique approach to learning and often encourages his students to do the same. I have learned the importance of skepticism and intellectual creativity. He challenges us often and rewards our successes richly; our inevitable failures form us into better, more motivated students. I often come to class excited to meet some unforeseen challenge - pop quizzes and jeopardy-like competitions over recently covered materials are not uncommon. It is clear that Mr. Schulz spends an extraordinary amount of time and effort preparing our lessons to ensure that we do not fall into an intellectual rut. I am sad to say that it is unlikely that I will ever experience a learning environment like this again. I will forever treasure the lessons and insights I have gained from my stay in the JSchulzGov.�
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Student Council Varsity Swim Team Spanish National Honor Society National Honor Society Junior Guild Academic Integrity Committee Terra Nova Swim Team, Ten Year Swimmer Award Standleader Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Lauren Fennel Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Texas A&M University to major in nursing, with a specialty in neonatal.
Leadership Positions: Student Council, President Varsity Swim Team, Captain Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Tutor Sunday School Teacher Community/Volunteer Service: Park Manor Nursing Home Pearl Fincher Museum Northwest Assistance Ministries Spring Assistance Ministries Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center St. Timothy’s Anglican, Youth Mission Trips Despite for Respite
Distinguished Educator: Kim Bickham Klein Collins High School “Mrs. Bickham is one of those exceptional teachers who truly care about the education of their students. She first taught me my freshman year for Biology, and then again my senior year for Anatomy and Physiology. Before high school, I was not a big fan of the sciences. Although, after being in her class, I was fascinated by the human body, and she inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field. In addition to sparking my interest in anatomy, Mrs. Bickham gave me the confidence I needed to excel. Being the youngest of four, I had always lived in my siblings’ shadows. Yet, she taught me I could be so much more than the “little Fennel.” From smiley faces on my papers to her excitement as she shared the news of me “setting my first curve,” her vivacious manner became the driving force behind my academics. I do not think I would have achieved half as much as I had if it were not for her, and I know without a doubt she will continue to have an impact on her students. Thank you, Mrs. Bickham, you are a rare find.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Choir, All-State Choir Member Legacy Press Newspaper National Honor Society Latin Club Collins Crew Musical Latin National Honor Society Academic UIL (Journalism) Leadership Positions: Choir, Historian Latin, President, Secretary Legacy Press Newspaper, Section Editor Community/Volunteer Service: National Honor Society Race for the Cure Choir Events and Performances
Michele Higgins Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Oklahoma State University or Georgia Tech University to study chemical engineering.
Distinguished Educator: Kasey Pope Klein Collins High School “When the former choir directors left my sophomore year, I expected my choir experience to suffer greatly for my remaining two years. All of my fears soon became laughable when Mrs. Pope was introduced as the new lead choir director. I quickly realized that her fun spirit and caring nature could do nothing but enhance my high school experience. As director, Mrs. Pope has gone beyond her duties as an educator, taking a personal interest in each student and ensuring our happiness. In a particularly difficult time in my life, Mrs. Pope took the time to help and provide me with safe environment within the choir family, becoming a confidant and more importantly, a friend. With her help, I made it through a very hard, if not the hardest, time of my life. I will not soon forget all that Mrs. Pope has done for the entire choir program and me. Thank you so very much for making my final two years amazing years; I cannot imagine my high school experience without you.�
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Health Occupations Students of America National Honor Society Spanish National Honor Society Key Club Distributive Education Clubs of America Leuva Patidar Samaj of America Youth Leuva Patidar Samaj of Houston
Raveena Patel Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to major in pre-medicine at either Rice University, Texas A&M University, Baylor University or the University of Texas at Austin and pursue a medical profession.
Leadership Positions: Health Occupations Students of America, Vice President Spanish National Honor Society, Treasurer Community/Volunteer Service: National Honor Society Service Health Occupations Students of America Tutor/Mentor Students Blood Drive
Distinguished Educator: Elaine Drugan Klein Collins High School
“ Ever since I was a young kindergartner mastering basic addition and subtraction, I have always enjoyed the world of mathematics. Although calculus seemed intimidating at first, Mrs. Drugan enlightened my passion for the subject. Whether it be learning the volume of cross sections, finding integration by parts, or even determining which test I should use for an infinite series, Mrs. Drugan mastered the power of educating her students through her dedication to calculus. With her sense of humor and effective teaching methods, Mrs. Drugan’s class was never a bore. Her genuine happiness is quite encouraging and unlike any enthusiasm I have ever witnessed. Mrs. Drugan radiates the quintessence of genuine passion, a devotion that I hope to emulate in my future.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Band All-State Band Houston Youth Symphony National Honor Society Business Professionals of America Christian Youth Theater, Pit Orchestra UIL State Solo & Ensemble Klein Collins High School Musical, Pit Orchestra Full Orchestra Leadership Positions: Band, Drill Instructor, Historian, Drum Major Community/Volunteer Service: Church Preschool Ministry National Honor Society, Mentoring Committee
Cathryn Blackman Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to major in music education at Baylor University or the University of Houston.
Distinguished Educator: Bridget Walker Strack Intermediate School
“When I signed up for band as my elective in sixth grade, I was a little hesitant about my decision. My fears subsided the moment Ms. Walker started class with a smile, and I soon knew that band was where I belonged. Her passion for music quickly became apparent during our rehearsals and was impossible not to share. I still remember the rhythm grid we practiced every day in band class. Ms. Walker made what otherwise would have been a tedious exercise entertaining by having us draw a random path through the rhythm grid, sometimes diagonally or backwards, and attempting to play the result. Her enthusiasm and exciting approach to teaching were what inspired me to become a band director. Even through my high school years, her continued support has fostered my growth as a musician and encouraged me to pursue all of my musical dreams.�
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Interact Club National Honor Society Drafting Club, 1st in State for 4 Years Mu Alpha Theta Spanish National Honor Society Academic Decathlon Programming Team
Kurt Zen Lantion
Leadership Positions: Interact Club, President Drafting Club, Secretary Programming Team, Captain
Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to major in petroleum engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
Community/Volunteer Service: Interact Club K2 Academy of Kid’s Sports Parents’ Night Out Park Cleanings Dragon Boat Festival
Distinguished Educator: Lisa Finkner-Templeman Klein Collins High School
“An inspiration. Someone who I got to in the last period of the day and genuinely tried to keep me awake long enough to learn something. Someone who got me to wake up at 6:30 for test corrections. Someone who truly cared about her subject, but was willing to learn about others. Someone who isn’t afraid to make a fool of herself to get a point across, especially concerning solids. Lastly, and most importantly, someone who truly cares for her students and wishes them well. Thanks for the inspiration. Thanks for acting like a rotating solid, smiling when I walked in 45 minutes early or 5 minutes late, and for laughing at all my bad puns and bad singing. Thank you for being my teacher.”
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: Health Occupations Students of America National Honor Society National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine High School Presidential Inaugural Conference Leadership Positions: National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, Group Leader High School Presidential Inaugural Conference, Group Leader Community/Volunteer Service: National Honor Society, Volunteer Health Occupations Students of America, Volunteer Alzheimer’s Facility, Volunteer
Krystal Rhodes Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Baylor University and major in biology. Distinguished Educator: Eve Messina Frank Elementary School
“Growing up with an older brother who had a knack for landing himself in the principal’s office, it seemed inevitable that I would end up there too. And I did. I remember the sheer horror that raced through my 5 year old mind, frantically trying to figure out what in the world I did to warrant being called down to Ms. Messina’s office. When I arrived, I was practically in tears and still clueless as to why she wanted to see me. That was when she presented me with my first ever green and yellow paw-print sticker for earning all A’s. But it was more than just a sticker to me. It represented hard work and dedication. It taught me that good things don’t just happen. It was a sense of pride and accomplishment. Over the years, I spent almost as much time as my brother had in her office, each visit adding to my ever growing sticker collection. Faces, names, and people may blur with time, but I will always remember Ms. Messina and those fateful paw-prints. Thank you, for showing me early on that hard work is rewarding.”
Ashley Brighton Klein Collins High School
Plans After High School: I plan to attend Brigham Young University and major in science/biology.
Distinguished Educator: Kim Moore Klein Collins High School
Academic & Extracurricular Activities: School Choir National Honor Society Seminary Academic UIL Science Solo & Ensemble, Excellent Ratings Freshman-Senior Year Envirothon Eco Club Region Choir, Member Teach Piano Missionary Preparation Class Voice Lessons Church Choir Leadership Positions: Church, Youth Leader Class Secretary Class President Young Women Camp Leader Community/Volunteer Service: Created Blankets and Pillows for Hospitals Sang at Nursing Homes Poodle Rescue of Houston, Volunteer Planted and Mulched Trees Elementary School, Mentor
“Taking AP Biology was definitely no mistake. Mrs. Moore is not only a wonderful teacher she is a teacher who enjoys what she does. Her knowledge and understanding and passion for continuously learning have truly inspired me. I have never felt embarrassed to ask Mrs. Moore questions because I know she will take me seriously and take time to answer. There have even been times when she didn’t know the answer and, instead of ignoring the question, she took the time to find the answer and later tell me. She has helped me know that it is perfectly acceptable to want to know how things work and how often times asking questions will lead to answers. Thank you Mrs. Moore for all the times you have allowed me to just talk with you and for always finding answers to my numerous questions.”
Education Foundation
Executive Committee Ed Shackelford President
Cindy Hardy Treasurer
Enrique Lima 1st Vice President
D’Arwyn Daniels Member-at-Large
Brent Christiansen 2nd Vice President
Darcy Olson Member-at-Large
Dr. Jim Cain Secretary
Ray Stanley Member-at-Large
Board of Directors Sam Avery Cindy Harris David McIver Marlisa Briggs Jason Hazel Jane Miller A.K. “Buddy” Brown Pegi Ivancevich Kurt Schwenkel Felicia Davis Keith Kearney Mark Smith Lynne Dozier Paul Lanham Julie Stevens Keith Edwards Mark Young Ray Laughter Juan Fresquez Lyle Lovett
Klein ISD Board of Trustees President: Ronnie Anderson Vice President: Paul Lanham Secretary: Steven E. Smith Trustee: Rick Mann Trustee: Bill Pilkington Trustee: Georgan Reitmeier Trustee: Stephen J. Szymczak
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www.kleinisd.net/kef