4A
Sunday, June 9, 2013
VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS
Denton Record-Chronicle
DENTON HIGH SCHOOL ALLISON BELTRONE
NICO CORTÉS
KYLA PETRIE
ELENA SOURIS
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
Parents: Jan and William Beltrone Intended college: University of Texas at Dallas Intended major: mathematics High school activities: band, jazz band, National Honor Society, Presidential Action Council, Interact Club and Spanish National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: Going to Disney World with the Denton High School band. Two keys to success: I have an abundance of support from my family and my teachers. I work hard and always try to go above and beyond what is asked for. Top scholarships: Academic Excellence Scholarship at the University of Texas at Dallas, PTA Scholarship and Class of 2013 Senior Scholarship
Parents: Martin Cortés and Nancy Cortés Intended college: University of Texas Intended major: electrical engineering High school activities: band, math club, National Honor Society, student council, class of 2013 officer Most memorable moment of high school: Walking in the first day of freshman year, being completely overwhelmed. Two keys to success: I never let schoolwork and extracurriculars be the only aspects of my life. I studied what was important to me. Top scholarships: Terry Foundation Scholarship, Coca-Cola Scholars
Parents: Trent Petrie and Karen Cogan Intended college: Wellesley College Intended major: undecided High school activities: varsity soccer, student council, Spanish National Honor Society and National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: There is no way to pick just one memory or moment. There were so many, all having to do with all the new people I met and the experiences I had with them. Two keys to success: taking challenging classes, and in those, working hard to complete all assignments and learn all the material. Top scholarships: Lake Highlands Girls Classic League Scholarship and Texas Football Club Presidential Scholarship
Parents: Stephen and Carola Hundrich-Souris Intended college: Trinity University Intended major: communication High school activities: International Baccalaureate, National Honor Society, German Club and Spanish National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: All the amazing moments I’ve spent with my family and the incredible friends I made in high school. Two keys to success: working hard and going to tutorials. Top scholarships: University of Tulsa, Southwestern University and Hendrix College
RYAN HIGH SCHOOL DOMINO BIRZE
J.D. MCCLANAHAN
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
Parents: Brigitte and Mik Birze Intended college: Indiana University Intended major: engineering and mathematics High school activities: volleyball, student council, National Honor Society, French Club and PTSA Most memorable moment of high school: Our school’s Walk of Fame day, surprising and impressing everyone when they found out I was one of the valedictorians and all the accomplishments I’ve achieved. Two keys to success: I went to every class and put in effort. I had a goal I was striving for. Top scholarships: Indiana University’s Distinguished Scholarship, Hutton Honors College Scholarship program and What’s Your Plan BE? Scholarship
Parents: Steve and Michelle McClanahan Intended college: Washington University in St. Louis Intended major: architecture High school activities: orchestra, UIL literary criticism, student council, National Honor Society and I-Tech Club Most memorable moment of high school: Winning state for literary criticism in my junior year. Two keys to success: Organization and time management. Not being afraid to ask for help. Top scholarships: Washington University Murphy Scholarship and Sarah Elizabeth Worley Scholarship
ELEANOR JANE DEARMAN VALEDICTORIAN Parent: Ben and Christina Dearman Intended college: University of Texas Intended major: journalism High school activities: theater, orchestra, Texas Forensics Association, UIL extemporaneous speaking, yearbook, National Honor Society and student council Most memorable moment of high school: When I found out a play I was in had advanced to the International Thespian Festival. Two keys to success: Hard work and dedication to every endeavor has helped me throughout school. The support of family, friends and teachers led me to success. Top scholarships: Top 10 Percent Scholarship, Sawko & Burroughs 2009 Scholarship and Ryan High School PTSA Scholarship
IRIS HILL VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Margaret and Tony Hill Intended college: Colorado School of Mines Intended major: chemical engineering High school activities: cross country, National Honor Society, student council and bowling team Most memorable moment of high school: Freshman Day during my sophomore year. I was volunteering with student council, and it was fun to hang out with my fellow StuCo members and it felt great to help out the new freshmen. Two keys to success: The dedication and support of my family and of my teachers. Top scholarships: Hugh E. Harvey Foundation Scholarship and Jerry R. Junkins Scholarship
SARAH MILES VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Grant Miles and Evelyn Pitre Intended college: University of Oklahoma Intended major: history High school activities: National Honor Society, Amnesty International, newspaper, UIL literary criticism, UIL social studies and UIL ready writing Most memorable moment of high school: Hearing my friends’ names be announced at the senior Walk of Champions. Knowing that we all succeeded together meant more to me than any individual accomplishment. Two keys to success: I feel I have been successful in high school because of personal dedication and support. It is important to be dedicated to everything you do and give it your all and, most importantly, to surround yourself with a strong support system in times of trouble. Top scholarships: OU National Merit Scholarship and Sawko & Burroughs 2010 Scholarship
KATHERINE MODROW VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Chris and Anna Modrow Intended college: Texas A&M University Intended major: biomedical sciences High school activities: FFA, band, HOSAFuture Health Professionals, National Honor Society and track and field Most memorable moment of high school: Receiving my FFA Lone Star State Degree. Two keys to success: I work hard until the job’s done and study a lot. Top scholarships: T.J. Jones Memorial Scholarship, Bert and Pris Lyle Women’s Track and Field Scholarship and Texas A&M DFW Hispanic Laptop Computer Scholarship
KENDALL DAWN WAGNER
SIDNEY DURMICK
VALEDICTORIAN
Parents: Tracy and Gregory Durmick Intended college: University of Vermont Intended major: environmental engineering High school activities: dance, Interact Club, International Baccalaureate and Art Club Most memorable moment of high school: the IB retreat Two keys to success: I try to understand what is taught in class rather than just getting through it without learning anything. I care more about the quality of my work than anything else. Top scholarships: Presidential Scholarship, Merit Scholarship and PTSA Scholarship
Parents: Barry and Tami Wagner Intended college: University of Texas at Dallas Intended major: speech pathology High school activities: volleyball four-year varsity letterman, senior class president, National Honor Society, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, art and PTSA Most memorable moment of high school: Winning the volleyball bi-district game my senior year against Saginaw and seeing that trophy in person. Two keys to success: expecting more than my best in every aspect, and never giving up even when things get difficult. Top scholarships: UT Dallas Academic Excellence Scholarship, Top Ten Percent Scholarship and Denton Volleyball Booster Club
SALUTATORIAN
GUYER HIGH SCHOOL RACHEL ROSENBERG
MORGAN BURFORD VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
Parents: Bill and Vicki Burford Intended college: Baylor University Intended major: biology/premed High school activities: varsity tennis all four years, choir all four years and National Honor Society senior year Most memorable moment of high school: Making varsity tennis my freshman year, because it meant all of my hard work had paid off and it pushed me to do the best in everything I was involved in during high school. Two keys to success: I have been successful in high school because I take the time to focus on studying and try not to procrastinate. My parents are a great support system as well who motivate me to push through and try my hardest. Top scholarships: Baylor’s President Gold
Parents: Young-Hoo and Hae-Soon Kwon Intended college: University of Texas Intended major: chemistry High school activities: orchestra, tennis, Math Olympiad team, UIL science and National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: Learning that I had advanced to state in chemistry for science UIL. Two keys to success: I have made my education my top priority, and I study to understand.
Parents: Russ and Lisa Rosenberg Intended college: American University Intended major: international studies High school activities: band, academic UIL, Amnesty International, National Honor Society, Psychology Club and piano lessons Most memorable moment of high school: Advancing to finals in area marching band competition. Two keys to success: Amazing teachers and parent, and my desire to learn and challenge myself. Top scholarships: AU Merit Award and NorthStar Bank
EMILY TILTON VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Abigail Tilton, Marilyn Rouse and Kurt Krause Intended college: Carleton College Intended major: biology or chemistry High school activities: choir, soccer and National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: A snowball fight during AP Chem. Two keys to success: High expectations and an intense desire to get out of Texas. Top scholarships: Miami University and Carleton College
CATHERINE TRYON VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Kerry and Catherine Tryon Intended college: Brigham Young University Intended major: mechanical engineering High school activities: tennis and orchestra Two keys to success: Dedication and desire for a future. Top scholarships: BYU Management Society
AMANDA SUTHERLAND SALUTATORIAN Parents: Brian and Kelly Sutherland Intended college: Wagner College Intended major: undecided High school activities: varsity swimming, water polo, student council, National Honor Society, UIL literary criticism member and choir Most memorable moment of high school: Winning regionals for water polo three out of the four years and also being named MVP for two of those years. Two keys to success: An equal dedication to my academics and my sport. My teachers and administrators — they have been so helpful and supportive and I have created a close relationship with all of them. Top scholarships: Wagner College Founder’s Academic Scholarship, athletic scholarship (water polo) and The Wagner Scholarship
ZACH COLPEAN VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Amanda and Tim Colpean Intended college: University of Chicago Intended major: economics High school activities: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, class officer (treasurer) and football Most memorable moment of high school: Winning the football state championship. Two keys to success: Determination. Study habits. Top scholarships: University Scholar Award
MEGAN HOFFMAN VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Heather and Brian Hoffman Intended college: University of Texas Intended major: physics High school activities: band, Key Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and UIL science Two keys to success: My parents and teachers have pushed me to do my best. My determination to become an astronaut. Top scholarships: Academic Achievement Scholarship from UT College of Natural Science
TANNER HUNT VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Chip and Julie Hunt Intended college: Texas A&M University Intended major: aerospace engineering High school activities: golf, football, Key Club, National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity and I Am Second Most memorable moment of high school: Winning the 4A Divion I state championship on the football team. Two keys to success: I’ve always kept school a top priority and continually set new goals. I’ve also never missed a day of school, which has helped me balance school, sports and extracurricular activities. Top scholarships: Texas Housing Authority
SANG-YOP KWON
ADAM OH VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Hung Jae Oh and Funkyong Bae Intended college: Harvard University Intended major: physics and mathematics High school activities: orchestra, Music Saves Lives, all-state orchestra, Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra research at UNT, student body president and Texas Boys State Most memorable moment of high school: Organizing my own charity concert and seeing it all fall into place with all of my friends helping me. To see that through our own hands we helped other people was truly rewarding. Two keys to success: I think I have been successful because I always took advantage of my opportunities that Guyer had to offer. Second, I have always given 100 percent on everything. Top scholarships: full ride to Harvard, full ride to Princeton University and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
MOLLIE RAMSEY VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Ed and Deb Ramsey Intended college: University of North Texas Intended major: undecided High school activities: band, choir, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, history UIL and Habitat for Humanity Two keys to success: Friends and family, because they’ve supported me in learning and in life. And specifically, my mom getting my butt up in the morning. Top scholarships: UNT Emerald Eagle Scholar
SAMARA SULLIVAN VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Doug and Shawna Sullivan Intended college: Texas A&M University Intended major: allied health High school activities: student council (historian 2012-13), National Honor Society (secretary 2012-13), Spanish Honor Society, League of Friends, Key Club, freshman volleyball, mentors, art and I Am Second Most memorable moment of high school: When my name was called for the Guyer Family Outstanding Female Scholarship at the
Wildcat Walk, I was beyond excited. It was a huge answer to my family’s and my prayers. Two keys to success: I set a goal for myself, and I went to my teachers when I needed help. Top scholarships: Guyer Family Outstanding Female Scholarship and Top 10 Percent Scholarship
VIRIN TAMPRATEEP VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Numchai Tamprateep and Ratonia Sirijirapatana Intended college: University of Texas or Johns Hopkins University Intended major: neurology High school activities: orchestra, tennis, math and science UIL, breakdancing and National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: Breakdancing with my best friend, Adam. Two keys to success: Balance study and play — it isn’t good to have too much of either. Strive to take the hardest classes.
ELIZABETH WEAVER VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Jerry and Karen Weaver Intended college: University of Texas Intended major: undecided — either business or international relations High school activities: Junior Classical League, National Honor Society, Key Club (ninth and 10th grade), UIL and class secretary Most memorable moment of high school: Finishing my first half-marathon. Two keys to success: Being able to relax and enjoy everything I’m involved in has helped me stay focused and engaged. Having a very supportive family and amazing friends who make my life beautiful and encourage me constantly. Top scholarships: Presidential Scholarship and Top 10 Percent Scholarship
KAYLEY RENEE STUBBLEFIELD SALUTATORIAN Parents: Rodney and Konni Stubblefield Intended college: University of North Texas Intended major: biochemistry and music High school activities: choir all four years, class officer three years, National Merit finalist, Key Club, National Honor Society, teaching children’s choir and working at a day care Most memorable moment of high school: Going to Ireland. Two keys to success: Taking great notes from great teachers, and my drive to achieve. Top scholarships: UNT Excellence Award and UNT employee dependent scholarship
VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS
Denton Record-Chronicle
ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL DAVIS WALL COGHLAN
TREY TORNO SALUTATORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Sean and Wendy Coghlan Intended college: University of Texas Intended major: mechanical engineering High school activities: baseball, UIL math and calculator, National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: Winning state in UIL junior year. Two keys to success: Working hard, but also having fun. Top scholarships: University of Texas Engineering Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, Texas Competitive Mathematics Coaches Association Senior Scholarship
Parents: Tim and Dorthy Torno Intended college: Texas A&M University Intended major: mechanical engineering High school activities: varsity soccer, marching band, wind ensemble, Challenge Day Club, Eagles Helping Eaglets Most memorable moment of high school: Winning state marching band (twice). Two keys to success: Work against the standard, not the grade, and remember to keep the task in perspective. Top scholarships: President’s Endowed Scholarship, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Association of Texas Small School Bands 3-Year All-State Band Award
AUBREY HIGH SCHOOL DANIELLE NICOLE TURNER
Sunday, June 9, 2013
5A
KRUM HIGH SCHOOL
MAHALEY MILLICAN
JULIA SCHMALTZ
HELEN HARWARD
VALEDICTORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
Parents: Michael L. Turner and Cecilia C. Turner Intended college: U.S. Naval Academy Intended major: chemical engineering or aeronautical engineering High school activities: UIL (crossexamination debate, math, number sense, calculator applications, science), Academic Decathlon, Beta Club, band, Girl Scouts, karate Most memorable moments of high school: Getting an offer of appointment to the Naval Academy, getting my first-degree black belt, attending UIL and Academic Decathlon competitions. Two keys to success: Determination and ambition. Never give up on what you want, and try your hardest to make sure you do things right the first time. Top scholarships: Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy — I didn’t really keep track of the rest of my scholarship offers.
Parents: Chris and Jinny Millican Intended college: Texas Woman’s University Intended major: communications, sciences and disorders High school activities: varsity basketball and track/cross country, UIL journalism, yearbook editor Most memorable moments of high school: Basketball team dinners and UIL regional competitions. Two keys to success: Doing your best in everything you do. Working hard … even on days when you do not feel like it! Top scholarships: TWU Presidential Scholarship, TWU Terry Scholarship, Coach Caddie Athletic Booster Club Scholarship
Parents: Jeff Schmaltz and Alice Pierson Intended college: Oklahoma State University Intended major: biochemistry High school activities: wind ensemble, drumline, varsity cross country, varsity softball, varsity track, varsity tennis, varsity basketball, UIL academic team, student council, student government and National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: Raising the regional champion trophy to the “Sea of Blue” at Texas A&M UniversityCommerce Two keys to success: Diligence and hard work. Top scholarships: Baylor University President’s Gold Scholarship, Oklahoma Baptist University Scholar finalist and Oklahoma State University Nonresident Achievement Scholarship
Parents: Dallas and Jeffery Miller Intended college: Tarleton State University Intended major: pre-veterinary medicine High school activities: band, color guard, studnet council, Key Club, FFA, Spanish Club and theater Most memorable moment of high school: At the 2012 prom, I had danced to almost every song and was having a blast dancing with my friends when the DJ pointed me out between songs. I was having the time of my life and having fun. He wanted everyone to see that. Two keys to success: Don’t listen and repeat, listen and absorb. Prioritize your time and your sanity. Top scholarships: John Philip Sousa Award, Tarleton State Presidential Honors award and Tarleton State band scholarship
Top of the class W
hat makes 2013’s brightest graduates tick, and where are they headed? The Denton Record-Chronicle submitted forms to area high schools to learn about their valedictorians and salutatorians. Here are their responses.
LAKE DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL MEGAN CROMIS
ZEBY POYCATTLE
VALEDICTORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
Parents: Michael and Monique Cromis Intended college: Abilene Christian University Intended major: engineering and physics High school activities: Lake Dallas Wind Ensemble, oboe player for Flower Mound Community Orchestra, National Honors Society, student council, sophomore and junior class secretary, peer mediator, Academic UIL participant, yearbook staff and American Sign Language Club Most memorable moment of high school: After the bed of nails lesson, Coach Hall accidentally locked himself out of the classroom, so he ran around the hallways shirtless and scared a bunch of freshmen. Two keys to success: Dedication and perseverance. Top scholarships: Abilene Christian University R.L. Money, engineering and oboe performance scholarships
Parents: Mathew and Salamma Poycattle Intended college: University of Texas Intended major: mechanical engineering High school activities: class president, student council president, National Honor Society president, Math Club vice president, tennis, statistician for Internet and radio broadcast of football games Most memorable moment of high school: All of the great Texas high school football games under the Friday night lights. Two keys to success: Stay positive. Push yourself to be great. Top scholarships: Lake Cities Education Foundation
SANGER HIGH SCHOOL KATRINA YOUNGBLOOD
CARLOS VALLS
VALEDICTORIAN
Parents: Ramon and Alma Valls Intended college: University of Michigan Intended major: aerospace engineering High school activities: Spanish Club, French Club, freshman football, UIL science, math, spelling and one-act play, Trio Upward Bound, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Ocean Bowl, National Honor Society, NTHS and Business Professionals of America Most memorable moment of high school: Performing for UIL one-act. Two keys to success: Do your work! Make friends. Top scholarships: PACCAR Paul Pigott Scholarship, Jean Fairfax Scholarship and Michigan Grant
Parents: William and Linda Youngblood Intended college: Baylor University Intended major: medical humanities with a pre-med track High school activities: band, theater, student council, National Honor Society, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Business Professionals of America and UIL ready writing Most memorable moment of high school: When I went to Chicago with the band and got to stand at the top of Sears Tower overlooking what seemed like the entire world. Two keys to success: Don’t procrastinate. If you’re going to procrastinate, don’t slack off at the last minute, do it right. Top scholarships: Baylor President’s Gold Scholarship and “Invitation to Excellence” Scholarship
SALUTATORIAN
PILOT POINT HIGH SCHOOL ETHAN MICHAEL ELMIGER
LYNNA PEGGY JEZEK
PONDER HIGH SCHOOL EMILY KATHRYN SHELTON
KATIE SPARKMAN Parents: Joel and Nancy Sparkman Intended college: Texas Woman’s University Intended major: kinesiology High school activities: cheerleading and Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) Most memoriable moment of high school: Bleachermania. Two keys to success: Determination and relationship with Christ. Top scholarships: Presidential Scholarship
VALEDICTORIAN
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VALEDICTORIAN
Parents: Rob and Liz Elmiger Intended college: Stephen F. Austin State University Intended major: geology High school activities: band and National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: My freshman year in the band we made sweepstakes, made it to area in marching and followed the football team to state. Two keys to success: Do not procrastinate; focus and do the work. Top scholarships: McMurry University Presidential Scholarship, Abilene Christian University Royce L. Money Chancellor’s Award and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Valedictorian Scholarship
Parents: Amy and Michael Jezek Intended college: Texas A&M University Intended major: anthropology High school activities: National Honor Society, Beta Club and FFA Most memorable moment of high school: Using off periods my junior year to volunteer at the intermediate school. Two keys to success: Tenacity and honesty. Top scholarships: Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship, the Texas Aggie Grant and Denton County A&M Club Scholarship
Parents: Gary and Kathy Shelton Intended college: Texas Woman’s University Intended major: nutrition with an emphasis in dietetics and a minor in business management High school activities: Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) and National Honor Society Most memorable moment of high school: Attending the PAL Conference in Austin, two years in a row. Two keys to success: Determination and positive attitude. Top scholarships: TWU Presidential Scholarship, Howard Payne University Presidential Scholarship and UNT valedictorian scholarship
DENTON CALVARY ACADEMY CORY GRANT
ZACHARY KILGORE
SALUTATORIAN
LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL EMMY EDWARDS
LUKE KORNET
VALEDICTORIAN
SALUTATORIAN
VALEDICTORIAN
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Parents: David and K’Lynn Grant Intended college: Oklahoma Baptist University Intended major: nursing High school activities: varsity volleyball and basketball, National Honor Society, club volleyball, volleyball coach, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, church youth groups Most memorable moment of high school: Winning the TAPPS 2A state championship in volleyball. Two keys to your success: Rely on God rather than my own strength to do anything. Put into it what you want to get out of it. Top scholarships: OBU volleyball scholarship and OBU academic scholarship
Parents: Shawn and Sandra Kilgore Intended college: Oklahoma State University Intended major: political science with the intent to go into law High school activities: varsity track, National Honor Society, student council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Most memorable moment of high school: The first time that I ran track at TAPPS state. It was my sophomore year and my team had made it in the 4x400 meter relay. When walking out for our event there were hundreds of people cheering and that is not something you forget, especially your first time. Two keys to your success: The first would be doing the homework when it is assigned. It is amazing how much doing homework when it’s assigned will help improve quiz and test grades. The second is taking breaks and hanging out with friends and family. It is definitely good to be a hard worker, but everyone needs time to relax and rejuvenate so that their work is all quality. Top scholarships: OSU Legacy Scholarship
Parents: John and Nettie Edwards Intended college: Baylor University High school activities: National Merit Scholar, student council president, varsity soccer captain, Encore advanced theater, National Honor Society, mission trips to Ireland, Guatemala and El Salvador, Impact (junior high mentorship) and Key Club Most memorable moment of high school: Speaking to a school with my team in El Salvador. Two keys to success: Doing what you love, and maintaining a balance of fun and focus. Top scholarships: National Merit Scholarship Corp., Baylor Regents Gold Scholarship and Elks National Legacy Scholarship
Parents: Frank and Tracy Kornet Intended college: Vanderbilt University High school activities: varsity basketball team cocaptain, National Honor Society president, senior class secretary, Impact youth advisory leader, Students Against Drunk Driving and golf team Most memorable moment of high school: Getting to the basketball state finals. Two keys to success: Don’t stop until you’ve done your best work, and never be satisfied with yourself. Top scholarships: full basketball scholarship to Vanderbilt, Southern Methodist University’s Second Century Scholar, SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering Fellows Scholar
WINFREE ACADEMY DENTON CAMPUS KAITLYN MORENO VALEDICTORIAN Parents: Ernest and Roszena Moreno Intended college: North Central Texas College and the University of North Texas High school activities: dual credit (NCTC)
JENNIFER PEYTON SALUTATORIAN Parents: Tony and Niki Peyton Intended college: North Central Texas College