Class of 2021 - Top 10

Class of 2021

Valedictorian

DESIREE STEPHENS Desiree will be attending Texas A&M University where she will major in Biomedical Science. Her career goal is to become a veterinarian. Desiree is the daughter of Candy & Joey Stephens. To the Class of 2021: “It has been a long journey. It wasn’t easy, but I have faith that it will prove to be worth it. I wish everyone the best in their journey and look forward to what the future has in store for each one of us. I’m so happy I got to take this journey with you.” To future GHS graduates: “Work hard and do your best. Your path might not be clear yet, but I know you will achieve your goals. Good luck.”

Salutatorian

LILY KEMP Lily will be attending Texas Woman’s University where she will major in computer science. She hopes to become a pioneer in the field of arts and technology. Lily is the daughter of Shannon and Nathan Kemp. To the Class of 2021: “Growing up with you guys sure was an experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even for those who came later on – I couldn’t imagine school without you.” To future GHS graduates: “Don’t let your grades define you – whether they’re good or bad – because you are so much more than just a number.”

#3 KAITLYN BEANE Kaitlyn will be attending Murray State College where she will major in Gunsmithing Technology. She hopes to one day run/own a gun shop/gun range. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Becki and Toby Beane. To the Class of 2021: “Just Keep Swimming!” To future GHS graduates: “Education and life, in general, is a huge roller coaster ride; just remember to hold on.”

#4 SOFIA COLLANTES Sofia will be attending the University of Oklahoma where she will major in Finance. She plans to work in the corporate world and eventually start her own business and go into real estate. Sofia is the daughter of Joanne Drew. To the Class of 2021: “I am proud of you all for continuing to move forward. Regardless of all the obstacles, challenges, and ordeals, we did it.” To future GHS graduates: “Do what is right, not what is easy. Be confident in what you do, and do it with glam!”

Top 10%

#5 HARMONY RUTHERFORD Harmony will be attending Texas A&M University-Commerce where she will major in Music Education. She hopes to be a Band Director in the future. Harmony is the daughter of Valarie and Russ Rutherford. To the Class of 2021: “Do great things, but have fun doing them!” To future GHS graduates: “Don’t waste time. Love every moment, for they run out quickly.”

#6 JASPER CONNER Jasper will be attending NCTC where he will pursue his Associate of Arts degree. He hopes to do something in game design, writing, or illustration. Jasper is the son of Joe and Jock Conner. To the Class of 2021: “I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of this class. To those people that I have developed such good friendships with, thank you for everything that you have done for me. I hope that all of you find something worthwhile in your next adventures.” To future GHS graduates: “Mental health should take precedence over your academic status during your high school career. Grades are grades, but your emotional state is something way more important. Stay away from those that upset you and try to find a best friend and keep that. Best of luck!”

#7 ALEX STOCKWELL Alex is not planning on attending college right away but plans to sometime in the future. She is the daughter of Sheri and Phillip Stockwell. To the Class of 2021: “Graduates of GHS! Raise your eyes to the skies and observe. It’s up to each of us to prove this is a world worth saving. That our lives... our lives are worth living.” To future GHS graduates: “You can learn everything you ever need to know on YouTube.”

#8 ANDREA BARCENAS Andrea will be attending The University of Oklahoma where she will major in Accounting. She would like to work in accounting management in a big corporation and then later get certified to teach elementary mathematics. Andrea is the daughter of Leticia and Gustavo Barcenas. To the Class of 2021: “Everyone has their own goals. Do not let others influence your decisions.” To future GHS graduates: “Do not take on more than you can handle. It is better to be great at a few things than to be bad at many things.”

#9 ANTHONY LARRAGA Anthony will be attending UT Austin where he will major in Government. He then plans to go to UT Law School and is interested in law involving immigration, prosecution, or civil rights. He has hopes of eventually running for Congress. Anthony is the son of Diana and Jesus Larraga. To the Class of 2021: “Through all our ups and downs, we finally did it guys. Thank you all for the memories that we have made, and I hope life after this chapter treats us well. Call me if you need a lawyer, because I might be there.” To future GHS graduates: “Don’t be hesitant about doing something out of your comfort zone. Do what you love and that love will drive you to become better. Keep up grades, but don’t let that get in the way of being happy.”

#10 DAYANARA MALDONADO-SALAS Dayanara will be attending the University of North Texas where she will major in Biology. She is the daughter of Jenny Salas and Antonio Maldonado. To the Class of 2021: “Keep working hard, and continue to follow your dreams. Everyone can be destined for amazing things.” To future GHS graduates: “Work hard and never give up. Everyone can reach any goal they have as long as they try.”

#11 EDUARDO DIAZ Eduardo will be attending Michigan State University where he will major in English with a concentration in creative writing. He hopes to do screenwriting for film, TV, and video games. Eduardo also plans on getting certified to teach high school English. Eduardo is the son of Olivia Perez and Oscar Diaz. To the Class of 2021: “It’s ok. Your life isn’t over. It just started.” To future GHS graduates: “Don’t judge your future through the lens of financial availability. There is always going to be money.”

#12 DANICA WEST Danica will be attending Texas Woman’s University where she will major in English. She hopes to be an editor or teacher but is open to other opportunities. Danica is the daughter of Valerie Dawson and Bill West To the Class of 2021: “Good luck!” To future GHS graduates: “Talent Search is a godsend; join as soon as possible. Your teachers aren’t your enemies, so be nice to them. Don’t be shy to use the resources provided to you, and by that I mean that seniors know a lot more than they’re letting on. Ask for help. You’ll need it.”

#13 MELODY RUTHERFORD Melody will be attending the University of Oklahoma where she will major in Theatre with an emphasis in stage management. She plans to work as a stage manager for professional companies and later come back to Texas to teach at the high school level. Melody is the daughter of Valarie and Russ Rutherford. To the Class of 2021: “I wish you guys the best.” To future GHS graduates: “Trust the process and enjoy the journey.”

#14 DANIEL BUENOS AIRES Daniel will be enlisting in the United States Army where he will be a combat medic. His goal is to become President of the United States, or he will join the medical field or start his own business. Daniel is the son of Maria and Rosalio Buenos Aires. To the Class of 2021: “Chase the bag, shoutout to Quizlet.” To future GHS graduates: “Remember us; hopefully COVID-19 is gone; if you don’t know where to go, start a band or join the Army.”

#15 AGUSTIN ESPINOZA Agustin will be attending Texas A&M-Commerce where he will major in Animal Science. He plans to attend veterinary school and open up a veterinary clinic. Agustin is the son of Concepcion Oropeza. To the Class of 2021: “I’m proud of the accomplishments this class has achieved.” To future GHS graduates: “Enjoy your time in high school because life after seems scary and depressing.”

#16 TRAMERA BYNUM Tramera will be attending Texas Woman’s University where she will major in Graphic Design. Her goal for the future is to work in film, either in advertisement or movie making. Tramera is the daughter of Kristi and Trevor Bynum. To the Class of 2021: “Y’all made it harder than it had to be.” To future GHS graduates: “Grow up sooner rather than later. Everything in life is just a moment so make the most of them.”

#17 SIERRA BOWER Sierra will be attending Missouri State University where she will major in Biology. She plans to obtain a master’s degree and become a physician assistant. Sierra is the daughter of Kimberly and Wade Bower. To the Class of 2021: “Good luck y’all! Do great things!” To future GHS graduates: “Plan ahead! There are so many deadlines and fees during your senior year. Have fun though, and enjoy your last year of high school!”

#18 XANDER HERNANDEZ Xander will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder where she will major in vocal performance and pursue music. Xander is the daughter of Miranda King. To the Class of 2021: “Maturity goes a long way.” To future GHS graduates: “Take it easy. You deserve it.”