26 July 2021 | parkcitiespeople.com
Schools
CONGRATULATIONS, HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2021 By Rachel Snyder
rachel.snyder@peoplenewspapers.com PHOTOS: CHRIS MCGATHEY AND HPISD
After a year of social distancing, the Highland Park High School class of 2021 finally gathered, celebrated, and walked the stage at Moody Coliseum. “Since freshman year, we’ve established ourselves as a proactive Highland Park class,” valedictorian Clarabel Chen told her classmates on May 28. “We’ve stood up for what’s right, always striving to learn more in hopes that we can become better versions of ourselves that ultimately form better versions of our communities,” Chen said. “We’ve been community organizers and volunteers; we’ve been protesters and voters.” The class of 2021 includes 13 National Merit finalists, five National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars, two National African American Recognition Program Scholars, 32 National Merit Commended students, 47 National AP Scholars, the National Football Foundation Gridiron Club of Dallas scholar-athlete of the year, Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Cross Country athlete of the year, an All-State band member, and team and individual medalists in various UIL competitions. The class of 2021 also received more than $9 million in scholarships. “Growing up seems scary, but it’s a part of our lives,” salutatorian Tabish Soleman said. “So as we move forward with gratitude in our hearts and graduation money in our pockets, let us walk in our next chapter with open arms and an even more open mind.”
Cameron Laurie
Valedictorian: Clarabel Chen
Salutatorian: Tabish Soleman
Luke Sloan receives Blanket Award from principal Jeremy Gilbert
Cate Rhodes receives Blanket Award from principal Jeremy Gilbert
Football Coach Randy Allen greets graduates
Highland Park Bagpipers
Parents: Scot and Louba Laurie Town: University Park High School: Highland Park High School Achievements/Honors: National Merit Finalist, Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society, National AP Scholar, Gridiron Football Club Scholar Athlete, Academic All-State, 2nd Team All District, Orchestra Honors, Mu Alpha Theta, Cornerstone Athlete Scholar, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor society, English National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, All-Region Orchestra, State Ensemble Qualifier College Acceptance: University of Texas at Austin, College of Natural Sciences Commencement Date: May 28, 2021 @ SMU
Photographer: Ainsley Wiseman
Dear Cameron, We are so proud of all of your accomplishments. We wish you the best in your future endeavors and know that you will succeed in whatever you choose. We hope that you have the best time in college. Love - Mom, Dad, Lexi and Jordan
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