Honor Graduates of Pampa High School Class of 2023

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Twenty-five students ranked in the top ten percent of the Class of 2023, one student has earned the distinction of Superintendent Scholar, and two students have earned an Associate Degree from Clarendon College.

To be an honor graduate, a student is required to be in the top 10% of the graduating class, or obtain an Associate Degree. To achieve the honor of a superintendent scholar, a student must have scored a minimum of 1340 composite on the SAT exam and/or a 29 on the ACT exam. In addition, students must have successfully completed at least three advanced placement courses and/or dual credit courses, and remained in good standing during their senior year.

Riley Coble, Valedictorian, earned a grade point average (GPA) of 4.3976. He is the son of Don and Kristi Coble. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and he is on the Clarendon College President’s List. He received the Clarendon College Occupational Skills Award for Welding; and he has earned American Welding Society certifications. He is a member of the Varsity Football team, qualified for First Team Academic All State in football; and he is and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Committee. He participates in the Gray County 4H Shooting Sports program, and placed in District 1 Clay Shoot. He has worked as an intern at Open Range Engineering. Riley plans to attend West Texas A & M University, and pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Electrical Engineering.

Hudson Scribner, Salutatorian, earned a GPA of 4.3386. He is the son of Garrett and Carisa Scribner. He is a member of the National Honor Society; and he is on the Clarendon College President’s List. He is the Vice President of the Senior Class, and has served as a Superintendent Student Ambassador for eight years. He is on the Varsity football team, and qualified for First Team Academic All State. He is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has shown livestock, was the San Antonio Show Campion, was the calf scramble winner at multiple major Texas Rodeos; and he has participated in Gray County 4-H shooting sports. Hudson plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in mechanical engineering and minor in electrical engineering.

Katherine Smith is ranked number 3, has earned a GPA of 4.2846, and she is a Superintendent Scholar. She is the daughter of Paul and Lisa Smith. She is the Treasurer of the National Honor Society, and the Elementary Liaison for the Superintendent Student Ambassador program. She is a member of the PHS Choir, Show Choir, and the Pride of Pampa Band.

She qualified for All-Region band and choir for four years, qualified for TMEA State Choir 3 years, served as the Drum Major for two years; and she is a Texas State Solo and Ensemble Outstanding performer. She is a two-time All-Star cast member for One Act Play. She was selected as the 2022 Pampa Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year, and recognized at the Chamber Banquet. Katherine plans to attend Texas Tech University School of Music and pursue a dual degree in music education and vocal performance.

Jesus Bernal is ranked fourth, and earned a GPA of 4.2608, and a member of the National Honor Society. He is the son of Jesus Bernal Sr. and Kimberly Alvarez. He is the Chaplain for Student Council, Community Liaison for the Superintendent Student Ambassadors; and he is the Community Involvement Coordinator for Students Against Destructive Decisions. He is a National CyberStart Scholar, certified Dell Technician, and president and founder of the PHS Cybersecurity Student Organization. He has competed in UIL Academics, placed third in District UIL Literary Criticism; and he has received multiple outstanding academic subject awards. He has worked as an intern with the PISD Technology Department. Jesus will be attending West Texas A & M University and will major in Information Systems. He plans to work as a network administrator after he obtains his degree.

Margaret Haley is ranked fifth, and earned a GPA of 4.1491. She is the daughter of Jeff and Molly Haley. She is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, and the PHS Choir. She is a member of the varsity track team, serves on yearbook and as a Peer Tutor. Haley plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in Biology.

Lorell Haynes is ranked sixth, and earned a GPA of 4.0408. She is the granddaughter of Denise Haynes. She is the Secretary for the National Honor Society; and she is on the Clarendon College President’s List. She is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, PHS Choir, and Speech and Debate. She has competed in UIL Academics and received an award for Poetry. Lorell plans to attend Texas Tech University, major in Journalism and minor in Legal Studies.

Sydney Larkin is ranked seventh, and earned a GPA of 3.9612. She is the daughter of Dustin and Tanya Larkin. She serves as the Student Body Secretary, Historian for the National Honor Society, and President for the Superintendent Student Ambassador Program. She is a member of the PHS Choir and Show Choir, is a TMEA Area qualifier; and she received the choir musical Best Performer Award. She also participates in One Act Play, and received the Best Performer Award. She has received Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and a VFW Scholarship Award. She participates in Gray County 4-H and American Trap Association Trap and Skeet Shooting. She has served as a communications intern with Pampa ISD. Sydney plans to attend West Texas A & M University and pursue a degree in communications with a minor in music. After obtaining her undergrad, she plans to transfer to Texas A & M University to continue her studies in Education Law.

Jose Lerma Montes is ranked eighth and earned a GPA of 3.9577. He is the son of Blasa Montes. He is the President of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Speech and Debate. He is the Vice President of the PHS Student Body; and he is the Editor-in-Chief of the PHS Yearbook. He serves as the Secretary for the Superintendent Student Ambassadors. He has competed in UIL Academics, is the Regional Champion in Current Issues and Events, and placed 8th in State. He is a member of the varsity Cross Country Team, and qualified for 2nd Team Academic All-State. Jose plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in Political Science. After earning his bachelor degree, he plans to attend law school at University of Texas, Austin.

Kaden Brown is ranked ninth, and earned a GPA of 3.9086. He is the son of Dustin Brown and Clint and Laura Watson. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. He received an outstanding subject award in Algebra; and he is on the PHS Wall of Fame for his outstanding SAT score. He is a member of the varsity tennis team; and received the Tennis Sportsmanship Award and the Most Improved Award. Kaden plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in Mechanical Engineering.

Ryllie Hays is ranked tenth, and earned a GPA of 3.90778. She is the daughter of Erin Hamel and Brian Darnell. She received her Associate Degree in Science from Clarendon College before graduating from high school. She is an Athletic Trainer, and qualified for First Team Academic All State. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, and the PHS Choir. Ryllie plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in Animal Science and minor in Vet. Medicine.

Kendyll Roberson is ranked eleventh, and earned a GPA of 3.8687. She is the daughter of Keith and Susan Roberson. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and PHS Choir. She is President of the PHS Student Body, has served as co-editor of the yearbook, and as a Superintendent Student Ambassador. She has competed in VASE, and received multiple awards for her art. She served as a PHS Cheerleader, competed in dance and was named Miss Dance of Texas 2023. Kendyll plans to attend Colorado State University and major in Interior Architecture and Design.

Mason Bagwell is ranked twelfth, and earned a GPA of 3.8659. He is the son of Jason and Meredith Bagwell. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. He is a member of the Varsity Tennis Team; and he was a state mixed doubles medalist in 2023, and was a state boys doubles qualifier in 2023. He also qualified for Academic All-State in tennis, and he has signed a commitment to play tennis at McMurry University. Mason also serves as a Skills for Success Peer Tutor, and volunteers for the Special Olympics. Mason plans to attend McMurry University to pursue a degree in Kinesiology. Then, he plans to obtain a doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Tyce Whitely is ranked thirteenth, and earned a GPA of 3.856. He is the son of TJ and Jessica Whiteley. He is a member of the Varsity Football Team, and qualified for second Team Academic All State. He is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Varsity Wrestling Team. He has received Rotary Club Leadership Awards, and has earned American Welding Society Certifications. Tyce plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in finance.

Morgan Meller is ranked fourteenth, and earned a GPA of 3.8536. She is the daughter of Roger and Meloni Meller. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and the National Society of High School Scholars. She received outstanding subject awards in Chemistry and Money Matters. She is a member of Future Farmers of America, earned an advanced Animal Science Certification, and a Veterinary Assistant Certification. She works as an intern at Gray County Veterinary Clinic. Morgan plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in animal science. After obtaining her bachelor degree, she plans to pursue a Veterinary Medical Degree at Texas A & M University.

Aidan Chapleau is ranked fifteenth, and earned a GPA of 3.8372. He is the son of Robert and Amber Chapleau. He is the Vice President of the National Honor Society, and a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions. He is a member of the PHS Choir and Show Choir, and serves as the Social Chair. He is a member of the Pride of Pampa Band, and serves on the Band Leadership Council. He is a four time Texas Music Scholar, and qualified for TMEA All-State Choir, and performed for the Texas State Board of Education. Aidan plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue a Bachelor degree in Performance and Music Ed. Then, he plans to pursue a masters and a doctorate degree.

Korbin Cole is ranked sixteenth, and earned a GPA of 3.796. He is the son of Amy Cole.

He is a member of the Pride of Pampa Band, and a four-time All Region Band qualifier, and a two-time All-State qualifier. He is a member of the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. He is also a member of the PHS Choir and Show Choir and a four-time All Region Choir qualifier, and four time state solo and ensemble qualifier. He also participates in one-act play, and played football. Korbin plans to attend West Texas A & M University and pursue a double major in instrumental and vocal education.

Chloe Smith is ranked seventeenth, and earned a GPA of 3.78. She is the daughter of Christopher Smith, Kayla Peevy, and Brody Crupe. Chloe earned her Associate Degree, and phlebotomy certification before graduating from high school. She serves as the Student Body Historian, and received an outstanding subject award in Biology. She is a member of Students Againist Destructive Decisions, choir, and plays softball. Chloe plans to complete three more classes at Texas Women’s University, and then enter nursing school. She plans to pursue a degree in nursing, and a minor in psychology.

Samantha Price is ranked eighteenth, and earned a GPA of 3.7608. She is the daughter of Alan and Eva Price. She has earned her phlebotomy certification and medical assistant certification before graduating high school. She is a member of the choir, swim team, and Cyberstart organization. She has also completed in UIL academics. Samantha plans to attend Clarendon College to pursue her associate degree in Science. Then, she plans to attend Colorado Technical University and major in Cybersecurity and minor in Computer Science.

Madison Sloan is ranked nineteenth, and earned a GPA of 3.7509. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Cinnamon Fitzer. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She is a team captain for Esports, and qualified for state competition in esports; and she is a member of the Dell Student Tech crew. She is on the varsity tennis team, is a regional qualifier, and serves as a captain. Madison plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in computer science, and then pursue a career in IT, preferably in software development.

Mario Martinez is ranked twentieth, and earned a GPA of 3.7244. He is the son of Luciano and Micaela Martinez. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and successfully completed multiple advanced classes while working a full time job during high school. Mario plans to attend West Texas A & M University and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Melanie Ruiz is ranked twenty-first, and earned a GPA of 3.692. She is the daughter of Ruben and Telma Ruiz. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and managed to work two jobs while attending high school and graduate in the top ten percent. Melanie plans to attend Texas State University in San Marcos and major in Mechanical Engineering and architectural engineering.

Ariel Lacher is ranked twenty-second, and earned a GPA of 3.6901. She is the daughter of Bobby and Marisol Lacher. She is a member of the National Honor Society, served as Student Body Treasurer, and as the secondary liaison officer for the Superintendent Student Ambassadors.

She is a member of the choir and show choir, and the basketball and volleyball teams. She qualified for First Team All District in Soccer. She is a Lions Club Sweetheart. Ariel plans to attend Hartland Baptist College and pursue a degree in elementary education.

Tyler Reed is ranked twenty-third, and earned a GPA of 3.6866. He is the son of Lynn and Amy Reed. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and serves as the senior class president. He is a member Health Occupations Students of America, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also a member of the Varsity Baseball Team, and a pre-season 4A Super Team nominee, and All-District pitcher. Tyler plans to attend Southern Nazarene University on an athletic scholarship, and major in Biology. After he obtains his Bachelor Degree, he plans to attend dental school.

Preston Stroud is ranked twenty-fourth, and earned a GPA of 3.679. He is the son of Jay Stroud and Rusty and Lisa Dewitt. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is a member of the varsity football team and served on the leadership council. He earned First Team All District Defensive Line for two years, was named defensive MVP, and received THSCA Academic All State Honorable Mention. He has received American Welding Society certifications. Preston plans to work for a year, and then attend Frank Phillips College for welding and instrumentation.

Veronica Davis is ranked twenty-fifth, and earned a GPA of 3.6745. She is the daughter of Todd and Patty Davis. She is a member of the Choir and Band; and she served as a Color Guard and Winter Guard Captain for band. She participates in One Act Play, and is a member of the All Star Cast. Veronica plans to attend Clarendon College to obtain the rest of her basic credits, and then determine her future plans.