Twenty-six lauded as Pampa High School’s Top 10 percent

Posted

Twenty-six students have attained the rank of honor graduate for the Class of 2021, two students have earned the distinction of Superintendent Scholar, and one student has earned their Associate’s Degree from Clarendon College.

To be an honor graduate, a student is required to be in the top 10% of the graduating class. 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.

Maribel Cabrales, Valedictorian, earned a grade point average (GPA) of 4.3075. She is the daughter of Jose and Rosa Cabrales. She is a member of the band, and has qualified two years for state solo and ensemble. She has competed in UIL Academics, and qualified for regional competition in calculator for three years. She also competed in the Texas Association of Community Schools Academic Challenge and qualified for state two years. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Robotics Club; and she serves as president of speech and debate. She received the academic excellence subject award in engineering for three years. Maribel plans to attend Houston Baptist University and major in electrical engineering. After receiving her degree, she plans to pursue a job in the IT field.

Mason Zamudio, Salutatorian, earned a grade point average of 4.2730. He is the son of Eric and Maggie Zamudio. He is the president of the Superintendent Student Ambassadors, and is a member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Council. He is the vice president of the Pampa High School Student Body and of the National Honor Society. He has served as a peer tutor for students with special needs; and he received a Pampa ISD “Shout Out” award for outstanding service in peer tutoring. He received academic excellence achievement subject awards in English I Pre-AP, English II Pre-AP, Spanish I Pre-AP, Chemistry I Pre-AP, and Health Science Theory. He also received the Texas Art Association Award. He has volunteered his time at the First Baptist Church with the children’s choir ministry and vacation Bible school; and he serves on the student leadership team. Mason plans to attend Texas Tech University. His major is undecided at this time; however, he plans to pursue a career in either medicine or educational administration.

Cassandra Quezada is ranked number three and earned a grade point average of 4.2191. She is the daughter of Hugo and Maria Quezada. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and scored a four on the Spanish AP exam. She is a member of the district champion / regional quarter-final varsity soccer team; and she received the best defender award. She has participated in the health science practicum program for three years. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington, and major in nursing and minor in Spanish. Her goal is to become a travel nurse and help as many people as she can.

Kyle Gordzelik is ranked number four, earned a GPA of 4.1812; and he is a Superintendent Scholar. He is the son of Dr. Brian and DeLynn Gordzelik. He is a three year member of the show choir, serves as the president for the choir, has participated in choir musicals; and he is a four year TMEA music scholar. He is president of students of destructive decisions, and vice president of the PHS Senior Class. He won first place in the “Who Is This Harvester” essay contest, sponsored by the PHS Class of 1956. He has served as the youth band worship leader at Briarwood church for four years. Kyle will be attending Texas A & M University, and will major in biomedical sciences.

Jack Studebaker is ranked number five, and has earned a GPA of 4.1239. He is the son of John and Jennifer Studebaker. He is a member of the National Honor Society, has served on student council for four years, and served as a senior class representative. He is a member of the choir, and show choir; and he has participated in choir musicals. He served as captain for the varsity football team, was selected as offensive most valuable player, received the Hustlin’ Harvester award, and qualified for first team academic all-state football. He was also a member of the varsity basketball team and the basketball regional finalist team. He plans to attend Texas Tech University and pursue a career in pediatrics.

Marianna Nava is ranked number six, and has earned a GPA of 4.0666. She is the daughter of Luis and Mary Margaret Nava. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and received academic subject awards in Pre-AP Spanish II and Pre-AP Geometry. She is a member of the choir, and a state qualifier in UIL solo and ensemble. She participated in varsity swimming, qualified in regionals, and qualified for academic all-state. She also participated in varsity cross country and track. Marianna has been accepted to seven universities. She is in the process of determining which college that she will attend, as well as determining her major.

Lacey Bilyeu is ranked number seven, and has earned a GPA of 4.0640. She is the daughter of John and Kelley Bilyeu. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and the NHS Social chair. She is a member of choir, show choir, a three-year TMEA all-state choir member, a TMEA Texas music scholar, and a four year state UIL solo and ensemble qualifier. She is also the PHS Class of 2021 Senior Class President. Lacey plans to attend Hardin-Simmons University, and major in biology and minor in music. She will ultimately pursue a doctorate degree in physical therapy.

Hope McCollum is ranked number eight, and has earned a GPA of 4.0480. She is the daughter of Alan and Christy McCollum. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and received academic excellence subject awards in Pre-AP English II and AP English II. She is a member of Friends of Rachel and Students against Destructive Decisions. She participated in UIL Academics, placed first in District in spelling and vocabulary; and she is a three time regional qualifier in UIL academics. She is secretary of the crooked pen society, and a member of the swim team. Hope plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in English. She plans to certify in education, and hopes to influence students in the positive way that her teachers have influenced her.

Chloe Vainrib is ranked number eight, and has earned a GPA of 4.0133. She is the daughter of Chris and Teresa Vainrib. Chloe transferred to Pampa High School from Saint Clair County High School in Alabama during her junior year. She participated in the St. Clair County high school marching band and concert band; and she marched in the London New Years’ Day parade in England. She received the Texas Tech presidential merit scholarship. Chloe will be attending Texas Tech University as a part of the pre-law learning community as an English major.

Hanna Boland is ranked number ten, and has earned a GPA of 3.9940. She is the daughter of John and Brandi Boland. She obtained her associate degree from Clarendon College Pampa Center during her junior year of high school; and she was on the Dean’s List. She is a member of the band, received the Woody Herman Jazz Award, and qualified for state solo and ensemble for three years. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and serves as the Community Service Officer. She has participated in UIL Academics, the book club, and yearbook. Hanna plans to attend Texas Tech University and double major in Biology and Psychology. Then, she plans to attend Texas Tech Medical School and pursue her dream career as a pediatrician.

Sean Jensen is ranked number eleven, and has earned a GPA of 3.9891. He is the son of Michelle Jensen. He is a member of student council, and serves as the PHS Student Body Secretary. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and received academic achievement subject awards in AP Chemistry and Health Science. He has participated in UIL Academics; and he is a regional qualifier in Science. He has played varsity football, and was named to Padilla All-State Second Team and the ISWA All-State third team. Also, he participated in Shattered Dreams. Sean plans to attend Friends University, and major in Health Science. Then, he plans to pursue a degree in dentistry.

Gissell Perez is ranked number twelve, and has earned a GPA of 3.9754. She is the daughter of Mario and Rosvelinda Perez. She is a member of the National Honor Society; and she received an academic achievement subject award in Spanish. She is a member of the band, and qualified for state solo and ensemble. She is a member of the cross country track team, ASTRA, and the soccer team. Gissell plans to enlist in the US Air Force, and pursue a degree in engineering.

Makala Graham is ranked number thirteen, and has earned a GPA of 3.9686. She is the daughter of James Tylan Pierce and Valarie Graham, and Mike Graham and Jana Eirke. She is a member of DECA, serves as treasurer, and she is a regional and state qualifier. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and received academic achievement subject awards in English I Pre-AP, Alegbra II, and Statistics. She is a member of the choir, swim team, and students against destructive decisions. Makala plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in general business or management.

Jorge Renteria Jr. is ranked number fourteen, and has earned a GPA of 3.9638. He is the son of Jorge and Liliana Renteria. He is a member of the band, and was drum major his senior year. He qualified for all-region band for four years, area band for two years, and state solo and ensemble for four years. He is a member of the National Honor Society; and he has participated in UIL Academics. He has also played varsity tennis. Jorge plans to attend an on-line school to earn computer certificates and an associate’s degree. Then, he plans to attend West Texas A & M and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Noelia Moreno is ranked number fifteen, and has earned a GPA of 3.9446. She is the daughter of Isidro and Stacie Moreno She serves as the president of the National Honor Society, DECA, and ASTRA; and she served as the Pampa High School Student Body Parliamentarian. She is a Superintendent Student Ambassador and serves on the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Council. She participated in UIL academics; and she is a regional qualifier in Literary Criticism. She is a member of Health Occupations Students of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and she is a PHS student athletic trainer. Noelia plans to attend Hardin-Simmons University and pursue a degree in nursing. She plans to become a NICU nurse, and eventually pursue a degree to become a nurse practitioner.

Raegan Beckham is ranked number sixteen, and has earned a GPA of 3.934. She is the daughter of Steve and Ashlee Beckham. She has received two visual arts scholastic event regional awards; and her artwork was selected to be displayed in the Pampa ISD administration building. She has also participated in the art club. Raegan plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in visualization or attend the University of Texas at Austin, and major in game design and studio art.

Seth Smith is ranked number seventeen, and has earned a GPA of 3.8785. He is the son of Jimmy and Ky Smith. He is a Superintendent Student Ambassador; and he serves on the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Council. He is a member of the speech and debate team, and qualified for NSDA Nationals two years in a row in Congress, and once in Big Question Debate and CX Debate. This year, he advanced to nationals by placing 1st in Congress and second in CX. He also qualified for TFA state and UIL state in Congress, where he placed twelfth in state last year and seventh in state this year. He is also a member of the National Honor Society; and he has received numerous Pampa ISD Spotlight on Excellence awards. He has also been a member of the cross country team, and played soccer. He has earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Seth plans to attend West Texas A & M University, and then transfer to Texas Tech University to pursue a medical degree and study to become an anesthesiologist.

Celest Ostercamp is ranked number eighteen, and has earned a GPS of 3.8652. She is the daughter of Melissa Butcher. She is a Superintendent Student Ambassador; and she serves on the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Council. She is a member of the varsity volleyball team, and was selected first team All-District, and second team All-District. She also played varsity basketball and softball. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Health Occupation Students of America. Celest plans to attend Frank Phillips College and play volleyball at the collegiate level. She plans to obtain her Associate’s Degree in Science, and then transfer to Amarillo College and enter the dental hygienist program.

Raven Olney is ranked number nineteen, has earned a GPA of 3.864; and he is a Superintendent Scholar. He is the son of Shannon Liberty and Brittany Shuman. He placed second in the Texas Association of Community Schools Academic Challenge. He has participated in UIL Academics, and he is a regional qualifier in Science and Mathematics. He has participated in track, wrestling, theater arts, football, and swimming. Raven plans to attend West Texas A & M University and major in electrical engineering.

Hallie Sieck is ranked number twenty, and has earned a GPA of 3.7775. She is the daughter of Dr. Kevin and Tisha Sieck. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She was named to the top 15 volleyball players of the year by the Amarillo Globe News, was recognized for three years as District 4-4A volleyball setter of the year, and received the Texas Panhandle High School Sports award in volleyball. She was named the offensive most valuable player in basketball, and was a three-time regional track finalist. She also served as a cheerleader captain. Hallie plans to attend Texas Tech University and major in marketing.

Seth Erickson is ranked number twenty-one, and has earned a GPA of 3.7750. He is the son of Michael and Jerri Erickson. He is a member of the National Honor Society; and he has participated in community service projects. He played harvester basketball for three years. Seth plans to attend a four year university. He is in the process of determining which university that he will attend, as well as his major.

Bryson Hood is ranked number twenty-two, and has earned a GPA of 3.7729. He is the son of Cassie Hamilton. He is the yearbook editor in chief, and the yearbook photography editor. He received college prep math award, and is a two-time qualifier in VASE art. He is a member of Student Against Destructive Decisions, yearbook, and art club. Bryson plans to attend the University of New Mexico where he will major in Journalism and Mass Communications. He would like to become a print journalist, focusing on international affairs or sustainability.

Ruth Andrews is ranked number twenty-three, and has earned a GPA of 3.7297. She is the daughter of Jeff and Sharron Andrews. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and received academic excellence subject awards in American Sign Language II and III. She was twice named to the second team all-district in volleyball. She was also on the track and basketball teams, and is a member of the choir. She was selected as a Lions Club Sweetheart. Ruth plans to attend Texas A & M University and major in Kinesiology: Applied Exercise Physiology. Then, she plans to apply to Texas A & M to pursue a degree in nursing.

K’Leigh Broaddus is ranked number twenty-four, and has earned a GPA of 3.7019. She is the daughter of Shane and Mindy Broaddus and Monty and Lana Joiner. She is a member of the choir and show choir, and qualified for state in solo and ensemble. She is also a member of Future Farmers of America. K’Leigh plans to work for a year after graduation, and save money for college. She is in the process of determining which college she will attend and her major.

Matthew Ortner is ranked number twenty-five, and has earned a GPA of 3.677. He is the son of Daniel and Alicia Ortner. He is a member of student council, and serves as the PHS student body reporter. He is a member of choir and show choir, qualified for all-region choir for two years, and was selected as the best male lead actor in Beauty and the Beast. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, and the First Baptist Church Youth and Praise Band. He has also played on the golf team. Matthew plans to attend Texas A & M University and study construction science.

Haley Brock is ranked number twenty-six, and has earned a GPA of 3.6431. She is the daughter of Matt and Wendi Brock. She is a member of the National Honor Society, and received an academic excellence subject award in Earth Science. She was voted “Miss Howdy” her Freshman year, and “Most Likely To Brighten Your Day” by the senior class. She is a member of student council, and serves as the Student Body Treasurer. She was a member of the varsity softball team; and she was named first team all-district softball designated hitter. She is a member of choir and show choir, and has participated in peer tutoring. Haley plans to attend Clarendon College and obtain her associate degree. Then, she plans to transfer to a four year university and purse a degree in special education.