🎓#4 Valedictorian - Emily Rogers
Next Steps: Oklahoma State University
Field of Studies: Biochemistry
Zebra Since: PreK
What advice you would give your freshman self? I would give myself advice to be more involved. This year I did many more things, such as homecoming float building, and I wish I had done that kind of stuff every year.
What has this journey taught you about yourself? This journey has taught me to make the most memories you can while working as hard as possible. Working hard always pays off.
🔴 What does this accomplishment mean to you? This accomplishment means so much to me. When I first started high school, I made it my goal to become Valedictorian. This accomplishment shows me that I can do the things I set my mind to. I am extremely grateful for everyone who helped me accomplish this goal! I couldn’t have done this without amazing teachers and the support of my family.
Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? Being a Zebra means being a part of something bigger than myself. CPS is a community that I am blessed to be apart of. The coaches, teachers, classmates, and fellow athletes have been the best part of my experience as a Zebra. Once a Zebra, always a Zebra!
What staff member impacted your life most and how in elementary school? At Roosa Elementary, I had many teachers who impacted me greatly. However, I believe one teacher impacted me the most. My second grade teacher, Mrs.Heartsock, gave me a love for school. Before this school year, school was something I just put up with. But, Mrs.Heartsock made class so fun I actually looked forward to going to class. This made me want to work harder, and gave me a love for education I never lost. I appreciate Mrs.Heartsock so much, and miss her tons!
What staff member impacted your life most and how in junior high? A Will Rogers Junior High staff member who made the greatest impact in my life was Mrs.Crabtree. I had the opportunity to have her as my English teacher in 6th and 8th grade. Mrs.Crabtree made personal connections with her students and made us all feel important. She not only taught English excellently, but she was a friend to us all.
What staff member impacted your life most and how in high school? At Claremore High School, the staff member who made the biggest impact on my life is Mr.Riggs. I had Mr.Riggs as my teacher for two biomedical courses. Throughout these classes, Mr.Riggs helped me learn my love for medicine and studying how the human body works. He has been encouraging and supportive to me as well as his other students. He tells us when can become whatever we want to be, and I know he genuinely believes in us. Mr.Riggs has worked in the medical field and has children who work in the medical field. He has given us connections and a realistic view of what the medical field is like. I now know I want to be in the medical field, and I feel confident that I will succeed.
What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? The work ethic I have learned, and the relationships I have made.
What activities you have been involved in? AP / Pre-AP Programs, Softball, Track, Christian Club, Class Treasurer, Biomed Club, FUZE, Native American Student Asso., National Honor Society, Red Army, Student Council, Young Republican.
What was the hardest part (challenges) you had to overcome to achieve this honor? The hardest challenge of becoming Valedictorian was learning how to balance my extracurricular activities andclasses. I am in various clubs along with sports. These time-consuming activities made it more challenging to take honors and AP courses. However, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. The courses challenged me, and the extracurriculars made high school fun!
What are you most proud of in your high school career? I am most proud of being a softball All-Stater. I began softball when I was only 4 years old and have put countless hours into the sport. Getting recognized as an All-Stater is a huge honor, and I am so thankful.
Awards / Honors / Scholarships
Scholarships: Claremore Alumni Scholarship. Oklahoma State Legacy Scholarship. Wentz Scholarship. Academic Excellence Scholarship. Academic Excellence Supplemental.
Awards: I am an All-Stater, All-Regional, and All-District corner infielder for softball. I am also and Academic All-Stater in softball. I have won various Z-Awards. I am a Heisman High School Winner. I am an Elks National Award winner for my performance in Pre-AP English ll.
Acknowledgements : I would like to give a huge thank you to my mom. I would be no where without her. She is my biggest encourager and I appreciate her so much. In addition to that, most importantly I would like to thank God for all of my accomplishments, talents, friendships, and memories in high school.
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE #Classof2023