🎓 #23 Salutatorian – Michael Robertson
➡ Next Steps: United States Air Force Academy
📚 Field of Studies: A mix of Biology, Chemistry, and Pre-Med
🦓 Zebra Since: Pre-K
🔴 If I could give my freshman self advice, I would say this: make sure to have fun and enjoy every moment. Step out of your comfort zone, take chances, and don’t be afraid to branch out. Meet new people, build connections beyond your usual friend group, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
🔴 Through my journey to becoming a salutatorian, I learned more about perseverance and patience than I ever expected. It took a lot of time and effort, and it definitely wasn’t always perfect, but in the end, every moment was worth it.
🔴 I am most proud of my ability to stay committed to my grades and focused on my future, even through the stress and challenges of high school. It wasn’t always easy, but pushing through the difficult moments taught me the value of perseverance and believing in the goals I set for myself.
🔴 The hardest part of achieving this honor was sacrificing my free time—missing out on hanging out with friends and going out—so I could study and complete assignments to stay prepared and maintain good grades. On top of that, I’ve never had a lot of extra time to begin with, so balancing late nights of schoolwork with my athletic commitments was an incredible challenge. It came with a lot of stress, but in the end, it also brought a sense of gratification and reward that made it all worth it.
🔴 Earning the title of salutatorian means more to me than just an award. It symbolizes the growth that comes from overcoming challenges and proves that perseverance, even in the moments no one sees, can lead to achievements beyond what I ever thought possible.
🔴 Being a Zebra means everything to me. I’ve formed lifelong relationships with fellow students, coaches, teachers, administrators, and so many others. The Zebra community is incredibly supportive, and it has played a key role in guiding and encouraging me as I worked toward achieving this goal.
🔴 At the best elementary school in the nation—Westside Elementary—so many people helped shape me into who I am today, making it difficult to narrow it down to just one. A few who stand out include Mrs. Stone, my third-grade teacher; Mrs. Cook, my fourth-grade teacher; Mrs. Braly, my art teacher; my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. McGill (who I named my cat after); and of course, the principal, Mrs. Robertson, who also happens to be my grandma.
🔴 I attended Claremore Junior High, and once again, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one person. A few who stand out are Mrs. Lee, my English teacher for 6th and 8th grade; Coach Knoke, who taught not only history but life lessons and how to be a better person; Mrs. Talbert, who always believed in me and was a great teacher; and Mrs. James, my 8th-grade math teacher, who was incredibly supportive and encouraging. She has continued to stay in touch, cheering me on and pushing me to be my best throughout my high school years.
🔴 So many people have had a tremendous impact on me in high school, helping shape who I am and guiding me toward my future. Mr. Riggs, one of my biggest supporters and mentors, sparked my interest in the medical field with his exceptional teaching and introduced me to the idea of the military, inspiring me to apply to the United States Air Force Academy. He has dedicated countless hours to helping me achieve this goal. Ms. Golbek, my amazing AP Biology teacher, played a huge role in my academic growth and was a significant part of my success. All of my coaches have shaped me, but a few stand out. Coach Mike—though small in stature—has had a big impact on me (and shoutout to Happy Handsome Tuesdays!). Coach Good has always supported and believed in me, while Coach Jahn has pushed me to be my best and has always been there when I needed someone to talk to. Finally, Coach Hurt—arguably one of the greatest humans I know—has shaped me into a better person not only through his words but through his actions. He’s always encouraged me, believed in my abilities, and inspired me to aim high. I hope to one day be as impactful as Coach Hurt has been to me.
🔴 Throughout high school, I’ve been involved in AP and Pre-AP Programs, Athletics, Concurrent Enrollment, FCA, FUZE, and served as President of the Biomed Club. I’ve competed in four years of Football and Wrestling, participated in some Cheer, spent one year as the Girls’ Soccer Manager, and one year as the Baseball Manager.
🔴 The one thing I’ll absolutely take with me to college is my drive to always be the best at everything I do.
🔴 I’ve received the Alumni Scholarship and the Falcon Foundation Scholarship.
🔴 My honors include being named Homecoming King, receiving Student of the Month for two years, earning membership in the Oklahoma High School Honor Society (2021–2024), and receiving the Elks Lodge Certificate of Merit in Social Studies (2022).
🔴 BEAT PRYOR!!!
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE