🎓#22 Salutatorian – Abigail Tietz
➡Next Steps: I am going to NEO for soccer and Pre-vet, then to OSU for the rest of my basics and to become a veterinarian.
đź“šField of Study: Veterinary Medicine
🦓Zebra Since: Pre-K
đź”´ What advice would you give your freshman self?
I would tell myself to have fun and get involved in as much as you can. High school flies by, so take everything in—it will be over before you know it. You will go through a lot of good and bad things, and if you think you can't do it, I promise it will get better. It will make you stronger and a better person.
đź”´ Through my journey to becoming a salutatorian,
My high school journey has taught me a lot. I have learned how to work hard and the importance of perseverance, especially in hard times. I have found my passion for sports and academics. I have also built lasting friendships with many amazing people.
đź”´ What are you most proud of in your high school career?
I am proud of myself for the person I have become. Throughout high school, I have taken on many leadership roles and have been used to set new examples for the younger generation. Football has helped me impact my community and reach a number of individuals. I have been able to give them the hope they need to try new things and go outside of what's considered "normal."
đź”´ What were the hardest challenges you overcame to achieve this honor?
Being an AP and honors student and a student-athlete is pretty challenging. You have to be able to manage your time extremely well. You will have MANY late nights.
đź”´ What does this accomplishment mean to you?
Graduating high school is a HUGE milestone representing all the hard work and dedication we have put in over the last 12 years of our lives. This accomplishment symbolizes becoming an adult and moving into the real world—moving out and being on our own for the first time. While this chapter of our lives ends and we all have to move on from these amazing memories to bigger and better things, I know the next chapter will be even better.
đź”´ Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you?
Being a Zebra means family to me. While I will be graduating and leaving Claremore for quite a while, this place is home. The staff here has shaped me into the person I am today. They always want the best for me and always push me to be my best because they know what I am capable of—even when I think I can't.
đź”´ What elementary staff member impacted your life most, and how?
I went to Westside Elementary, and Mrs. James and Mrs. T had the biggest impact on me. They were always so supportive of me and everything I did. To this day, they still keep up with everything I’m doing and are always so positive and encouraging.
đź”´ What junior high staff member impacted your life most, and how?
Mrs. Lee had the biggest impact on me in junior high. I had her in both 6th and 8th grade. After junior high, she moved to the high school and became the principal, so even now she continues to impact me. She was my English teacher, and let's just say that English is not my favorite—but she made me enjoy it while I was in her class. Mrs. Lee has always helped with anything and everything without hesitation. For example, she dug through many trash cans at the school looking for my ring that I thought I had lost—it was actually in my backpack. She was also my very first customer for my baking business and has supported me in everything I do.
đź”´ What high school staff member made the most significant impact on your life, and how?
Coach Jahn has impacted me the most in high school. He has helped me with so much. Jahn is always helping, supporting, and giving me great advice. Every day, I go to his room for as long as I can, and if he’s not there—or if I’m too busy to see him—my day doesn’t feel complete. Even if I only see him for one minute, my day instantly gets better. On hard days, I know I can count on Jahn to lift my spirits. He always knows what to say and can make me laugh, even when I’m having a bad day. Before soccer games or wrestling matches, when I get nervous and Jahn notices, he always helps calm me down so I can focus and ease the nerves.
đź”´ What activities have you been involved in?
AP / Pre-AP Programs, Athletics, Concurrent Enrollment, FCA, FFA, FUZE, National Honor Society, Student Council, Career Development Program (Work Experience/Shadow/Internship), Soccer, and Football
đź”´ What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college?
My stuffed animal that is from my grandma and grandpa.
đź”´ Scholarships
Claremore Alumni Scholarship and a scholarship at NEO to play soccer.
đź”´ Awards and Honors
Student of the Month (September 2022 and 2023), National Honor Society, 2024–25 Vice President of FCA, 2023–2025 Soccer Captain, 2025 Kicker of the Year, Golden Boot in Soccer 2023, All-District in Soccer 2023, Elks Award Winner, 4.0 Unweighted GPA, 4.25 Weighted GPA, 28 ACT
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