🎓#15 Salutatorian – Avery Bowlby
➡Next Steps: Oklahoma State University
đź“šField of Study: Biochemistry
🦓Zebra Since: Pre-K
đź”´ What advice would you give your freshman self?
"I would tell myself not to let the bad times keep you down, and keep going. Enjoy every moment, because everything comes to an end so fast. Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if it is out of your comfort zone. Everything happens for a reason."
đź”´ Through my journey to becoming a salutatorian,
"This journey has taught me the importance of responsibility, whether it be for school assignments or personal choices. Throughout high school I have learned to take ownership of my choices, time, and actions. Responsibility is about staying committed even when motivation fades. I strive to be the kind of person others can rely on - not just when its easy, but especially when it counts."
đź”´ What are you most proud of in your high school career?
"I am most proud of winning State in FFA for my Agriscience project. Winning State had always been a huge goal of mine, so when I did win with my partner, I felt so proud and ecstatic."
đź”´ What were the hardest challenges you overcame to achieve this honor?
"Finding the motivation to keep coming to school and do my assignments was a great struggle for me, especially this past year. Balancing academics with everything else felt overbearing at times, but it took everything in me to finish strong."
đź”´ What does this accomplishment mean to you?
"Becoming salutatorian is a great achievement for me. It is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and late nights I have poured into these past four years. I am honored and grateful to be counted among the many amazing students who have achieved this as well."
đź”´ Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you?
"Being a Zebra means so much more than just attending CPS. It means showing up to support one another and showing heart and Zebra pride in everything we do."
đź”´ What elementary staff member impacted your life most, and how?
"I went to Roosa for elementary and Mrs.Kropp had the biggest impact on me during my time there. If you know Mrs.Kropp, then you know how amazing and out going she is. She has an explosive personality, and that made me want to be more extraverted."
đź”´ What junior high staff member impacted your life most, and how?
"I went to Will Rogers Junior High, and Mrs.Boyd was my science teacher. She sparked my love and interest in science. She encouraged me to be curious and always be the one to ask questions."
đź”´ What high school staff member made the most significant impact on your life, and how?
"All of the teachers and staff at Claremore High School are exceptional and amazing in every way, but there is one teacher who stands out above all, which is Mr.Riggs. His immense passion for the medical field inspires anyone he teaches or talks to. I am extremely grateful to have had him as a teacher for all of the biomedical classes. His class gave me the confidence to believe that my dream of becoming a doctor can turn into reality. He instilled in us that no matter the obstacle, we have the strength to overcome it if we stay focused and never give up."
đź”´ What activities have you been involved in?
"AP / Pre-AP Programs;Chemistry Club;Concurrent;FFA;National Honor Society;SkillsUSA;Work Experience / Shadow / Internship (Career Development Program)"
đź”´ What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college?
"My best friends, they are my ride or dies. We travel as a quiver."
đź”´ Scholarships
"- OSU Academic Excellence
Joseph Fleming Memorial Scholarship"
đź”´ Awards and Honors
"- 1st at FFA State for Agriscience (2024)
3rd at FFA State for Agriscience (2023)
Qualified for State through SkillsUSA (2024, 2025)"
đź”´ Anything else you'd like to add...
"I thank Jesus and my parents for the immense support and guidance they have given me along the journey."
#cpszebrapride