🎓#7 Salutatorian – Isabella “Izzy” Grace Schweitzer
➡Next Steps: Oklahoma State University
đź“šField of Study: Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
🦓Zebra Since: 4th Grade
đź”´ What advice would you give your freshman self?
"Have as much fun as possible while you're still in high school; get involved and meet new people!"
đź”´ Through my journey to becoming a salutatorian,
"This journey made me realize what I love and what I want to continue doing once I graduate high school: engineering."
đź”´ What does this accomplishment mean to you?
"To me, this accomplishment is a motivator to continue pushing forward—to continue to challenge myself and pursue whatever it is that I am interested in, both within and outside of an academic setting."
đź”´ What were the hardest challenges you overcame to achieve this honor?
"I’ve faced several challenges, though I’d say most of them stem from the challenge of balancing academics, activities, and my personal life. Time is precious, and throughout high school, I’ve had to learn how to manage my time constantly to be able to fit in everything I wanted/needed into my daily schedule while still maintaining good grades."
đź”´ What are you most proud of in your high school career?
"I am most proud of two things: the activities I’ve been involved in, and the friends I’ve made during my time here. Without these activities, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I wouldn’t have met even half of the amazing people I’ve become friends with. My friends have encouraged me to keep going, to try new things, and remind me that better times are ahead even when things seem tough in the moment."
đź”´ Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you?
"To me, being a Zebra means being in an academic environment surrounded by devoted, passionate, and caring staff—and my peers, who are so dedicated and successful in their particular interests. It’s incredible to grow up in a school district with so much opportunity for growth and self-discovery."
đź”´ What elementary staff member impacted your life most, and how?
"Although I was only at a Claremore elementary for two years, the school's principal, Mrs. Kellye Shuck, had a huge impact during my time at Catalayah. While I was still attending Owasso, I toured this elementary school early because I would be attending the next year, and I was nervous about transferring. This was the first time I had ever changed school districts, and at this young age, it was a scary thing for me. Immediately, however, Mrs. Shuck greeted me with a warm smile and open arms, quickly making Claremore feel like a home. Her kindness inspired me to embrace this big change in my life and try to help other kids throughout my future do the same."
đź”´ What junior high staff member impacted your life most, and how?
"Mrs. Lee, my 6th grade teacher at Will Rogers Junior High. She was not only a fun teacher to have, but a considerate one as well. She created such a positive, inclusive environment at the school and always brightened my day when I was feeling down. She's also a great person to go to for advice! I’m so glad to have had her during my time at both the junior high and the high school."
đź”´ What high school staff member made the most significant impact on your life, and how?
"The 3 Pre-Engineering instructors: Mrs. Steidley, Mrs. Hammack, and Mrs. Coyle. I've had each of these teachers multiple times, so naturally, I’ve formed a great relationship with them and learned they've got a great sense of humor! Most importantly, however, these teachers helped make me the person I am today; they pushed me out of my comfort zone, to get involved in as much as I can, and to make new friends. They helped me realize I wanted to pursue a degree in engineering and even fostered a love for the subjects that I previously didn’t enjoy. They are the epitome of great teachers."
đź”´ What activities have you been involved in?
"Academic Team; AP / Pre-AP Programs; Concurrent; Guard (Color or Winter); FFA; Math Club / Mu Alpha Theta; NTC; Robotics; SkillsUSA; TSA; SAGA; Young Dems; Work Experience / Shadow / Internship (Career Development Program); Winter Guard; NTHS; Biomed"
đź”´ What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college?
"My car"
đź”´ Scholarships
"Claremore Alumni Scholarship, Federal Pell Grant, Academic Excellence Scholarship, Academic Excellence Supplement, PDS - Cordell Sherrer, Pete's Pledge, OK Engineering Initiative Scholarship"
đź”´ Awards and Honors
VEX Robotics:
Tournament Champion x9, Tournament Finalist x3, Design Award x4, Excellence Award x7, Skills Champion x2, 3x State Champion, 5x World Championship Qualifier
Academic Team:
State Champions x1, Area Champions x2, Homecoming Representative/Court Royalty
SkillsUSA:
NE Oklahoma Regional President and Secretary, Chapter Officer, 1st Place Regional Quiz Bowl x1, 3rd Place Regional Job Interview
FFA:
Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree
Winter Guard:
1st Place Plaque x1, 2nd Place Plaque x2, Sportsmanship Award x1, 2nd at State Championship
TSA:
Robotics Skills Champion Plaque x1, Robotics Tournament Finalist Plaque x1
Scholastic Art & Writing:
Regional Silver Key x1
Claremore High School:
Outstanding Student for German I, Z-Award for Computer Applications, Oklahoma Honor Roll x3, Student of the Month
đź”´ Anything else you'd like to add...
"I want to shout out my mom, my dad, my sister, and my two brothers for being so supportive and helping me out with everything for the last 18 years. This family is incredible! And, I want to shout out all of the teachers that I didn’t mention. Every teacher I’ve had has made high school so memorable. Every single one of you has changed both my life, and the lives of many other students. Thank you all for everything that you do!"
#cpszebrapride