🎓#16 Salutatorian - Taylor Phillips
➡️ Post Secondary School: University of Oklahoma
📚 Field of Study: Nursing
🦓 Began at CPS: 2nd Grade
🔴 What advice would you give your freshman self?
"The advice I would tell my freshman self is to not let anyone else dictate what classes or activities I take or become involved in. I'd advise myself to take the classes that I really want to take and not what I feel pressured into."
🔴 What has the journey to this honor taught you about yourself?
"This journey has taught me how truly resilient I am and how, despite many hardships, I have always been able to persevere and push through any struggle that comes my way."
🔴 What does this accomplishment mean to you?
"This accomplishment makes me reflect on how far I've come since freshman year, and how it is possible to achieve the unexpected as long as you are willing to just stay motivated and complete the work that comes your way. It takes discipline and resilience, but it is very possible!"
🔴 What was the hardest part (challenges) you had to overcome to achieve this honor?
"The hardest challenge that I had to overcome was balancing a crazy schedule during my junior year. Junior year was extremely hectic, as I was balancing school, The Addams Family musical, and relationships all at once. Especially with important upcoming tests, it really did take a toll on me. However, I believe it was all worth it in the end. Being involved in the school musical was a great experience, although time consuming. The people I met and the memories I made will stay with me for years to come."
🔴 What are you most proud of in your high school career?
"Throughout my high school career, the thing that makes me proud is becoming the first person in Claremore to earn the Seal of Biliteracy after taking the AP Spanish test. I've always had a love for learning different languages, and I am so grateful that the high school offers advanced classes in the World Language subject."
🔴 Looking back, what does being a Zebra mean to you?
"Being a Zebra is being a part of a community that does its best to see everyone succeed. The high school has given me so many opportunities to allow for my success, and it has really paid off in the end, as the work that I, my teachers, the principals, and all CPS staff have put in has not gone to waste."
🔴 What ELEMENTARY staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Catalayah)
"The Catalayah Elementary staff member that made the biggest impact on my life was Ms. Storjohann. Even though she was never my actual teacher, she has always been really close with our family and a very easy person to talk to. Her bright attitude surely inspires younger generations to succeed!"
🔴 What JUNIOR HIGH staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Will Rogers Junior High)
"Kylie James was the Will Rogers Jr. High staff member that had made the biggest impact on me. She was originally my science teacher in 6th grade, then my 8th grade math teacher, and now she works here at the high school. She has always been so encouraging and uplifting, and I really appreciate the work she puts in!"
🔴 What HIGH SCHOOL staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Claremore High School)
"At Claremore High School, Robert Castillo has had a huge impact on my life ever since freshman year in Spanish I. As said before, earning the Seal of Biliteracy has been the achievement I have been the proudest of throughout high school, and none of that would've been possible without Mr. Castillo. Though he moved on from Claremore this year, that doesn't get rid of the fact that he was my all-time favorite teacher over the past 18 years of my life!! I hope to see him at graduation!"
🔴 Activities you have been involved in:
"Addams Family Musical, Art Club, Antigone Play, Drama, FUZE, NJROTC, Native American Student Association, National Honor Society, Psychology Club, Red Army, SADD, SAGA, Tennis, World Language Club, Young Democrats"
🔴 Honors / Awards:
"Seal of Biliteracy, Marine Corps League Community Service Award, United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence, Elks Lodge Certificate of Merit for World Language, 'Z' Award - Biology, 'Z' Award - Spanish II, Principal’s Choice Award for the Spring Art Show"
🔴 Scholarships Awarded:
"University of Oklahoma $8,000 Academic Achievement Scholarship Award"
🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college?
"The one thing I feel I must take with me to college in order to be successful is a good work ethic."
🔴 Anything else you'd like to add about your experience at CPS?
"Castillo #1!"