Claremore Public Schools

📚 Field of Study: Theater Performance

🦓 Began at CPS: 9th Grade

🔴 What advice would you give your freshman self?

"Stop listening to sad music before school and don’t be afraid to make mistakes; people will judge you no matter what."

🔴 What has the journey to this honor taught you about yourself?

"That the social pressure to be perfect DOES have results, and ChatGPT is never needed to pass classes."

🔴 What does this accomplishment mean to you?

"It means that the work and effort I put in was worth it. I managed to have fun in high school while succeeding academically."

🔴 What was the hardest part you had to overcome to achieve this honor?

"The ACT requirements I barely met and the tragic loss of block scheduling."

🔴 What are you most proud of in your high school career?

"I’m most proud of the people I’ve inspired and encouraged to be themselves."

🔴 Looking back, what does being a Zebra mean to you?

"Being a Zebra means being resilient, working through the hardest times to get to better ones."

🔴 What ELEMENTARY staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?

"Mrs. Lee (Justus Tiawah) always had a smiling face to help me, even after I left her class, encouraging me throughout my elementary days."

🔴 What JUNIOR HIGH staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?

"Mrs. Lyons (Justus Tiawah), my junior high math teacher, from comforting me when I cried about graphs to teaching me how to use a sewing machine, the skills she taught me I continue to use in my life."

🔴 What HIGH SCHOOL staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?

"Mr. Doonkeen. He constantly pushes me to improve as a performer, keeping my passion for theater and singing. As terrifying as he is, the impact he’s had on my life is one of many reasons I’m not afraid to be myself."

🔴 Activities you have been involved in:

"Choir, Drama, SkillsUSA, Sound Express Show Choir, Room 701 Vocal Jazz Choir"

🔴 Honors / Awards:

"Performance Award for role of Morticia Addams"

🔴 Scholarships Awarded:

"Merit Scholarship from UCO"

🔴 What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college?

"Definitely a toothbrush and my life motto: ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better—it’s not.’ - The Lorax."

🔴 Anything else you'd like to add about your experience at CPS?

"Thank you to all the teachers, staff, and students that made my four years at Claremore so impactful."