Claremore Public Schools

What advice would you give your freshman self?

"Get involved, try new things, and step outside your comfort zone. You'll meet amazing people and make lasting memories along the way!"

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

"I have a tendency to wait until the last minute to complete things, and don’t stress about the small stuff. Ultimately, procrastination is a strength, and I mastered it!"

What does this accomplishment mean to you?

"I’m proud to be salutatorian—not because I did everything perfectly, but because I figured out what worked for me. I’ve always been a bit of a procrastinator, but it taught me how to stay calm and pull things together when it really mattered. Honestly, that’s a big part of how I got here."

What was the hardest part (challenges) you had to overcome to achieve this honor?

"I had to make sure that I was careful not to overload my course schedule in order to earn this honor. I focused on keeping a balance, taking classes that genuinely interested me while also preparing for my future in college."

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

"Maintaining a well-balanced life between academics, extracurriculars, work, and being a teenager."

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

"Being a part of the Zebra community really shaped my success. The amazing teachers and my friends have made the challenges worthwhile and the achievements more meaningful."

What ELEMENTARY staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Catalayah)

"Mrs. Andrea James was there for me during a difficult time in 4th and 5th grade. She showed me that teachers truly care and invest in more than just academic success."

What JUNIOR HIGH staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Will Rogers Junior High)

"Mr. David Isenbart helped me explore my interest in engineering and always encouraged me to put my best effort into everything I do."

What HIGH SCHOOL staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Claremore High School)

"Mrs. Lahr, Mr. Z, Mrs. Higgins, Mrs. Hammock, Mrs. Steidley, and Mrs. Coyle all made significant impacts on my life by supporting me and making me feel like I mattered."

Activities you have been involved in:

"Native American Student Association, National Honor Society, Robotics, SkillsUSA, Improv, Pre-Engineering at NTC"

Honors / Awards:

"Statesman in SkillsUSA, VEX Worlds Sportsmanship Award, multiple VEX Robotics state awards, National Honor Society, Z-Award for Computer Applications, Trail of Tears Award for Academics"

Scholarships Awarded:

"Claremore Alumni Scholarship (Class of 1969), OSU Academic Excellence Scholarship, Northeastern Oklahoma Division Scholarship, Cherokee Nation Scholarship, Sangam Endowed Ed Scholarship"

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

"A backpack"

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

"Shout out to my family for being my biggest supporters, especially my mom, brother, and Chompy. I couldn’t have done it without you all!"