Salutatorian #5 - Aurora (Eve) Mathew-Cox
➡️ Post Secondary School: Washington University in St. Louis
đź“š Field of Study: Biomedical Engineering
🦓 Began at CPS: 6th Grade
đź”´ What advice would you give your freshman self?
"Don’t be such a snob. You’re not better than everyone else!!"
đź”´ What has the journey to this honor taught you about yourself?
"No matter how busy I am, I can always find a way to get things done."
đź”´ What does this accomplishment mean to you?
"This accomplishment shows my hard work and that I really tried to be Valedictorian (clearly to no avail)."
đź”´ What was the hardest part (challenges) you had to overcome to achieve this honor?
"The biggest challenges have been self-doubt, balancing a busy schedule, and the loss of block scheduling."
đź”´ What are you most proud of in your high school career?
"I'm most proud of sticking with my extracurriculars, even though I threatened to quit all the time."
đź”´ Looking back, what does being a Zebra mean to you?
"Being a Zebra is about sticking together when times are tough. From the tornado in 2024 to the loss of block scheduling, we know how to rally for a good cause."
đź”´ What ELEMENTARY staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?
"Lindey Morehead, my fourth grade teacher, was one of the kindest women I’ve ever met."
đź”´ What JUNIOR HIGH staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?
"Heather Lohmann (now James) forced me out of my comfort zone. She was the first teacher to ever push me to be more than mediocre. I attribute my affinity for math and tough love to her."
đź”´ What HIGH SCHOOL staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?
"Mr. Riggs and Mrs. Coyle have been amazing role models and helped me in my college and career decisions. They’ve pushed me to be a better student and overall person."
đź”´ Activities you have been involved in:
"Class Officer, SkillsUSA, Student Council, Young Democrats, Biomed Club, Pre-Engineering at Northeast Tech, FUZE"
đź”´ Honors / Awards:
"Academic All-State"
đź”´ Scholarships Awarded:
"Claremore Alumni Association Scholarship, scholarships from Washington University in St. Louis"
đź”´ What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college?
"I will definitely take a good pair of walking shoes (no cars on campus is brutal!)."