🎓 Valedictorian #2 Addison Allensworth
➡️ Post Secondary School: Oklahoma State University
đź“š Field of Study: Biology Pre-med
🦓 Began at CPS: Pre - K
đź”´ What advice would you give your freshman self?
"Get more involved in school! I wish in freshman year that I joined more clubs. Clubs and activities are what make school fun and it invites you to make more friends and learn new skills!"
đź”´ What has the journey to this honor taught you about yourself?
"This journey has taught me how much I have changed as a person and how I can achieve more than what I believe is possible."
đź”´ What does this accomplishment mean to you?
"This accomplishment proves to me how passionate and dedicated I can be. Despite how I may doubt myself, I can achieve my goals if I aim for them. No matter the difficulties, I just need to be persistent!"
đź”´ What was the hardest part (challenges) you had to overcome to achieve this honor?
"The hardest challenge I had to overcome when achieving Valedictorian was the anxiety around getting my class schedule. Every year it was a gamble as to whether or not my classes would make or if my schedule needed to be amended at the beginning of the year. Especially with the switch away from block scheduling."
đź”´ What are you most proud of in your high school career?
"Making it to Mr. Rigg's Biomedical Innovations class! I am incredibly grateful to have this oppurtunity to immerse myself in what I hope to be my future career! Additionally, being an officer for the National Honor Society was amazing too. The leadership experience I have gained through leading events and activities has boosted my confidence and given me insight on how to be a good leader."
đź”´ Looking back, what does being a Zebra mean to you?
"To me being a Zebra means to be strong in the face of adversity. When challenges come your way you find a way to work it out."
đź”´ What ELEMENTARY staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Roosa Elementary)
"Ms. Braly was my art teacher at Westside from kindergarten until 2nd grade. She was the first teacher to truly ignite my love for art and being creative. She was a fun and bright woman who knew how to make people laugh and smile. I miss her still to this day. Rest in peace Ms. Braly."
đź”´ What JUNIOR HIGH staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how? (Will Rogers Junior High)
"I only went to the junior high for 6th grade and it was cut short (Covid-19); however, I remember my english teacher Mrs. Black was sweet to me and I wish I could have finished out that year."
đź”´ What HIGH SCHOOL staff member made the biggest impact on your life and how?
"My high school experience has been impacted by so many wonderful teachers. First off, Mr. Z , his class taught me so much on just how to break things down to think about them and also how to write. I will carry all the knowledge he has given me for the rest of my life as it has been greatly informative and useful to any of my writing for classes. He understands that it is important to maintain engagement in the classroom and bond with student rather then treating us like chores or after thoughts. He is an amazing educator and a silly, intelligent guy. Secondly, Mr. Castillo has made such a big impact on my life with his experience in the world and also his dedication to us as students. In class he worked hard to give us the education he knew we deserved. He would work with us where we were at and match our pace to catch up. Moreover, Mr. Castillo would give us real life scenerios of his experience as a Spanish-speaker to explain how important it was to absorb the information he was giving us. He would tie in his medical knowledge and his work experiences to give us a connection to the materials. Both these teachers have been amazing to have and I am forever grateful for their support."
đź”´ Activities you have been involved in:
"Academic Team, Art Club, National Honor Society, World Language Club, Biomed Club and Psychology Club."
đź”´ Honors / Awards:
"3rd Place in Spanish II for OAAC Tournment of Champions, 10th Place in Chemistry for OAAC Tournment of Champions, AP Scholar Award, Z awards and Outstanding Student awards."
đź”´ Scholarships Awarded:
"Academic Excellence Scholarship and Dumont Scholarship"
đź”´ What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college?
"Physically, my stuffed animal Ollie. I have had him since I was 1 years old and he has stuck with me since I was little. He is still fully intact after all these years and he is a piece of home for me. Figuratively, I plan to take my own advice and get involved in clubs and activities!"
đź”´ Anything else you'd like to add about your experience at CPS?
"Overall, I am happy for my time at the Claremore Public Schools; however, I am ready to move onto bigger and better things. I am ready to see what else there is to my education. I am ready to explore life outside of my hometown. I am ready to graduate. I will miss my teachers, classmates, and friends but this is a necessary step for growth! I am proud to be a Zebra." #CPSZEBRAPRIDE