Claremore High School is proud to recognize Campbell Crum as our 49th Academic All-State recipient, an honor awarded to the top 100 seniors across Oklahoma. Campbell’s academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to a well-rounded education have distinguished him as one of the state’s most outstanding students.
His accolades don’t stop there; Campbell is also a National Merit Scholar Finalist and achieved a perfect ACT score of 36, an accomplishment that speaks to his exceptional intellect and dedication to learning.
For Campbell, earning the Academic All-State title wasn’t something he set out to achieve from the start. In fact, he first learned about the award when his friend Adele Wilson, Claremore’s 48th Academic All-Stater, received the honor. “Though I’d never say it to her face, I try to follow in her footsteps because she truly is amazing,” he said with admiration.
A well-rounded student, Campbell has left a lasting mark at CHS through his involvement in various academic and extracurricular activities. His leadership roles include President of the Pre-Engineering Club, State Secondary President of Oklahoma SkillsUSA, Captain of the 5A State Champion Academic Team, and Gomez in The Addams Family musical. He is also a member of Room 701 Jazz Choir, SAGA, and the Young Democrats, where he proudly holds the title of 'Mascot.'
Academically, Campbell credits Mrs. Steidley, one of his Pre-Engineering teachers, as a significant influence on his success. “She was always positive and would go to any length to help me, no matter the cost to her. She built up my confidence and self-worth, and I will always love her for that,” he shared.
While he hasn’t finalized his college decision, Campbell has applied to the University of Tulsa, Northwestern University, Washington University in St. Louis, Stanford University, and Pomona College. He plans to major in political science and education, intending to become a teacher. His family has deep roots in Claremore Public Schools, with his mother and his relatives proudly wearing Zebra red and white before him. Growing up in a family of Zebra alumni and educators, Campbell has been immersed in the values of excellence, innovation, and school pride from an early age.
Campbell emphasized the importance of writing skills when asked what advice he would give to students hoping to achieve similar success. “Work on your writing. That can win over just about anyone. I feel that in a time when automation is becoming more and more prevalent, becoming a good writer is important because it’s uniquely human.”
His most rewarding experience in high school was serving as a State Officer for Oklahoma SkillsUSA, where he traveled and grew as a leader. Additionally, Campbell values CHS's classes and programs, which he believes maximize opportunities for all students, not just the highest-achieving ones.
Achieving Academic All-State has been a moment of validation for Campbell. “Every day, you must make a conscious decision to try, and sometimes I wonder, ‘What’s the point?’ This made me feel like it would all be worth it.”
Campbell Crum’s outstanding achievements, leadership, and academic prowess make him a true standout at Claremore High School. As he carries on his family’s Zebra legacy, his success reflects the excellence of CHS and inspires future generations of Zebras.