Honor breakfast held for SSHS grads

Twenty-seven honorees were up bright and early Thursday morning for Sulphur Springs ISD’s Honor Student Breakfast at the Civic Center, and all were recognized for their hard work during their education.

The following students, in alphabetical order, were honored:

Lizbeth Alvarez plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in early childhood education. Her teacher of honor is Sasha Posey, calling her “one of the most thoughtful teachers” she has ever had. SSHS gave Alvarez the opportunity to meet various people through student organizations. Her other activities, awards and honors include serving as president of the National Honor Society and class vice president and played soccer.

Cameron Beard plans to attend Texas A&M University - Commerce to major in Business Administration. His teacher of honor is Senor Mangon who showed him “how to appreciate the importance of hard work.” His other honors include being a state qualifier for Business Professionals of America, state qualifier for solo and ensemble and a John Philip Sousa Award Winner.

Paige Daniel plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in business administration. Her teacher of honor is Chris Valdovinos who “pushes and encourages” her to be the best she can be. She shared younger students should “not take anything for granted.” Her activities include National Honor Society officer, student council reporter and historian and UIL Barbara Jordan Historical Essay state finalist in 2020 and 2021.

Elly Eddins plans to attend Texas Tech University to major in business, and her teacher of honor is Misty Abron who instilled the confidence she needed to succeed. She plans to use her business degree to work for her family business, and her activities include cheerleading, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and Hi-King Klub.

Emma Eddins plans to attend Texas Tech University to major in business, and her teacher of honor is Lindsay Holt who she called her “alltime favorite teacher.” Her favorite memory at SSHS was performing with the Blue Blazes. Her activities besides Blue Blazes include Future Farmers of America, 4-H and Key Club.

Padraig Flanary plans to attend University of Texas - Dallas to major in computer science and political science. His teacher of honor is Madison Millsap who has “been very influential” as she coached him in UIL. Flanary would like to serve in the Air Force doing cybersecurity. His activities include UIL computer science, UIL current events and golf.

Crystal Flores plans to attend Southern Methodist University to major prehealth biology. Her teacher of honor is Desiree Pharis who she called a “mother figure, teacher and friend.” Flores’ favorite memories are participating in pep rallies and cheering on her classmates. Her activities and honors include Hopkins County Leadership, attending the National Student Leadership Conference for Medicine and Health Care at Harvard Medical School and receiving the SMU Discovery Scholarship.

Matthew Harper, 2021 valedictorian, plans to attend Trinity University while deciding on a major, and his teacher of honor is Gail Herman, saying thanks to her, he has “grown exponentially as a student.” Harper said younger students should “never forget the joy of learning.” His honors include two state champion titles in UIL literary criticism and a second place medal at the state UIL headline writing competition.

Annie Horton plans to attend Tyler Junior College to major in Biology, and her teacher of honor was Cris Hughes who “was a mother and teacher all in one.” She aims to become a dental hygienist. Her activities include FFA, National Honor Society and a Northeast Texas Livestock Association competitor.

Caroline Hurley plans to attend Texas A&M University to study allied health. Her teacher of honor is Renee Maeker who is “a great role model.” Hurley intends to become a nurse anesthetist. Her activities include Key Club, volleyball and National Technical Honor Society.

Kaden Kirkland plans to attend University of Texas to study computer science, and his teacher of honor is Matt Wilder who built Kirkland’s confidence in pursuing computer science. Kirkland would like to eventually earn a master’s degree in computer science. His activities and honors include National Honor Society, UIL solo and ensemble state qualifier for two years and UIL computer science.

Katelyn Kistler plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in sports management. Her teacher of honor is Megan Tingle, a “great teacher” who invested in her as a student and individual. Katelyn would like to work for a professional sports team in the future. Her activities include yearbook, Key Club and a member of an Ardis Center competition team.

Lige Leavens plans to attend University of Texas to major in philosophy. His teacher of honor is Clay Hansford. Leavens would like to become a college professor in the future. His activities include band, UIL journalism and National Honor Society.

Nathan Little, salutatorian, plans to attend East Texas Baptist University to major in Christian ministry. His teacher of honor is Gerald Grafton who has been a “big part” of Little’s high school journey. Little plans to pursue ministry full time after graduating from ETBU. His honors and activities include state soloist in band, Louis Armstrong Award winner and Key Club.

Corde Mayo plans to attend Texas A&M University to study biomedical sciences. His teacher of honor is Mylissa Bailey who he called his “school mom.” He aims to become a pediatric or trauma surgeon after attending A&M’s School of Medicine. His honors and activities include varsity track, being a nationally registered EMT and Key Club.

David Moreno plans to attend Texas A&M University - Commerce, and his teacher of honor is Alexi Upton who has helped him “grow as an athlete and as a person.” He will take with him all the memories made throughout all soccer tournament trips. His activities include four years on the varsity soccer team, state choir solo and ensemble and National Honor Society.

Aiken Owens plans to attend East Texas Baptist University to study business administration. His teacher of honor is Mylissa Bailey who he called his “favorite teacher of all time.” Owens would like to enter the real estate field and build custom homes. His activities include baseball, National Honor Society and Key Club.

Madelyn Posey plans to attend Baylor University to major in marketing. Her teacher of honor is Megan Tingle who has supported her over the past two years. Posey aims to work with a Dallas-based professional sports team. Her activities include yearbook, volleyball team manager and Destination Imagination.

Makayla Pullen plans to attend Baylor University to study pre-med psychology, and her teacher of honor is Lynn Smith who she called “influential” in her journey in Business Professionals of America. Pullens intends to become an adolescent psychiatrist. Her honors include BPA President, Teen Court and Key Club.

Trinity Sherman plans to attend University of Texas to major in business. Her teacher of honor is Jeffrey Garza with whom she has “shared many laughs.” Her favorite high school memories include the many competitions she participated in. Her activities include National Honor Society, drumline leadership and Blue and Gold awards for band.

Galilea Sosa plans to attend University of Texas to study finance and accounting. Her teacher of honor is Senor Mangon who “always had a positive attitude.” Sosa plans to become a certified public accountant. Her honors include earning 1’s solo and ensemble every year, National Honor Society and drum major.

Daniel Soto plans to attend Texas A&M University to study finance, and his teacher of honor is Kathy Wright who proved he “could overcome any challenge.” He aims to eventually pursue a master’s degree in business administration and become an investment banker. His activities include BPA officer, TRIO Upward Bound and UIL accounting.

Maci Swafford plans to attend Texas A&M University - Commerce to study nursing. Her teacher of honor is Whitney Spigener, calling her a teacher she “could always go to for advice in academics but also life in general.” Swafford aims to become a nurse practitioner specializing in orthopedics. Swafford has participated in the Blue Blazes, student council and Key Club,

Mariam Tran plans to attend Southern Methodist University to study engineering, and her teacher of honor is Whitney Spigener who has been “essential” to her academic and athletic performance. Tran intends to become an attorney and practice patent law. Her activities include Destination Imagination, SSISD Strategic Design Team and varsity golf where she has qualified for state.

Sadie Washburn plans to attend Dallas Baptist University to study biology, and her teacher of honor is Chris Valdovinos who has been a “huge influence and a great teacher.” She aims to be a pediatric physician’s assistant. Her activities include volleyball, Key Club and Hopkins County Teen Leadership.

Zoë Westlund plans to attend Texas A&M University - Commerce to study business administration. Her teacher of honor is Rachel Finney who has been a friend through Westlund’s high school journey. Westlund aims to become an author after earning her college degree. Her activities and honors include a third place in the Northeast Texas Writers’ Organization Teen Short Story Contest, UIL Ready Writing and feature writing.

Janine Yamaguchi plans to attend Texas A&M University - Commerce to study dental hygiene. Her teacher of honor is Haylee Glenn who she “spent a lot of time with” during middle school. She intends to be a dental hygienist. Her activities include varsity soccer, Key Club and Hi-King Klub.