Three Payne County seniors awarded Academic All-Staters
Stillwater High senior Seojoon Kim and Matthew Li and Morrison High senior Caleb Veit were three of 100 public high school seniors from across Oklahoma who were named Academic All-State honorees for 2025, according to an OFE news release.
'These 100 students serve as a powerful example of academic excellence in Oklahoma's public schools,' said Elizabeth Inbody, executive director of OFE. 'By celebrating the All-State class and their educators, we reinforce the importance of public education in Oklahoma.'
The All-State students hail from 67 schools in 62 school districts, according to the release.
Each All-Stater receives a $1,500 award, an honor cord and a medallion, and will be honored at the 2025 Academic Awards Celebration May 10 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
Students who apply for Academic All-Stater must either achieve an ACT composite score of at least 30; a combined SAT evidence-based reading and writing and math score of at least 1370; or be selected as a National Merit Semifinalist, the release said.
Applicants face a 'rigorous' application process and are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership and community service. They must also write an essay and provide letters of recommendation. The committee, independent of other foundation activities, is comprised of business, education and civic leaders, in addition to past honorees.
The 2025 All-Staters scored an average of 33 on the ACT, with 12 scoring a perfect score of 36, the release said. Their average weighted GPA is 4.36, and 34 are National Merit Semifinalists.
Seojoon Kim
Stillwater High senior Seojoon Kim is a U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate and class valedictorian, a National Merit finalist and Coca-Cola Scholarship semi-finalist. Kim also served as the senior class president and academic team captain.
Seojoon Kim, SHS senior
Kim founded the Stillwater Refugee Aid Foundation to support Afghan refugees. In his role as president of student council, he initiated a fundraiser for 40 Afghan refugee families who relocated to Stillwater, according to earlier reporting by the News Press. He founded and became president of the Stillwater Refugee Aid Foundation, which raised more than $1,700 for the families.
Kim is a Schoolhouse moderator, violinist with the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra and state swimming medalist. He plans to study economics and public policy.
As this story was going to press, the News Press learned that Kim had been selected and will serve until March 8 as a delegate for the U.S. Senate Youth Program, which includes a $10,000 college scholarship. He also served as a Page for the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Kim told the News Press he was 'certainly excited' about serving in the youth program in Washington, D.C.
'Getting the opportunity to represent our state in the nation's capitol is a big honor,' Kim said. 'Meeting various government officials will inspire me to continue to promote the ideals of democracy and liberty in my home state and town.'
Matthew Li
Stillwater High senior Matthew Li is a Small and Rural Town Recognition Awardee, class valedictorian and an AP Scholar with Honor.
Matthew Li, SHS senior
Li has served as Secretary of the National Honor Society, an executive officer for Beta Club, a cabinet member for Senior Class Officers, an executive member of the Prom Committee and a section leader in the band.
Li won the Drum Corps International World Championship with the Bluecoats and is a state champion pianist – but he is also an Eagle Scout and an employee at Braum's.
Li told the News Press he was 'very ecstatic' to hear about the award.
'Being a part of a select 100 students from around Oklahoma is (a) very exciting thing to hear, and I'm incredibly honored to receive this award,' Li said.
For his application, he listed his extracurricular activities, which included, among other things, his involvement in Boy Scout Troop 818, Drum Corps International, a senior class officer, a member of Crush Volleyball and a volunteer at the Stillwater Humane Society.
'I hope to begin my own business,' Li said. '... With the intersection of service, design, innovation, communication and management, I hope to use the skills I have developed to become an entrepreneur.'
Callen Veit
Morrison High senior Callen Veit is an International Science and Engineering Fair finalist, class valedictorian and National Champion in the FFA Agriscience Fair. Veit also serves as the Morrison FFA Chapter President, Student Council President and Senior Class President.
Callen Veit, Morrison High senior
Veit is a research intern at Oklahoma State University in the Animal and Food Science Department, per the release. He plans to major in Agribusiness: Pre-Law at Oklahoma State University. As a freshman, he will be a member of the President's Leadership Council. After graduating from OSU, he plans to receive a master's degree and pursue a career in agricultural policy.
OFE was founded in 1985 and is a statewide nonprofit 'dedicated to recognizing and encouraging academic excellence in Oklahoma's public schools,' according to the release. The foundation presents $175,000 annually to honor outstanding public school students and educators through its Academic Awards Program.
OFE has recognized 3,901 Academic All-State students from 342 school districts since its program inception in 1987.
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