Latest news with #AcademicAll-State
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Claremore Class of 2025 graduates at drizzling commencement ceremony
Claremore High School awarded diplomas to the 331 members of its Class of 2025 Sunday at Lantow Field. Intermittent showers and a gloomy forecast prompted the district to move graduation a few hours ahead of its initially planned start time. Families and graduates alike huddled under umbrellas and ponchos as they packed into the football stadium. Rain continued to fall as the seniors framed the football field in red and white and watched their classmates' faces flicker one by one up on the Jumbotron. Each senior had recorded a "Senior Shout-Out" video to thank their friends, family, teachers and others who had helped them make it to graduation. After everyone had taken their seats, Principal Brooke Lee thanked the crowd for its patience with the weather. "I know everyone just got wet rear ends as they sat down, but it was just really important to me to keep this outside for you seniors so that as many of your family members could be here to celebrate this moment with you," Lee said. "I've heard in some cultures, rain on a wedding day is good luck. So maybe on graduation day, it's good luck as well." Lee said among the Class of 2025 are four valedictorians, 22 salutatorians, 33 Oklahoma Academic Scholars, one Academic All-State winner and one National Merit Finalist. The class earned a collective $2.8 million in scholarships, she said. Claremore's senior class helped propel the school to high honors this year in several sports and extracurricular activities. Lee said Claremore's girls track and field, boys golf, jazz band, academic bowl and Future Farmers of America agricultural communications teams had all won state championships. It took Lee more than five minutes to list all the groups that had achieved on the state or national level this year. "I'd say this group of seniors knows a thing or two about succeeding, and they've got the accomplishments to prove it," Lee said. Each of the four valedictorians gave a speech. Caroline Lee, who will study management information systems at the University of Oklahoma this fall, quoted "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" to remind her classmates to appreciate life because it moves so fast. Allison Wiseman, headed to Milwaukee School of Engineering to study biomedical engineering, advised people cannot control all their circumstances but can always control their perspective. The other two valedictorians, Kizer Ballard and Campbell Crum, will each pursue a political science degree. Ballard said many people had shaped her life, but especially her late grandfather and former Claremore Superintendent Keith Ballard. She said her grandfather dedicated his life to education and taught her to appreciate its value. "There will be smaller gatherings of classmates at reunions, weddings and other celebrations, but right now, this is the last time we will all be together," Ballard said. "Let's rejoice in what we have left and know that I am proud of each person here, and my grandpa would be, too." Crum thanked his parents, who both work at Claremore elementary schools, for orienting him toward education. Between jokes about the rainy weather and Claremore's attendance rates, Crum said he hoped the school would one day restore the block schedule it will replace next year with a seven-period day. This prompted his classmates to clap and cheer. Crum told the rest of his graduating class that though they're starting a new chapter, it's OK to look back once in a while because it's human nature. He referenced his favorite author, Kurt Vonnegut, and how Vonnegut loved Lot's wife for looking back on Sodom. "I found there will always be good in the past if you look for it, and please do look for it because sometimes becoming a pillar of salt will remind you of your beginnings," Crum said. "... Love everyone because no matter what, they're human. Vonnegut once said, 'We're all here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it even is.'" Italya Lona, Claremore's senior class president, gave the last speech and received her diploma first. Lona thanked her family, friends, teachers, coaches and Jesus, and said she loved them more than Starbucks during finals week. Lona said her classmates should be proud of themselves for surviving high school and use that accomplishment to push them through future challenges. She counted the class down into a chant of, "We did it." "Class of 2025, here's to the memories we made, the obstacles we overcame, and the people who helped us along the way," Lona said. "I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else. Now, let's go walk this stage and get out of here like we've been dreaming of since freshman year."
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Three Payne County seniors awarded Academic All-Staters
Three Payne County high school seniors received Academic All-State honors from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. 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.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Northeast Oklahoma students achieve top academic honors
GROVE, Okla. — Four Delaware County seniors have been named to this year's Oklahoma Academic All-State class. Grove High School Seniors Brecklynn Carnes and Joseph Wang were just two students out of 100 students the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence selected from across the state for this honor. 'This is such a great individual honor and a great honor for Grove Public Schools.' Grove Superintendent Pat Dodson He said Grove has had 11 Academic All-State students since the foundation started in 1987. 'This year, we have two Academic All-State students – it's quite an honor,' Dodson said. 'Being named an Academic All-Stater is an incredible achievement, and we couldn't be more proud of these two outstanding students,' said Kristi Wallace, Grove Education Foundation for Excellence president. 'This honor is a testament to their hard work and dedication.' Read more about Grove Schools… Grove student earns perfect score on ACT Grove Assistant Superintendent receives top honor Grove students soaring to new heights with new aviation equipment Grove's Emmanuel Crawford named Oklahoma Gatorade Football Player of the Year Wallace said that the Grove Education Foundation for Excellence's mission is to promote and encourage academic excellence in Grove Public Schools, and this recognition is the perfect example of what the foundation strives for. 'These students are excellent representatives of our student body, and we can't wait to see all they accomplish in the future,' Wallace said. Vince Minard, a student at Colcord High School, was also named to this year's class. He has brought unprecedented honor to his school by being its first-ever Academic All-State student. Also named to the list is Kansas High School senior Alexa Schwabe. They will be honored at the 2025 Academic Awards Celebration on May 10 and receive a $1,500 award, an honor cord, and a medallion. The All-State class features students from 67 schools in 62 school districts. Since the program launched in 1987, the foundation has recognized 3,901 Academic All-State students from 342 school districts. The 2025 All-Staters scored an average of 33 on the ACT, with 12 scoring a perfect 36. Their average weighted GPA is 4.36, and 34 are National Merit Semifinalists. 'These 100 students serve as a powerful example of academic excellence in Oklahoma's public schools,' OFE Executive Director Elizabeth Inbody said. 'By celebrating the All-State class and their educators, we reinforce the importance of public education in Oklahoma.' To be eligible to apply, students must meet one of three criteria: an ACT composite score of at least 30, a combined SAT score of at least 1370, or be selected as a National Merit Semifinalist. Through its flagship Academic Awards Program, the foundation presents $175,000 annually to honor outstanding public school students and educators. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
