More than 4,200 Northside ISD seniors will graduate over the next week in a series of high school commencement ceremonies at the Alamodome and Paul Taylor Field House.
Leading them will be the highest achieving scholars, the Valedictorian and the Salutatorian. These super scholars are:
Business Careers High School
[~img/:501]
Redmond-Craig Anderson, this year’s valedictorian at Business Careers High School, plans to attend Tulane University in New Orleans majoring in architecture. The son of Jeffery Anderson and Rosemarie Anderson, he is the recipient of the Academic Decathlon team scholarship, Tulane Distinguished Scholars Award, University of Portland President’s Scholarship, among others. While in school, he was the Academic Decathlon team captain, historian of the French Club, Class treasurer, and a member of the Leadership Challenge.
Gabriel Vidaurri is the Business Careers High School salutatorian. This fall, he plans to attend Northwest Vista College majoring in multimedia. The son of Daniel and Lila Vidaurri, he is a member of the National Society for High School Scholars, a member of Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and a member of the National, English, and Hispanic Honor Societies.
The commencement ceremonies for Business Careers High School will be held Tuesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at The Alamodome.
Clark High School
[~img/:502]
William Gray Cochran, this year’s valedictorian at Clark High School, plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin. The son of Mark Cochran and Paula Wisness, he is the recipient of Academic Merit Scholaship. While in school, he was the president of the National Honor Society, Class treasurer, and captain of the Ultimate Frisbee Defensive Team. He is also a National Merit Commended Scholar and a three-year varsity golf letterman.
Trevor Michael Ohman is the Clark High School salutatorian. This fall, he plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin majoring in business honors. The son of Timothy and Patricia Ohman, he is the recipient of the National Merit Scholarship. While in school, he was a UIL Social Studies medalist, Academic Decathlon Area medalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, and played on the Cougar Football team for four years.
The commencement ceremonies for Clark High School will be held Thursday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at The Alamodome.
Communications Arts High School
[~img/:503]
Rebecca Schuetz is the Communications Arts High School valedictorian. This fall, she plans to attend Harvard University. The daughter of Randy Schuetz and Susan Schuetz, she is the recipient of the National Merit Scholarship, Scripps New Generation Scholarship, and New College Excellence Award. While in school, she was the president of the National Honor Society, front page editor of the school newspaper, and a member of the San Antonio Express-News Teen Team. She is also an art class teacher at the First Chinese Baptist Church.
Briana Garza, this year’s salutatorian at Communications Arts High School, plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station majoring in computer engineering. The daughter of Irene Garza and Greg Garza, she is the recipient of the Keys to Aggieland scholarship, Texas Aggie Grant Scholarship, Baylor Merit Scholarship, St. Mary’s University Trustee Scholarship, Texas A&M Academic Achievement Scholarship, and Texas A&M Century Scholar Scholarship. She was the captain of the varsity soccer team, treasurer of Student Council and Student Council Special Events Senator.
The commencement ceremonies for Communications Arts High School will be held Saturday, June 2 at 4:30 p.m. at The Alamodome.
Health Careers High School
[~img/:504]
Michelle Arishita, this year’s valedictorian at Health Careers High School, plans to attend Texas A&M, College Station, majoring in biology. The daughter of Dana and Gary Arishita, she is the recipient of the President’s Endowed Scholarship, National Merit scholarship, Director’s Excellence Award, and Merit Plus Scholarship, among others. While in school, she was a member of the National and Spanish Honor Societies, Student Council, and varsity swim and water polo teams.
Sonia G. Parra is the Health Careers High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend Yale University. The daughter of Ernesto and Norma Parra, she is the recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Youth Award, Mu Alpha Theta Scholarship, Spanish Honor Society Scholarship, and National Honor Society Scholarship. While in school, she was the president of the Hispanic Leadership Organization, captain of the Varsity Tennis team, parliamentarian of Mu Alpha Theta, among others.
The commencement ceremonies for Health Careers High School will be held Wednesday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paul Taylor Field House.
Holmes High School
[~img/:512]
Eman Altakali, this year’s valedictorian at Holmes High School, plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in computer graphic arts. The daughter of Marie and Mark Altakali, she served as the captain of the varsity tennis team.
Jessica G. Perez is the Holmes High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Mass. majoring in biological engineering. The daughter of Martin L. Perez and Blanca Contreras, she is the recipient American Funds Scholarship, Cesar Chavez Foundation Scholarship, MIT Scholarship, Holmes Faculty Scholarship, and a stipend from the 2006 Summer Research Program in Genomics at Broad Institute. While in school, she was the president of the Student Council, chairperson of the Drug/Alcohol/Safety/Health Committee, and the reporter and social committee chair for the Business Professionals of America. “I love reading, laughing, genetics, molecular biology, learning about new discoveries, volunteering, organizing events, and movies,” she says.
The commencement ceremonies for Holmes High School will be held Tuesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at The Alamodome.
Jay High School
[~img/:505]
Valerie Réna Gutierrez, this year’s valedictorian at Jay High School, plans to attend St. Mary’s University majoring in business. The daughter of Joe and Rosario Gutierrez, she is the recipient of scholarships from St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Incarnate Word University, Baylor University, and the Air Force Federal Credit Union. While in school, she was the vice president of the Spanish Honor Society, treasurer of the AVID Club, leadership delegate of Gold Youth, RYIA delegate, and a Big Brother Big Sister mentor. “I am determined to succeed and have worked hard to achieve my dreams and goals,” she says.
Nelson J. Valadez is the Jay High School salutatorian. This fall, he plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, with plans to pursue a career in computer science. He is the son of Pablo Valadez and Evelia Alanis, and is the recipient of the President’s Achievement Scholarship. While in school, he was the captain of the UIL Computer Applications Team, and member of the National, Spanish and English Honor Societies. “My goal is to be successful in life, and I feel that education will take me there,” he says. “I strive to improve on everything I make up my mind to do.”
The commencement ceremonies for Jay High School will be held Saturday, June 2 at 8 p.m. at The Alamodome.
Jay Science & Engineering Academy
[~img/:506]
Divjot Singh Kumar, this year’s valedictorian at the John Jay Science and Engineering Academy, plans to attend The University of Texas at San Antonio majoring in biology. The son of Diljit Singh Kumar and Satwant Kaur Kumar, he is the recipient of scholarships from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Baylor University, Incarnate Word University, UTSA, Texas State University, UT Austin, and the University of British Columbia. While in school, he was a mentor/advisor for the Freshman Advisory Program and received several science awards at both the local science fair and the Junior Academy of Science. “I am very enthusiastic and diligent about learning,” he says. “I have an unquenchable thirst for higher education and knowledge. I’d also like to acknowledge that everything I have accomplished is because of my parents.”
Jose Martinez is the John Jay Science and Engineering Academy salutatorian. This fall, he plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin majoring in biomedical engineering. The son of Jose L. Martinez and Ayde B. Martinez, he is the recipient of the Longhorn Opportunity Scholarship. While attending school, he was the head drum major for the marching band, and held various positions of leadership within the band. He was an award winning drum major, first chair All-State 5A Symphonic Band and All-Region Band, and a member of the National Honor Society and UIL Academics.
The commencement ceremonies for John Jay Science and Engineering Academy will be held Saturday, June 2 at 8 p.m. at The Alamodome.
Marshall High School
[~img/:507]
Daniel Kolodrubetz is the Marshall High School valedictorian. This fall, he plans to attend California Institute of Technology majoring in physics. The son of David Kolodrubetz and Ellen Kraig, he is the recipient of the National Merit scholarship. While in school, he was the president of UIL Math/Science Team, pit captain for the marching band, and president of S.A.B.E.S.T. Robot Club.
Patricia Santamaria-Fernandez, this year’s salutatorian at Marshall High School, plans to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute majoring in mechanical engineering. The daughter of Patricio Santamaria and Elizabeth Fernandez-Santamaria, she is the recipient of the W.P.I. Scholarship, and the W.P.I. Marshall/Chavez/Means Award. While in school, she was the captain of the varsity water polo and swim teams and a section leader in choir.
The commencement ceremonies for Marshall High School will be held Saturday, June 2 at 9:30 a.m. at The Alamodome.
O\'Connor High School
[~img/:508]
Nathan Swaney, this year’s valedictorian at O’Connor High School, plans to attend Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. majoring in engineering. The son of Fred and Margie Swaney, he is the recipient of the Princeton University Scholarship and National Merit Scholarship, among others. While in school, he was the lieutenant of the O’Connor Math and Science Team. While in school, he was a National Merit Scholar, Presidential Scholar Candidate, Eagle Scout, United States of America Mathematical Olympiad Qualifier, and a member of O’Connor Varsity Team, which placed first in the state in the Junior Engineering Technical Society Teams competition.
Katie Bridges is the O’Connor High School salutatorian. This fall, she plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin. She is the daughter of Lee and Connie Bridges. While in school, she was a junior lieutenant and captain of the dance team, president of the band, and governor of Texas Bluebonnet Girls State.
The commencement ceremonies for O’Connor High School will be held Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m. at The Alamodome.
Stevens High School
[~img/:509]
Christopher James Rogers II is the first valedictorian for Stevens High School. (This is the first graduating class for Stevens HS.) Rogers plans to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. The son of Scott and Pamela Rogers, he is the recipient of a NROTC four-year scholarship.. While in school, he was president of the National Honor Society, president of Junior Statesman of America, and vice-president of the debate team. He is also a member of the cross country team and a Landmark volunteer.
June Atley is the first salutatorian for Stevens HS. This fall, she plans to attend The University of Texas in Austin majoring in foreign languages. The daughter of Mariza Susvilla, she is the recipient of the Hi-Valley Optimist Club scholarship. While in school, she was the treasurer of the Art Club, treasurer of the Junior Classical League, vice president of the French Club, and treasurer of the Spanish National Honor Society. “I am ambitious and determined and willing to learn new things,” she says.
The commencement ceremonies for Stevens High School will be held Sunday, June 3 at 5:30 a.m. at The Alamodome.
Taft High School
[~img/:510]
Christine Marie Roetzel, this year’s valedictorian at Taft High School, plans to attend The University of Notre Dame majoring in electrical engineering. The daughter of Mark and Layne Roetzel, she is the recipient of the USAA Scholarship and the Knights of Columbus Scholarship. While in school, she was secretary of the National Honor Society and flute section leader.
James Matthew Parker is the Taft High School salutatorian. This fall, he plans to attend Southern Methodist University majoring in marketing. The son of Thomas Parker and Cynthia Villa, he is the recipient of scholarships from St. Mary’s University, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, and St. Edward’s University. While in school, he was the vice president of the National Honor Society and the parliamentarian for Student Government.
The commencement ceremonies for Taft High School will be held Saturday, June 2 at 4:30 a.m. at The Alamodome.
Warren High School
[~img/:511]
Stacey Chan, this year’s valedictorian at Warren High School, plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin majoring in mechanical engineering. The daughter of Kwai and Ing Chan, she is the recipient of the MasterCard AlamoBowl scholarship, Friends of Alec Leadership Award, Texas Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship, Sons of the American Revolution Essay Contest Scholarship, among others. While in school, she was the president of the National Honor Society, president of the Orchestra, and secretary of the Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society).
Seong Kang is the Warren High School salutatorian. This fall, he plans to attend Texas A&M University majoring in engineering. The son of Chun H. Frith and David J. Frith, he is the recipient of the Nuclear Engineering Stinson scholarship and the Regent’s Scholarship.
The commencement ceremonies for Warren High School will be held Sunday, June 3 at 2 p.m. at The Alamodome.
