EDITOR’S NOTE: The forms for the valedictorians and salutatorians at Argyle High School, Sanger High School, Ponder High School and Pilot Point High School were not available at press time. They may be featured at a later date.

Denton County’s highest-performing graduates on who they’ve become, who helped them get there and where they’re going now

Valedictorians and salutatorians

The Denton Record-Chronicle submitted forms to Denton and area public and private schools to learn about their brightest graduates.

Here are the valedictorians and salutatorians from the schools that responded. The students also answered the following questions:

1. What have you taken from your experience at your high school that you believe will help you through future challenges?

2. Other than your parents, who has been an influential person to you throughout your time in high school?

3. What is your favorite memory from high school?

AUBREY HIGH SCHOOL

Kathleen Young

Kathleen Young

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Tim and Robin Young

Plans to attend: Baylor University

Intended major: double major in museum studies and history

1. High school has taught me to have a good work ethic, but also that you do not need to work all the time. Whenever something is stressing me out, I learned that if I just stop and take a little break then everything will be OK.

2. Mr./Coach James Kreamer, my physics teacher and academic decathlon coach

3. Going to state in softball my junior year

Melissa Renee Cantrell

Melissa Renee Cantrell

Salutatorian

Age: 18

Parent: Ellen Winn

Plans to attend: University of Texas

Intended major: Mass communications and media with a focus in journalism

1. The greatest lesson I learned at Aubrey High was that if you wanted to be heard, speak up. Not being afraid of voicing my opinion, regardless of how others might view it, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

2. More than anyone, Mr. Stan Standly, my former speech and debate coach, helped transform me into the person I am today. He taught me that it was OK to be wrong, to ask questions, and most importantly, always continue to strive for more knowledge. When skills were hard to learn, he showed me that it is only through hard work can we accomplish anything great.

3. My favorite memory and by far the most rewarding one is the day I won state in informative extemporaneous speaking. For years I watched students on that stage win an honor I had hoped one day would be mine. To experience that firsthand is a feeling I will never forget.

ARGYLE HIGH SCHOOL

Samantha Morgan Delbecq

Valedictorian

Smantha Morgan Delberq

Age: 18

Parents: Grant and Carol Delbecq

Plans to attend: Texas A&M University

Intended major: biomedical science

What have you taken from your experience at your high school that you believe will help you through future challenges? Perseverance, prioritizing, working with others

Other than your parents, who has been an influential person to you throughout your time in high school? My brother Dillon has always set the bar of success and inspires me towards my own accomplishments. Also, Mr. McCurdy’s enthusiasm.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Project Graduation

Maribel Aguirre Nunez

Salutatorian

Maribel Aguirre Nunez

Age: 17

Parents: Isidro and Rosario Nunez

Plans to attend: Texas Woman’s University

Intended major: biology

What have you taken from your experience at your high school that you believe will help you through future challenges? High school taught me to take notes during lectures and to read what I’m instructed to read. It also taught me that procrastination is never good, and that no matter how hard you try to prepare for anything life throws at you, nothing ever goes just as you wanted or expected it to.

Other than your parents, who has been an influential person to you throughout your time in high school? My sister, who is currently at TWU, has helped me become familiar with life after high school and prepared me for college life by giving me advice throughout my high school career.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memories from high school are of field trips we took as a class. The time spent outside of the classroom in the company of classmates and teachers that I knew and was fond of always served as a welcome glimpse into the kind of people they were in the world outside school.

DENTON   CALVARY CHRISTIAN

Haley Elizabeth Marshall

Haley Elizabeth Marshall

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Chris and Janet Marshall

Plans to attend: Dallas Baptist University

Intended major: psychology

1. These years allowed me to develop a solid work ethic and achieve a balance between studying, pursuing extracurricular activities, and strengthening relationships with my family and friends. I learned that as paramount as high school issues may seem, they are often trivial when compared to the important aspects of life.

2. My brother, Zach, who was valedictorian of his class three years ago. He has not only demonstrated academic diligence and ambition, but also served as an example of a young person with sincere character and a servant’s heart.

3. I have countless fond memories: speech and academic competitions, tennis and athletics, chemistry class, captivating English literature, long bus trips, school dances, and of course, the tremendous feelings of relief after taking arduous tests and quizzes.

Victoria Angeline Cundall

Victoria Angeline Cundall

Salutatorian

Age: 17 years, 11 months (rounding makes me 18)

Parents: Steven and Cynthia Cundall

Plans to attend: North Central Texas College for associate’s degree

Intended major: fine art

1. I have developed the ability to apply myself in thinking and solving the problems that are presented to me, a necessary trait for survival. I have also garnered little pieces of wisdom from good people that should provide a good checklist of dos and don’ts for future reference.

2. Lemme, my private art teacher, is probably the most influential person next to my parents. She has taught me that being an individual and not being afraid to admit it is a key to contentment in the world.

3. My favorite memory from high school is the time I spent with my beloved anatomy skeleton, Chuckles. I wrote him love poems and he took me dancing. We have a deep, bone-to-bone relationship. Aside from that, my favorite memory is when I played the narrator/apothecary in Romeo and Juliet for a class group project.  I have never felt more close to my classmates than when we were playing around with ideas and silly melodrama.

DENTON HIGH SCHOOL

Susan Teresa Conover

Susan Teresa Conover

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Teresa and James Conover

Plans to attend: University of Texas at Austin

Intended major: mechanical engineering

1. Learning to juggle extracurricular activities and schoolwork while spending enough time with my family.

2. Mr. Baker, because of his dedication to the chair program and care for his students. If I’m half as successful as he is impacting others’ lives, I’ll be proud of myself.

3. Singing in the Salzburg Cathedral in Austria.

Taerim Kim

Taerim Kim

Valedictorian and National Merit finalist

Age: 18

Parents: Chul Hoe Kim and Mikyoung Kwon

Plans to attend: Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Intended major: computer science

1. I have learned that the brick walls that try to keep me from reaching my goals are not there to stop me but to make me prove how much I want to achieve my dreams.

2. Mr. Mueller, math teacher

3. Not winning Mr. DHS

Seth Maxwell Ramey

Seth Maxwell Ramey

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Kent and Helene Ramey

Plans to attend: Southern Methodist University

Intended major: business

1. I have learned everything I know about leadership during my years at DHS. I now feel prepared to be a leader in the world.

2. Golf coach Kerry Gabel

3. My favorite memory is participating in the Honor Guard. We always had a great time at pep rallies and football games.

Mary Kathryn Dugan

Mary Kathryn Dugan

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Rick and Holly Dugan

Plans to attend: University of Texas at San Antonio

Intended major: biology

1. From my experience, high school is just like the real world — there’s hundreds of people that you have to build relationships with in order to be successful.

2. My soccer coach, Coach Khoury, and my youth pastor, Brad Cockrell, have been like second parents to me and I cannot thank them enough for their guidance.

3. I can’t pin it down to one memory because I feel like I would be cheating all of the other awesome memories.

Vincent Kenneth Chang

Vincent Kenneth Chang

Salutatorian

Age: 18

Parents: Naintzu and Sue-Jen Chang

Plans to attend: University of Texas at Austin

Intended major: business

1. I have learned to use my time wisely.

2. Coach Heffley

3. My favorite memories from high school were the times I spent in soccer.

RYAN HIGH SCHOOL

Leah Acton

Leah Acton

Valedictorian

Age: 17

Parents: Teddy and Nita Acton

Plans to attend: University of Texas at Dallas

Intended major: child learning and development

1. I have learned that often little things that seem to be such a big deal aren’t that important and God is faithful to take care of everything.

2. Erin Madison. She has always been there for me, and I look up to her easy-going spirit and beautiful personality.

3. Hanging out with all my swim team and church buddies, as well as helping out at Ginnings Elementary School through Ready, Set, Teach.

Melissa Anderson

Melissa Anderson

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Timothy and Melanie Anderson

Plans to attend: University of North Texas

Intended major: English/communications

1. I have learned how to multi-task.

2. My church youth leader

3. My favorite memory was being in Footloose my sophomore year.

Michael Braswell

Michael Braswell

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Stuart and Sheri Braswell

Plans to attend: Stephen F. Austin State University

Intended major: geosciences

1. I believe that the most important thing that I have taken from my high school experience is responsibility. Responsibility allows me to be mature in my decisions and to gain respect from those around me.

2. My friends have influenced me the most throughout my high school career. They have helped me in my times of need and kept me going when I just wanted to stop.

3. My favorite memory from high school is playing in the playoffs with my baseball team.

Brandon Hines

Brandon Hines

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: David and Robin Hines

Plans to attend: George Washington University

Intended major: political science and French

1. I have learned in my high school that it is a good to take on as many challenges, tasks and responsibilities and that no matter how hard everything may seem or how stressed you are, everyone will help you to reach your goals and finish all accomplishments. Thank you to all my teachers, supervisors and friends who have helped me in all of my endeavors.

2. Mrs. Jeannene Abney has been so much more than a teacher to me. She has been my friend, my mentor, my mother, my grandmother, my confidante, and just an extraordinary woman to all students who have had the pleasure of being in theater classes or in a theater production. I am beyond grateful that she has touched my soul, my heart and my mind.

3. I have loved being in every show here at Ryan and making new friends and renewing old friendships. I have performed twice on the International Thespian Festival stage and on the state stage twice, but what I have loved is being with all of the people I care about most, my theater family.

Ebonie Simpson

Ebonie Simpson

Valedictorian

Age: 17

Parents: Felton and Toni Simpson

Plans to attend: Duke University

Intended major: biology/pre-med

1. I have learned the importance of challenging myself. Although intimidation may be felt and failure may occur, growth is not possible without challenging oneself and taking risks. Indeed, I have felt intimidated and afraid that I would fail, but I didn’t! And by taking those risks and challenging myself, I stand as the person I am now.

2. There have been numerous influences in my high school career. One of the most prominent was Mrs. Felicia Pittman, sponsor of Project DELTA, an organization that I am vice president of. She has always been there for encouragement, advice, laughs and cries. I am very thankful for her part in my life.

3. My most fond memory from high school was a recent event. Senior prom!  My friends and I made the best of everything and will forever remember the wonderful time we had at one of the last events of our high school career.

Sarah Telaneus

Sarah Telaneus

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Ellen and Steve Telaneus

Plans to attend: Trinity University

Intended major: history and education with a minor in theater

1. I have learned that high school is a time to do as much as you can. It is important to try new things, be involved, and build relationships wherever you are.

2. Mrs. Jeannene Abney, the theater teacher, has influenced me greatly by always loving me and caring about my success more than the success of the program, inspiring me to have a passion for life, and has been a wonderful mentor, “crazy aunt” and friend.

3. My favorite memory in high school being involved in shows and volleyball. Each activity is fun and individual, but the thing I have loved most is spending hours and hours after school getting to develop wonderful, lasting relationships. It has been amazing to get to know so many outstanding people that have affected my life.

Hannah Briggs

Hannah Briggs

Salutatorian

Age: 18

Parents: Gordan and Diane Briggs

Plans to attend: Texas Woman’s University

Intended major: dance

1. In high school I have learned a lot not only about academics, but also about how to be a good leader. I think that my leadership experience will be very valuable in the future because it is something that applies to everyday life.

2. My friends have been very influential throughout my time in high school. I’m really lucky to have made friends who always challenge me to do the right thing

3. My favorite memory from high school is all the time I spent with my friends.

GUYER HIGH SCHOOL

Hannah Jo Ingram

Hannah Jo Ingram

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Plans to attend: Texas Tech University

Intended major: psychology

1. Time management, teamwork and learned leadership.

2. All my teachers, counselors, coaches and administrators.

3. Beating Ryan in the area round of playoffs in volleyball.

Mary Catherine Lockwood

Mary Catherine Lockwood

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Plans to attend: University of Texas at Austin

Intended major: aerospace engineering

1. Time management, knowledge and social skills.

2. My oldest brother, Wink. He is very successful but always puts family first.

3. Streaking.

Lauren Paige Martin

Lauren Paige Martin

Salutatorian

Age: 17

Plans to attend: Seattle University

Intended major: English literature and composition

1. I have learned to speak up for myself and that sincerity is always the answer.

2. Michelle Brians, Greg Coleman and my grandmother

3. My orchestra trip to Corpus Christi with some of my very best friends.

Christoffer Hvidt Nielsen

Christoffer Hvidt Nielsen

Salutatorian

Age: 18

Plans to attend: University of Texas, McCombs School of Business

Intended major: undecided

1. I have found my own voice and beliefs and have learned to stand up for what I believe in.

2. Ms. Chesnut, Mr. Shade, Mrs. Dean

3. Going to Germany on an exchange.

KRUM HIGH SCHOOL

Levi Enslow

Levi Enslow

Valedictorian

Age: 17

Parents: Rebecca and David Farris

Plans to attend: University of North Texas

Intended major: Chemistry

1. I will take from high school a dedication to trying even when there is no obvious goal or reward and to giving my best at every turn, no matter what. I have accepted that being an individual or going against the “norm” is not wrong, but is a step towards innovation and genius.

2. Other than my parents, the most influential person from high school would be my teacher Mrs. Charise Christian. She has been a mentor and friend and guided me towards success.

3. My favorite memory from high school would have to be standing on the stage at the state cross country meet in 2005 and getting a bronze (team) medal placed around my neck after running my heart out in my best race ever.

Stephenie Marie Sofield

Stephenie Marie Sofield

Salutatorian

Age: 17

Parents: William and Michele Sofield

Plan to attend: University of North Texas

Intended major: music performance

1. I have learned that sometimes, even if you work as hard as you possibly can, you can still fall short. It took me a long time to learn that as long as I keep trying, it’s going to be fine in the end. I thought for awhile that it wasn’t worth trying so hard anymore if I was just going to keep failing, but I know now that if I wasn’t faced with challenges, I wouldn’t push myself harder. With every small failure, I grow stronger. I am ready to fight through anything.

2. Leah Gray has definitely been an influential person to me. She has been my private flute instructor for almost two years and I can’t think of anyone else who I look up to more than her. She is always so happy and sweet, and she never speaks condescendingly. I want to mirror her attitude as much as possible as I am growing older. She is very strong in her faith, very upbeat and she faces all of her challenges with an open mind. I have never seen her say or do anything that would hurt someone else. The most important thing is that she is always there to help me. She pushes me to be the best I can be and without her I could never be as prepared as I am for the music world.

3. My favorite memory is during last year’s Spirit Week. For Twin Day, Nicholas Carsten and Farrell Nguyen dressed up as matching cardboard box warriors. The boxes were huge and the guys couldn’t even sit down. Nobody expected anything like that and it was hilarious.

LAKE DALLAS HIGH SCHOOL

Justin Warden

Justin Warden

Valedictorian

Age: 17

Parents: Clint and Shelly Warden

Plans to attend: University of Texas at Austin

Intended major: business marketing

1. I have learned effective time management skills that I hope will also help me balance fun and social college life along with my education.

2. My best friends have always been there to encourage me and push me in school.

3. The Halloween game my senior year. Me and my buddies, known as the Falcon Fanatics, dressed up in the Village People costumes and painted our bodies the school colors and cheered on the sidelines of the football game. It was awesome.

Ashley Nicole LaMonica

Ashley Nicole LaMonica

Salutatorian

Age: 18

Parents: Debbie LaMonica

Plans to attend: University of Texas at Arlington

Intended major: political science/pre-law

1. During high school, I have learned that you must work hard for what you want, and although we sometimes make mistakes, we can only learn from them to make us better in the future. I have developed a strong work ethic that will travel with me to college and my career.

2. My Grandpa has been an influential person throughout my high school career. He has helped my family so much and always encouraged me to do my best and achieve whatever goal I set for myself. He was the valedictorian of his graduating class and that has always inspired me to do well in school.

3. My favorite memory from high school would be my senior prom. Prom was a celebration of friendships, the ending of our time in high school, and hopes for the future as we prepare to venture away to college.

LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Alissa Teo

Alissa Teo

Valedictorian

Age: 17

Parents: Peter and Constance Teo

Plans to attend: Baylor University

Intended major: pre-medical, nutritional sciences or pre-physical therapy

1. I believe that not only have I gained the social and academic experience in life, but also the encouragement from my fellow students and teachers in the spiritual realm. My Christian faith is the foundation for me to journey through the challenges of life.

2. Dr. Lippe, my English teacher, has been a great influence in my life.

3. The best memory from my high school was in eighth grade. My friend encouraged me to write my prayer journal for each day. It has helped me to examine my life at the end of each day and to stay close to Christ, the guardian of life.

Katherine K. Pastusek

Katherine K. Pastusek

Salutatorian

Age: 18

Parents: Kenneth and Nan Pastusek

Plans to attend: Texas A&M University

PILOT POINT HIGH SCHOOL

Kristin Pelzel

Kristin Pelzel

Valedictorian

Age: 18

Parents: Leon and Sharon Pelzel

Plans to attend: Texas Christian University

Intended major: fashion merchandising

What have you taken from your experience at your high school that you believe will help you through future challenges? The work habits I developed during high school will certainly help me with handling the more challenging classes in college next fall. My character has also grown the past four years, and I am ready to make the best decisions to lead me to not only educational success, but personal success as well.

Other than your parents, who has been an influential person to you throughout your time in high school? My older brother, Jason, was two grades ahead of me during my first two years of high school. He was always very encouraging. Whether I was doing a lab report or practicing on the tennis court, Jason reassured me that I was capable of doing anything I set my mind to. Although he moved to college, Jason’s impact on me carried through my junior and senior years of high school, and I would not be the same person I am today without him.

What is your favorite memory from high school? The friendships I have made are definitely what I will cherish most from my high school experiences. I have met a lot of great people who were always there to help me through anything, and challenged me to become a better person. I might not always remember the quadratic formula, but I will never forget the memories with my friends that made my high school experience an enjoyable one.

Erin Mulkern

Erin Mulkern

Salutatorian

Age: 18

Parents: Ken and Rebecca Mulkern

Plans to attend: Hardin-Simmons University

Intended major: music business/music performance on clarinet

What have you taken from your experience at your high school that you believe will help you through future challenges? Being involved in the band program has helped me learn leadership qualities, self-discipline, time-management and perseverance in order to attain goals that I set for myself. Because of this, when I am faced with challenges in the future, I feel that I will be much more prepared than if I had not had the experiences I did.  

Other than your parents, who has been an influential person to you throughout your time in high school? My band director, Sean Hill, has been a very influential person to me throughout high school. He challenged me to become a better musician, and was also there for me if I needed help with anything going on, whether it was schoolwork or any other advice. With his constant encouragement and support, he helped guide me toward my choice to major in music in college.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Of all the memories I have from high school, the ones that I will never forget are those from band and jazz band. I spent most of my free time throughout the past four years doing something with music, so the band became more like a family to me. These are the people that have seen me at my best and worst, and have been there for me through it all. I will never forget the friends and memories I have from the band.