Thirty-seven Mount Pleasant High School seniors were honored at a recognition dinner Thursday, May 10. The 37 represent the top 10% of the MPHS Class of 2018.
Each student was introduced and received their Honor Graduate cord and tassel. They each also presented a plaque to their most influential teacher.
Valedictorian
Nathon Lee Segovia is the Valedictorian of the MPHS Class of 2018. He is the son of Jehovana and Jose Segovia. He is the captain of the MPHS Speech and Debate team, Vice President of the National Honor Society (NHS), a National Hispanic Scholar and was named MPHS All School Boy.
He earned Academic Blankets in Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP Chemistry, Physics DC and AP Physics C. In Speech and Debate Speech he was on the 1st team from MPHS to qualify for the Texas Forensic Association State meet and was a World School Debate National Qualifier. He was also a member of the UIL Calculator Applications, Math and Science Teams, earning district honors in Science, Physics and Chemistry.
Nathon will attend Texas A&M University in the fall and major in Engineering. He recognized MPHS Debate Coach Cody Morris.
Salutatorian
Verania Leyva is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2018. She is the daughter of Crispin and Yadira Leyva. She is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and the MPHS Book Club. She is also a Rotary Club Student of the Month.
Verania has been named a Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) Presidential Scholar. She will attend NTCC to complete her basics then plans to transfer to Stephen F. Austin State University and major in Biology. She recognized her 3rd and 4th grade Math teacher Gloria Allen.
Top 10% (Alphabetical Order)
Abigail Hope Amerson is the daughter of Kevin and Leslie Amerson. She has served as Tiger Doll Sergeant, Junior and Senior Lieutenant, and the Yearbook Sports Editor and Editor in Chief. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), advancing to State and National competition. Leslie plans to attend NTCC where she will major in Social Work. She recognized her mother Leslie Amerson, a teacher at P.E. Wallace Middle School, as her most inspirational teacher.
Austin Luke Cheatham is the son of Donna Cheatham and nephew of Brenda Thompson. He Is President of NHS, HOSA member at large, a member of Student Council and participated in UIL Academics. Austin plans to attend University of Texas at Austin where he will pursue a degree in Psychology. He honored Leanne Blalock, his 11th grade AP US History teacher.
Nancy De Jesus is the daughter of Amanda Flores and Moises De Jesus. She is a member of NHS, received the English III Academic Blanket, is a four-year member of the MPHS Goin’ Gold Band and a member of the MPHS Jazz Band. Nancy has received the Eagle Elite Scholarship from Texas A&M-Texarkana. She will attend Texas A&M-Texarkana for two years, then transfer to the University of North Texas to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. She hopes to have a career in Cyber Forensics. Nancy recognized her 8th grade English teacher Jodie Crowder as her most inspirational teacher.
Tatum Leigh Dungan is the daughter of Taryn and Taylor Dungan. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, FBLA, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and served as HOSA historian. She received the HOSA scholarship. Tatum will attend NTCC in the fall then transfer to University of Texas at Tyler to study to become a surgical nurse. She recognized Jeannie Sawyer, her 5th grade Reading teacher.
Angela Kiabeth Flores is the daughter of Grisel Garrett and Jamie Flores. She is a member of the Tiger Dolls, where she received the director’s award, and the Lady Tigers Volleyball and Softball teams. She received the Jonice and Horace Crane Scholarship. Angela plans to attend NTCC in the fall, then transfer to the University of Texas at Arlington to study Nursing. She honored Ann Jenkins, her Pre-Calculus and Calculus teacher.
Jesus Garrett is the son of Jesus and Leonor Garrett. He is a member of NHS, the MPHS Goin’ Gold Band and the Jazz Band. He received the Texas A&M-Commerce Presidential Scholarship. Jesus will attend A&M-Commerce and pursue a degree in Nursing. He recognized Dr. Kennie Cook, MPHS Band teacher, as his most inspirational teacher.
Samantha Olivia Gonzales is the daughter of Joy Friedman and John Gonzales. She is a member of HOSA, NHS, where she served as secretary, and the MPHS Colorguard. She received the Health Science Practicum Academic Blanket. Samantha plans to enroll in the Medical Assisting program at NTCC then transfer to Texas A&M University-Commerce and major in Nursing. She honored Amanda Ysasi, her 8th grade Algebra 1 teacher.
Abigail Gonzalez is the daughter of Noe and Nohemi Gonzalez. She is a member of NTHS, HOSA and the MPHS Colorguard. Abigail plans to attend NTCC for two years then transfer to University of Texas at Austin to become a radiation physician. She recognized her Kindergarten teacher, Veronica Cuevas.
Hunter Allen Grant is the son of Robert and Darla Grant. He is a member of NHS, HOSA and NTHS, where served as secretary and received the Academic Blankets in English I and II. He received the Dallas State Fair and Camp County A&M Club Scholarships. Hunter plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Animal Science then attend Veterinarian School. He honored his Health Science teacher, Angie Ayres, as his most inspirational teacher.
Shelbi Nikkole Haupt is the daughter of James and Juli Newgent. She is a member of the Lady Tigers Volleyball team, earning First Team All-District and All-State Honorable Mention honors. She also participated in the Agri-Science Veterinarian practicum programs. Shelbi will attend Northlake Community College to play volleyball, then transfer to Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in either Veterinarian or Sports Medicine. She recognized MPHS English teacher Jennifer Tolson.
Addison Rand Hunter is the son of Clay and Angela Hunter. He is a member of NHS, the Student Council, the Goin Gold Band and Jazz Band. Addison received the Band Booster Club, Texas A&M-Commerce Honors College and Presidential Scholarships. He plans to attend Texas A&M-Commerce to study Music and Psychology to pursue a career in Music Therapy. He honored Mt. Pleasant Junior High School Band Director Karen Luckett as his most inspirational teacher.
Timothy Dylan Ingram is the son of Tim and Cindy Ingram. He is a member of the MPHS Yearbook staff, the UIL Journalism team and the Tennis team. Dylan plans to attend NTCC for his basics then transfer to the University of North Texas to pursue a degree in Communication and Design. He recognized MPHS Journalism teacher John Whitten as his most inspirational teacher.
Daniel Landaverde is the son of Javier and Virginia Landaverde. He was named to the Football Academic All-state Team, served as Captain of the Powerlifting team and a member of the Track team. Daniel plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce and major in Business Administration. He recognized Larry Russell, his Chemistry and Physics teacher.
Carlos Alonso Lopez is the son of German and Berita Lopez. He is a member of NHS, the Goin’ Gold Band and the Jazz Band and received the Academic Blanket in AP Music Theory. Carlos is a two–time All-Region Band and two-time State Solo and Ensemble Qualifier. He plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce and major in Accounting. He honored his Annie Sims Elementary Kindergarten teacher Maria Gonzalez.
Natividad Macedo is the daughter of Justino Macedo and Filomena Hipolito. She is a member of NHS, HOSA and the MPHS Colorguard. Nati plans to attend NTCC then transfer to Stephen F. Austin University to major in Psychology. She recognized Chris Randermann Setliff, her Kindergarten and 2nd grade teacher at E.C. Brice Elementary.
Enrique Martinez is the son of Enrique Martinez and Odelinda Sanchez. He is a member of NHS, the President of the MPHS Chapter of Texas Public Service Association (TPSA), UIL President, Student Council Treasurer, Class Treasurer, MPHS Yell Leader and on the Homecoming Court. Enrique competed in UIL Current Events and Social Studies, qualifying for State in Current Events. He plans to attend University of Texas in Austin, major in Government/Political Science and eventually attend law school. He honored Regina Crouch, his 11th grade English teacher and three-year UIL teacher.
Jocelyn Mendoza is the daughter of Efrain Mendoza and Olga Garcia. She is a member of Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Jocelyn plans to attend NTCC in the fall to earn her Cosmetology certificate. She recognized Margaret Bradley, her Culinary Arts teacher and FCCLA sponsor, who taught her all four years of high school.
Yalitza Mendoza is the daughter of Efrain Mendoza and Olga Garcia. She is an active member of Family, Career, Community Leaders of America. In the fall Yalitza plans to attend NTCC to pursue a degree in Nursing. She recognized MPHS Culinary Arts teacher Chef Jamie Hudman.
Joshua Menhennett is the son of Robert and Laura Menhennett. He is a member of NTHS and FBLA, the UIL Computer Applications and Accounting teams, has served as Student Council Vice President and an FCA youth leader. Josh has received the University of Texas at Tyler (UT-Tyler) Presidential Fellow Scholarship. He will attend UT-Tyler and pursue a degree in Accounting. He recognized Julie Loveless, his Kindergarten teacher at Annie Sims Elementary.
Alexis Felipe Morales is the son of Candleario and Rosa Morales. He is a member of NTHS, FBLA and the Goin’ Gold Band. Alexis has also been part of the Electrical Trades program. He plans to attend Tyler Junior College to get his Associates in Power Technology. He honored Electrical Trades teacher Tim Davis as his most inspirational teacher.
Blake Cole Moulton is the son of Jennifer Johnson. He is a member of the Goin’ Gold Band, played on the JV baseball team, and made All-Region Jazz Band. Blake has received the Southern Nazarene University (SNU) Presidential and Nazarene Scholarships. He will attend SNU to major in Business Management. He honored Jerry Hearron, his Physics and Pre-Calculus teacher.
Orlando Olivares is the son of Orlando and Virginia Olvares. He is a member of NHS, HOSA and the Student Council, is Senior Class President, participated in UIL and earned Academic Blankets all four years of high school. Orlando will attend Texas A&M University to major in Biomedical Science. He honored his 5th grade teacher Shonda Zachry as his most inspirational teacher.
Juan Andres Ottino is the son of Cynthia and Gregorio Gurerro. He is a member NHS and HOSA, and participated in football, baseball, and cross country. Juan plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in Biochemistry and plans to become a surgeon. He recognized his Health Science teacher Suzy Whitten.
Edher Oviedo is the son of Jose and Maria Oviedo. He is a member of NHS, NTHS, where he serves as secretary, and HOSA. He was a member of the MPHS football team, where he was selected as Most Valuable Player and Team Captain. Edher plans to attend NTCC then transfer to earn a Nursing degree. He honored Coach Van Bowen as his most inspirational teacher.
Miguel Angel Paco is the son of Miguel and Claudia Paco. He was named a Rotary Club Student of the Month. Miguel has received the NTCC Presidential Scholarship. He will attend NTCC for two years then transfer to Texas A&M to pursue a degree in Astrophysics. He recognized Ann Jenkins, his Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus teacher.
Diego Andres Patino is the son of Jose and Yeni Patino. He is a member of NHS, the soccer team and has been involved in the MPHS Engineering program. Diego has received the Texas A&M Regents Scholarship. He will attend Texas A&M University and major in Biomedical Science. He honored his Pre-Calculus and Calculus teacher Ann Jenkins.
Seth Braiden Robertson is the son of Shelli Lurrell. He is a member of NHS and FBLA and served as Historian for both UIL and the Speech and Debate Team. Seth has received the Maverick Academic Scholarship. He will attend the University of Texas at Arlington and pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. He honored Speech and Debate Coach Cody Morris as his most inspirational teacher.
Allan Jesus Ruan is the son of Jose and Araseli Ruan. He is a member of NHS, Drum Major of the Goin’ Gold Band and received the 2018 Band Blanket Award. Allan will attend Texas A&M University-Commerce to major in Accounting. He recognized Goin’ Gold Band Director Dr. Theo Luckett as his most inspirational teacher.
Harrison Ray Russell is the son of Larry and Adina Russell. He is a member of NHS, HOSA and NTHS, played on the Tiger baseball team and served as FFA President. Harrison has received the Express Ranch and Titus County Fair Scholarships. He will attend Texas A&M University to major in Sports Management and minor in Agriculture. He recognized Agriculture teacher Susie Hearron.
Pornphiphat Saiboonchan is the son of Kanyasiri Castle. He is a member of the UIL Math, Number Sense and Calculator Applications teams. Jeff plans to attend NTCC in the fall to complete his basics. He honored Andy Speir, his UIL Math teacher.
Luke Anthony Scoggin is the son of Terry and Angela Scoggin. He is a member of NHS, NTHS, TPSA, Student Council and competed on the Swimming and Basketball teams. Luke will attend Texas A&M University to major in Business. He recognized Sadonna Parker, his Forensics Science teacher.
Lauren Rachel Sharp is the daughter of Robin and Janet Sharp. She is NHS Historian, UIL Academics Vice-President, Student Council member and the Tiger Dolls Captain. Rachel was voted Most Likely to Succeed. She will attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in psychology. She chose to recognize her Kindergarten teacher Julie Loveless.
Abby Noel Sneed is the daughter of Angela Sneed and the late Kevin Sneed. She is the Colorguard Senior Squad Leader and the MPHS Choir Chaplain. Abby has received the Southern Nazarene Dean’s Academic and Nazarene Scholarships. She will attend SNU to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She honored Marty Newman, her Sophomore English teacher and Colorguard Director.
Erik Vasquez is the son of Arturo and Margarita Vasquez. He is a member of NHS, HOSA, the Goin’ Gold Band, and serves as FBLA President and UIL Co-Historian. Eric plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in Psychology and Computer Science. He recognized Chris Setliff, his Kindergarten and 2nd grade teacher at E.C. Brice.
Noah Riley Wall is the son of Tina Hill and Mike Wall. He is a member of NHS and FBLA, and was selected Rotary Club Student of the Month. Noah plans to attend NTCC then transfer to Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in Petroleum Engineering. He chose to honor his Physics teacher Larry Russell.
“These 37 students have excelled in many areas – academic, athletics, fine arts and community service – so many that I could not mention them all,” said MPISD Director of Communications Dr. Judith Saxton. “I want to congratulate them on all their many accomplishments while at Mt. Pleasant High School and wish them continued success as they move on from here.”
The Mount Pleasant High School Class of 2018 Graduation ceremony will held Friday, May 25 at 8:00 p.m. at Sam Parker Field.