On May 26, 320 Mount Pleasant High School seniors will walk across the stage at Sam Parker Field for the culmination of what, for most of them, will be 12 years of school. It was the end of an era and the beginning of another. It is a special occasion for them and their families.
But for a number of these MPHS seniors, the night had something extra. They will receive special recognition when they are awarded their diplomas. They were recognized as graduating Magna Cum Laude.
To graduate Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude, a student taking a typical high school course schedule must earn a weighted grade point average of 5.62 grade points. This year, 55 students earned the Magna Cum Laude designation.
The Top Two
Husban Shahid is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2017. He is the son of Shahid Latif and Nafeesa Shahid. He is member of the UIL Calculator Applications State Championship team and the UIL State second-place Mathematics team. He earned Academic Blankets in English 1 Pre-AP, Chemistry 1 Pre-AP, Chemistry 2 AP and Biology 2.
He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society (NHS), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the Educational Talent Search Program. He is a Texas Scholar and received the United States Achievement Academy National Award in Biology. He is also graduating with his Associates Degree from Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC).
Husban has received the TILF Welch Foundation, the AES Valedictorian and the MPHS UIL Booster Club Scholarships. He has also received several scholarships from the University of Texas at Dallas (UT-Dallas). He will attend UT-Dallas in the fall and major in Pre-Dentistry. After graduation, he plans to attend dental school and become a pediatric dentist.
Holden Patrick Logan Davis is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2017. He is the son of Roy and Jennifer Stovall. Holden is the Vice President of the National Honor Society (NHS) and an officer of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). He is a member of NTHS and FBLA, was named All School Boy, and played varsity basketball for the Tigers. He is also an Eagle Scout.
Holden has received the University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship and the THSCA Academic Excellence Award. He plans to attend the University of Alabama and double major in Accounting and International Finance.
Magna Cum Laude (listed alphabetically)
Jamie Rachelle Adams daughter of Jason and Amy Adams. She received the Academic Blankets in Spanish I, AP Government and Economics and the AP Physics blanket. She served as the Academic UIL President, Speech and Debate Vice President and Speech Captain, and is a member of NHS, NTHS and FBLA.
Jamie has received the University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship, the Martha J. Critchfield Women in Finance Scholarship and the Bowie Cass Electric Scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Alabama and double major in Finance and Economics with a minor in German and Actuarial Science.
Eryn Nicole Armstrong is the daughter of Jeff and Dana Armstrong. Eryn earned the Pharmacy Tech Academic Blanket, is a member of UIL Journalism, HOSA, NHS, and NTHS. She has been a member of the MPHS Goin’ Gold Band where she earned superior ratings at local and state levels of solo and ensemble.
Eryn has received the Temple Masonic Lodge, Titus County Fair Association, The Dance Company Senior and the Goin’ Gold Band Scholarships. She plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Biology to become a pediatric physical therapist
Jacob Edward Baker is the son of Bry and James Baker Jr. He is a NHS officer and is a member of NTHS and HOSA where he was state qualifier in Health Care Issues. He has also participated in UIL Academics where he was a regional qualifier in Current Events and Issues.
Jacob plans to attend University of Texas Austin and major in Pre-Med Anthropology and become a reconstructive plastic surgeon.
Reagan Elizabeth Ball is the daughter of Tim and Becca Ball. Reagan has been a member of the MPHS golf team, Colorguard, NHS, NTHS, UIL spelling team, UIL journalism team and UIL Literature criticism team.
Reagan has received the Ladies Golfer Scholarship and the Texas Tech Presidential Scholarship. She has been accepted into the Texas Tech honors program where she plans to major in Biology with plans to attend medical school.
Carlos Barboza is the son of Juan Barboza and Rasa Rojas. He is a member of the UIL State Championship Calculator Applications Team and has participated in UIL Math. He has received the Distinguished Freshman Scholarship and plans to attend Henderson State University to major in Computer Science.
Madison Brooke Blalock is the daughter of Ronnie and Donna Blalock. She has served as a member of HOSA and Tiger Dolls. Madison plans to try out for the Kilgore College Rangerettes, then transfer to Stephen F. Austin State University where she will pursue a degree in nursing.
Emily Glenda Brown is the daughter of Greg and Annette Brown. She received the Academic Blanket in Pre-Calculus, is NHS President, NTHS Treasurer, Class of 2017 Vice President and was named All School Girl. She is a member of Student Council and HOSA. Emily is the Track and Cross Country Captain and the 2017 district champ in 3200m and 1600m runs.
Emily received the Titus County A&M Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Twenty-First Century Club Scholarships. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to become a Physician’s Assistant.
Ashlynn Ray Burns is the daughter of Todd and Vickie Burns. Ashlynn has been a four-year athletic trainer, is member of HOSA, NHS, NTHS and Student Council where she has served as Treasurer and President. She was selected as Rotary Club Student of the Month.
AshLynn has received the Annie Ozella John Scholarship, the NETCA Scholarship and the East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) Honor and Leadership Scholarships. She plans to attend ETBU and major in Child Development with a minor in Children’s Ministry.
Daniela Itzel Campos is the daughter of Carlos Camps and Angelina Villalobos. She has been a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), NHS, NTHS, Student Council, and earned honors as a Texas Scholar. Daniela plans to attend NTCC in the fall and has a goal of becoming a family nurse practitioner.
Juan Francisco Carrillo is the son of Francisco and Rosa Carrillo. He has been a member of the Tiger football team where he received the Built Tiger Tough Award and has received two academic award blankets.
Juan has received the Texas A&M University Commerce Presidential Scholarship. He plans to attend Texas A&M University – Commerce and major in Criminal Justice.
Juan Armando Castanon Parra is the son of Juan Hererra and Maximina Parra. He is currently the HOSA reporter, on the Tennis Varsity team, and has earn honors as a Texas Scholar. Juan has plans to attend NTCC and pursue a degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program and major in Biology.
Estephane Chavez is the daughter of David and Juana Chavez. She is HOSA treasurer, a member of NHS, NTHS and participated in Upward Bound. She has also been a member of the Lady Tiger Soccer team. Estephane plans to attend NTCC in the fall and major in Biomedical Sciences.
Taylor McCall Craig is the daughter of Mathew and Jamie Craig. She is a member NHS, NTHS, HOSA and Student Council. She is the varsity Volleyball Captain and was selected as Academic All-State, and 1st team All-District, and Honorable Mention All-State. She is a Texas Scholar and a Rotary Club Student of the Month. Taylor plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in Biology then attend Physical Therapy school and earn her doctorate.
Raegan Nicole Davis is the daughter of Brian and Tammy Davis. She is a member of NHS, the Colorguard, UIL Journalism, and the Tiger Talk newspaper. She is Co-Captain of the Tiger Tennis team. Raegan plans to attend NTCC for two years then transfer to University of Central Oklahoma to become a forensic scientist.
Daisy Yenisey Delgadillo Almendarez is the daughter of Felix and Martina Delgadillo. She has participated in Net-Ole receiving a 1st place in Sight Reading Poetry and 2nd place in Memorized Poetry. She is a member of FCCLA and NTHS. Daisy has plans to attend the University of Autonoma de san luis Polosi.
Betsaida Anai Delgado is the daughter of Juan Delgado and Deyonika Torres. She is a member of HOSA, NHS, and NTHS. She has been accepted into the Texas Tech University Honors College and has received the Texas Tech University Presidential and Bonus Scholarships. Betsaida will attend Texas Tech and major in Biology.
Tyree Spenser Deloch is the son of Jerry and Becka Ostrom. He plans to join the Navy following graduation.
Emanuel M Garcia is the son Alfrado and Rodriga Garcia. He plans to join the National Guard following graduation. Following his service, he plans to attend NTCC.
Jazmin Garcia is the daughter of Juan and Maria Garcia. Jazmin is a member of HOSA, NHS, NTHS, the student council, the junior chamber and the Computer Applications UIL team. She is also a member of the Lady Tigers Varsity Soccer team. Jazmin has received the NTCC Honor’s Program Scholarship. She will attend NTCC and major in Biology.
Yasmin Gomez is the daughter of Sonya Gomez. She is a member HOSA, NHS, NTHS, the Colorguard and has participated in UIL Academics: Mathematics. Yasmin is also a member of the Lady Tigers Soccer team. Yasmin plans to attend NTCC in the fall.
Karina Estela Gonzalez is the daughter of Jose and Diana Gonzalez. She is a member of HOSA, NHS, and NTHS where she served as an officer. She has also earned recognition as a Texas Scholar. Karina plans to attend Tyler Junior College and study to become a Dental Hygienist.
Luiz Alberto Gonzalez is the son of Angel and Monia Gonzalez. He is currently a member of NHS. Luiz plans to attend Texas Tech University in the fall and major in Accounting.
Rosie Gonzalez is the daughter of Ramiro and Edith Gonzalez. She is a member of Student Council, NHS, NTHS, FCCLA, Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), and the Yearbook staff. She has participated in UIL Ready Writing and Journalism, and Ready, Set, Teach. She placed first in Regional Educators Rising competition and earned a Blue at the State competition. Rosie plans to attend NTCC and transfer to Texas A&M University Commerce to major in Education and become a kindergarten teacher.
Ben Riley Grissom is the son of Jeff and Leann Grissom. He is a member of the Goin’ Gold band and the UIL Computer Science team. In sports, he played for the MPHS Tiger football team, participated in powerlifting and in track and field events. Ben has been accepted into the Engineering program at Texas A&M University where he will attend and major in Computer Science.
Ashley Jennifer Heim is the daughter of Johnny and Maria Heim. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, HOSA, the Goin’ Gold Band and the jazz band. Ashley plans to attend Tyler Junior College to earn a degree in Dental Hygiene then transfer to complete her Dental Studies.
Daniel Hernandez is the son of Osias and Maria Hernandez. He is a member of the UIL State Championship Calculator Applications Team and the State second-place Mathematics Team. He also participated in UIL on the Number Sense and the track team.
Daniel has received the NTCC Presidential, the UIL Booster Club and the UIL Scholarships. He will attend NTCC in the fall and eventually study Civil Engineering.
Cayden Franklin Hunnicutt is the son of Chad Hunnicutt and Todd and Windy Owens. He is a member of FFA and NHS, is a Texas Scholar and was selected as Rotary Student of the Month. He has played on the varsity baseball team where he was selected as 2nd team Academic All-State.
Cayden has received the O. L. Colley, Jr. Memorial Scholarship and the Academic Excellence Scholarship from Stephen F. Austin State University. He plans to attend SFA in the fall and major in Sports Management.
Michael Wayne Irvin is the son of Richard and Elizabeth Irvin. He earned the Academic Blanket Award in Astronomy and participated in UIL Computer Science. Michael plans to attend NTCC, then transfer to the University of Texas at Tyler and major in Civil Engineering.
Caleb Rolston Johnson is the son of Josh and Sheila Johnson. He is a member of NHS and the Student Council. As a member of the varsity Tiger football team he was chosen as 1st team All-District Offensive Lineman his Senior year.
Caleb has received both Academic and Athletic scholarships from Trinity Valley Community College. He will attend Trinity Valley in the fall and play football.
Presley Lynn Jones is the daughter of Barry and Niki Jones. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, HOSA, FFA, FBLA and was selected as Miss MPHS. She is MPHS Cheerleader where she served as Captain and is on both the swim team and the golf team.
Presley received the Region 8, 20th Century Club and Cheerleading Scholarships. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi and major in Psychology.
Karla Michelle Landeros is the daughter of Carlos and Raguel Landeros. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, FBLA and the Book Club where she serves as an officer. She is also the Tiger Talk Newspaper Editor. Karla plans to attend University of North Texas to major in English.
Carly Paige Lewis is the daughter of Brad and Misty Lewis. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, and HOSA. She has been a cheerleader for the past four years, has served as captain and was voted Best All Round Cheerleader and received the Head Coaches Award of Excellence.
Carly has received the Hazlewood Member and MPHS Cheer Scholarships. She will attend Texas A&M-Texarkana and major in Biology, with plans to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Zachry Keith Luker is the son of Keith and Jill Luker. He is a member of HOSA, FBLA, FFA, and Student Council. He has served as president of his class Junior and Senior years and was selected as Mr. MPHS. Zachry plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall.
Cullen Drew Marshall is the son of Brandon and Courtney Marshall and Brandon and Courtnie Grigsby. He is a member of NHS and a four-year member of the MPHS golf team.
Cullen plans to attend Jacksonville Baptist on a golf scholarship then transfer to Texas A&M University to earn a degree in Engineering.
Lane Tyler Martin is the son of Robert and Sandra Jones. He has been a member of the varsity football team. Lane plans to attend NTCC, then transfer to study PLC in Manufacturing Engineering.
Morgan Paige Martin is the daughter of Steven and Shannon Martin. She received an academic blanket for CNA, is President of NTHS, Historian of HOSA, and a Student Council member. She has participated in varsity basketball and track and field. Morgan plans to attend NTCC in the fall and pursue a degree in Nursing.
Giles Brandon McCarver is the son of Matt and Tracy McCarver. He is member of the Tiger Tennis Team, a four-year member of the Chorale and earned top scores in UIL Solo and Ensemble (3years). He is also a Texas Scholar. Brandon will attend Texas A&M University – College Station where he will be a member of the Corps of Cadets and major in Engineering.
Jennifer Mora is the daughter of Victor and Maria Mora. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, FCCLA, TAFE, Ready Set Teach, Educators Rising, and earned the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.
Jennifer received the Retired School Personnel Association Scholarship. She plans to attend NTCC then transfer to Texas A&M Commerce to major in Mathematics, earn her teaching certificate and become a high school math teacher.
Emily Junna Mott is the daughter of Jeff and Keiko Mott. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, the Colorguard, MPHS Goin’ Gold Band and the MPHS Jazz band.
Emily has received the Jazz Band Scholarship and a music scholarship to the University of Arkansas-Monticello. She will attend UA-Monticello and major in Physical Therapy
Allison Paige Norfleet is the daughter of Terry and Shannon Norfleet. She has been a member of NHS, a section editor of the yearbook, and a Regional Qualifier in UIL Journalism. She also participated in Colorguard and Winterguard.
Allie received the Legal Scholars, Humanities Scholars, Regent’s, Dean’s Honor and Pacific Scholarships from the University of the Pacific where she will attend and major in English. Her goal is to earn a Juris Doctorate degree and open her own law practice.
Sadrian Pher Olvera is the son of Ana Vallea and Roman Olvera. He is the Treasurer of NHS, President of HOSA, a member of NTHS, FBLA and the Student Council where he serves as Secretary.
Sadrian has received the HOSA Area 3 and Titus County Fair Scholarships. He plans to attend UT Austin and major in radio and television. He plans to eventually earn a Masters of Fine Arts in Film Production and after working in the film industry, earn a Doctorate and teach college.
Gisel Adriana Paco is the daughter of Miguel and Claudia Paco. She is member of HOSA. She plans to attend NTCC and transfer to UT Arlington where her goal is to become an Anesthesiologist.
Karina Lizeth Pena is the daughter of Rafael and Isabel Pena. She is the HOSA Secretary and a member of NHS, NTHS and FFA. Karina plans to attend NTCC and transfer to UT Tyler where she will pursue a Nursing degree.
Adlai Isai Plancarte is the son of Jorge and Leticia Plancarte. He is the NTHS Vice President and is a member of HOSA. He has participated in the MPHS Goin’ Gold Band and played on the Tiger Baseball team. In the fall, Adlai plans to attend Texas A&M University – Commerce and major in Biology
Yaritza Itzel Romero is the daughter of Jose and Guadalupe Romero. She is a member of NHS, NTHS and FCCLA and is a Regional Finalist in UIL Speech and Debate. She is also a member of the Goin’ Gold Band where she was a Solo and Ensemble Regional Qualifier, received the Drum Major Award and the Overall Senior Band award.
Yaritza has received the NTCC Presidential Scholarship and the Goin’ Gold Band Scholarship. She plans to attend NTCC then transfer to Christ Mission College to pursue a degree in Church Ministry. She plans to earn a Master’s in Theology and Biblical Studies and eventually a Doctorate.
Nataly Ruan is the daughter of Jose and Araceli Ruan. She is a member of NHS, the Goin’ Gold Band, the MPHS Jazz Band, and is a Texas Scholar.
Nataly has received the Jazz Band Scholarship and the Band Booster Scholarship. She plans to attend Texas A&M University – Commerce and major in Music Education.
Clarissa Joline Santos is the daughter of Noe and Donna Santos. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, and HOSA and is Treasurer of UIL where she competed in UIL Social Studies and Current events.
Clarissa has received the University Leadership Network Scholarship. She plans to attend University of Texas at Austin in the fall and major in Anthropology.
Thomas Alan Spann is the son of Allen and Shelaphon Spann. He is a member of NHS, NTH and the Student Council, is a Rotary Student of the Month and participated in track and field and powerlifting. As a member of the Tiger football team he was named to the Academic All-District and Academic All-State teams, named to the East Texas Dream team and Super Team, selected as Offensive Lineman of the Year and received the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. He is also an Eagle Scout.
Thomas received the Pilot Club Scholarship, the 20th Century Group Scholarship and Football and Academic Scholarships from Trinity Valley Community College. He will attend TVSS and play football. He then plans to attend a four-year university, play football and major in business.
Jorge Mauricio Tamayo is the son of Luis and Maria Tamayo. He received the Academic Blanket in Law Enforcement, was a member of FBLA and has participated on the Tiger Tennis team. Jorge plans to attend NTCC in the fall then transfer to UT Arlington where he wants to become a police officer.
Morgan Faith Thurman is the daughter of Tris and Stephanie Thurman. She is member of NHS, NTHS, HOSA, UIL, and is the Captain of the Colorguard. She was also selected as Rotary Student of the Month.
Morgan has received a University Presidential Scholarship. She plans to attend Texas Tech in the fall and major in Biology. Her goal is to attend dental school to become a pediatric dentist or orthodontist.
Annie McGwire Trout is the daughter of Susan Aulsbrook and John Trout. She is a member of NHS, NTHS, FFA and HOSA where she served as historian. Annie plans to attend Stephen F. Austin in the fall a major in Nursing.
Katelyn Grace Walden is the daughter of Jeff and Monica Walden. She is a member of HOSA, FBLA, FFA and has been a cheerleader for four years. Katelyn plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in Marketing
Krissa Janell Woods is the daughter of Donald and Amanda Woods. She is Secretary of NTHS and is a member of NHS, HOSA, and the Student Council. She has been a member of the Powerlifting team where she was named to the Academic All-State team, the Lady Tigers Volleyball Team where she received Academic All-District and Academic All-State honors, and a four-year member of the Lady Tiger Soccer team where she was selected as 1st team All-District.
Krissa has received the Academic, Out-of-State, Board of Visiting Scholars, Guinn and Schaeffer Scholarships from Louisiana College. She will attend Louisiana College where she also received a soccer scholarship and will major in Biology. Her goal is to attend Physical Therapy School and become a Physical therapist.
Cum Laude Graduates
MPHS recognizes a second level of honor graduate, Cum Laude. To graduate cum laude, the student must earn 5.16 weighted grade points.
This year 38 earned Cum Laude Honors: Troy Nicholas Allen, Patricia Padilla Bazan, Andrea Estrella Becerra, Brylea Renea Carter, Adriana Castillo, Natalie Cigarroa, Chandler Ellison Currey, Cristy Michelle De Santiago, Nathaniel Wade Doss Jr, Tyreesha Scherrie Douglas, Chey Anne Dyke, Connor Stephen Gage, Camilla Galimberti, Jaqueline Galvan Tapia, Roseamy Dolores Gonzalez, Samuel Isai Gonzalez, Pablo Antonio Gutierrez, Tyson D’Andrew Harper, Ja’Letha Ki’Shaun Heath, Caleb Michael Huggins, Jennifer Lissett Jaime, Michael Lee Jimenez, Candanich Lim, Francisco Lopez, Henry Lopez, Julia Nohely Martinez, Maritza Paola Martinez, Oscar Jair Munoz, Mirna Olvera, Melissa Ortiz, Jesica Rubin Padilla Ramirez, Erik Samuel Puente, Daniela Rubi Reyes, Jessica Reyes, Donte Alexander Rosborough, Agustina Jacqueline Rubio Johnson, Michael Benjamin Scaggs, J David Reed Stickels and Kendel Delann Thompson
The Mount Pleasant High School Class of 2017 Graduation ceremony will be held Friday, May 26 beginning at 8:00pm at Sam Parker Field.