Valedictorian
Leading her classmates during the Saturday, June 6, 2020 commencement ceremony will be Wortham High School Valedictorian, Samantha Christine Lee (left).
“I feel blessed to receive this honor,” she says.
Samantha is the daughter of Sandra and Anthony Lee, and sister to Christopher Lee.
Earning a 4.81 GPA, this Wortham Lady Bulldog will continue her education at Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Finance. Samantha’s ultimate goal is to go into Corporate Law.
Samantha enjoyed an active high school career, participating in volleyball, cross country, band, powerlifting, track and tennis. She has also been on the UIL teams for Science, Social Studies, Ready Writing, Literary Criticism, Computer Science, Congress Debate and Accounting.
This hard-working student was a State Finalist in UIL Congress Debate, and she was named FHSCA Elite Academic All-State for Tennis.
Her leadership roles included Spanish Club President, FCA President, and NHS Secretary.
Samantha advises underclassmen, “to not be afraid to dedicate themselves. It’s important to pursue your passions, and you learn through trial and error.”
Among Samantha’s favorite teachers (she could not pick just one) were Mr. Rex, Mrs. Havens and Mr. Salazar. “Each of them challenged me academically,” said Samantha, “and they all supported me throughout high school.”
In fact, what Samantha appreciated most about Wortham High School was the special relationship she had with each of her teachers.
Of course, the Class of 2020 had an interesting finish to their Senior year, in the wake of a global pandemic. According to Samantha, finishing high school at home allowed her to spend more time with her family, and to enjoy a more flexible schedule.
Samantha (also known as Figgy) enjoys listening to music, exercising, and gardening.
She also enjoyed being a part of her youth group at FBC Wortham, and volunteering to read with Elementary students.
“My faith has always been a major part of my life,” said Samantha, “and I would like to thank my FCA sponsor, Mr. Barnett, and my church, FBC Wortham.
Salutatorian
This year’s Salutatorian, Samantha Leeann Wright, names her grandmother as someone who inspired her. “Although she passed in September of my senior year, I pushed myself every day to make her proud through each action,” she says.
The daughter of Kasi and Sam Wright, this hard-working student earned her top spot with a 4.63 GPA.
“It feels so rewarding, and I am very grateful,” says Samantha.
Samantha plans to attend Texas A&M in Dallas with the goal of becoming a Dental Hygienist, and to help others.
Sam has been active in her community, dressing as the Easter Bunny for the local Chamber of Commerce and assisting with Christmas events.
She enjoys showing swine, drawing, and spending time with her family.
In fact, Sam says that one of the positive things to come out of finishing her senior year during a global pandemic has been spending more time with her family.
This young lady has received several honors during her high school career in Wortham.
She was named Miss WHS 2019-20, Texas 99.1 Student of the Week, and was a DAR Good Citizen Scholarship recipient.
Sam was Homecoming Duchess for her junior class, Cheer Captain 2019-20, and Captain of the State Qualifying BBQ Team in 2019.
She was on the A Honor Roll, earned Perfect Attendance, and received Academic Excellence in Spanish 1, 2 and 3.
Samantha was named High of the Year in Volleyball 2019, was a Regional Qualifier in Golf 2019, and participated in the FCA Victory Bowl as Red Team Cheer.
She was named Academic All State for Track, Golf and Softball; named Academic All District for Volleyball, Basketball and Softball; and Second Team All District for Volleyball, Basketball and Softball.
Sam competed in the Dairy Cattle Team, taking 2nd place in the Corsicana District and 1st place in the Sandyland District. At the Freestone County Fair Livestock Show, she earned Senior Showmanship and Best In County Swine.
She served as Student Council President, FFA President, Art Club President, National Honor Society President, Class Vice-President, and Spanish Club Treasurer.
And, Samantha completed several Dual Credit courses through Navarro College, including Math, English, Biology, Government, and Speech.
Her advice to underclassmen is to “Be the person who steps up and takes action before being called on.”
What she has enjoyed most about her high school is “The amount of love and support that such a small town comes together to create.”
She reminds everyone to “Stay true to yourself and be a role model. Little eyes are always watching.
(Photo by Jennifer Lansford)
