Mason Heath Edwards leads the class as this year’s Valedictorian at Fairfield High School with a 5.59 GPA. Blake Collin Phillips earns the title of Salutatorian with a 5.43 GPA.
Valedictorian
“It inspires me to continue striving,” is what Mason said he felt, when learning he had earned the title of Valedictorian.
Mason is the son of Rick and Kimber Edwards, and brother to Allie Knight.
During his high school career, Mason served participated in the following:
–Student Council: 9th-12th; Vice President 10th-11th; President 12th
–National Beta Club: 10th-12th; Treasurer 11th; President 12th
–Interact Club: 9th-12th
–Football: 9th-12th; Varsity 10th-12th; Captain 12th; 1st Team All-District 12th; Academic All-District 10th-12th; Elite Academic All-State 12th
–Cross Country: 9th-12th; Varsity Runner 9th-10th; Manager 11th-12th
–Powerlifting: 9th-12th; Advanced to Regionals 10th, 12th; Advanced to State 12th; Elite Academic All-State; Best Lifts: 540 lbs Squat, 475 lbs Bench, Press, 500 lbs Deadlift; Best Total: 1500 lbs
–Golf: 9th-10th, 12th
–UIL Academics Mathematics: 9th-12th; Advanced to Regionals 10th-12th
–UIL Academics Calculator Skills: 9th-12th; Advanced to Regionals 11th-12th
–UIL Academics Science: 9th-12th; Advanced to Regionals 10th-12th
–One Act Play: Advanced to Bi-District 9th, 12th; District All Star Cast 9th; District Honorable Mention All-Star Cast 11th-12th; Bi-District Honorable Mention All-Star Cast 12th
–Fellowship of Christian Athletes: 9th-12th; President 11th-12th; Received the LaDainian Tomlinson Shining Star Team Award; Received the Burton Lawless FCA Scholarship
–Class Officer: 10th-12th; Vice President 10th; Treasurer 11th; Secretary 12th
–Farm Business Management (FFA): 10th-12th; Advanced to State 10th-12th
High School Honors include:
–Valedictorian: Remained first in my class since 9th
–Fairfield I.S.D. Student of the Year as a senior
–Honor Graduate
–A-Honor Roll: 9th-12th
–Perfect Attendance: 10th
–LaDainian Tomlinson Shining Star Team Award: 11th, Awarded by Heart of Texas FCA
–Burton Lawless FCA Scholarship
–Elite Academic All-State Football Team as a senior
–Elite Academic All-State Powerlifting Team as a senior
–AP Scholar Award as a junior – The criteria for this award is to score a three or better on three or more AP exams. He scored a five on AP Physics 1, a four on AP English Language and Composition, and a three on AP Chemistry.
He was also an active participant in many community activities including:
–Round Prairie Baptist Church Youth Group: 6th-12th
–Concession Stand Volunteer: 9th-12th; Thursday nights during JV or JH Football games
–Reading to Elementary Students: 12th
–Vacation Bible School: 9th-12th
–Visiting Nursing Homes: 9th-12th
–Coaching Children’s Football Camp: Summer before 10th-12th
–Round Prairie Serves: 9th-12th
–Round Prairie New Building Cleanup: 11th-12th
–Local Blood Drives: 10th-12th
His hobbies include pickleball and woodworking.
Mason’s advice to underclassmen is, “Be involved! It teaches you skills and unlocks opportunities.”
A favorite teacher is Coach Bachtel because “He showed me that athletics and my activities can be a tool for Christ.”
What he appreciates most about Fairfield High School is, “the opportunities that have been presented to me.”
Mason will be attending Yale University with plans to study Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology – Medical School.
He concludes by offering readers a scripture: Galatians 2:20.
Salutatorian
“It Feels like four years of hard work has paid off,” is the feeling Blake had when told he had earned the title of Salutatorian.
Blake is the son of Daniel and Jamie Phillips.
During his high school years, he participated in FFA, UIL Social Studies, Interact Club, Beta Club, Ag Mechanics, and Heifer & Swine Show Teams.
Honors he received include earning the titles of Salutatorian 2026, AP Scholar, Honor Grad, Top 10% of his class, and he earned First Place in State Prepared Public Speaking – Animal Science.
After hours, this young man was active in monthly recycle events, working sound/media and serving as youth leader at Round Prairie Baptist Church.
His hobbies include reading, fishing, hunting, listening to music, and trying to learn leather working.
Blake’s advice to underclassmen is “don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; pressure builds diamonds; do hard things.”
A favorite teacher is Katie Wade, “She has taught me how to work hard to achieve a goal, and I can confidently say she’s prepped me for college.”
What he appreciates most about Fairfield High School is “that no one is a stranger; everyone knows each other.”
Blake will be attending Texas A&M with plans to study Bioenvironmental Science to “hopefully attend law school and become an environmental lawyer,” he says.
Graduation
Fairfield High School commencement will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at Eagle Field beginning at 8:00 p.m.
