Valedictorian
“I am really grateful for this honor,” says Fairfield High School Class of 2018 Valedictorian, Brittani Nicole Oglesbee (right). “Not only do I get to go to my dream school, but I also have a team of teachers, family, and friends supporting me at every step.”
Touting a grade point average of 5.43, Brittani plans to further her education at the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Liberal Arts to earn a degree in International Relations and Global Studies.
“This major offers a broad range of options for future careers and seems to have everything I need to be successful in whatever job I wish to pursue,” she explains. “With this major, I can go into business or to Law School. I can also work in the government, such as in the State Department, or for the United Nations. I may also work for a non-governmental organization, such as charities.”
Brittani has participated in Journalism UIL (News, Feature, and Editorial Writing), Interact Club (President), Art Club (President), Beta Club, and Newspaper (Editor-in-Chief).
She has earned such honors as multiple teachers’ awards, and advancing in UIL Journalism for News & Feature Writing for two years and in Journalism Editorial Writing for three years. They also had intensive sat prep in earlier years.
The daughter of Angela and Vance Oglesbee, Brittani has one sister, Anna Marie.
In her free time, Brittani enjoys drawing, making jewelry from polymer clay, and reading.
Outside of school, she served as an Upward Cheer Coach for five years, participated in competitive cheerleading from 2007-2017, was a JV Cheerleader 2014-2015, participated in Operation Christmas Child, Purple Pinkie Project, Monthly Recycle Project, and helped with the Fairfield Library remodel project.
“I have a lot of inspiring teachers, but Mrs. Matthews, my 10th grade Pre-AP teacher, was the best teacher I ever had,” says Brittani. “Mrs. Maciel was also one of my favorite teachers because she was not only my Pre-AP English I teacher, but also my journalism teacher and my UIL coach. She taught me a lot!”
Brittani appreciates the fact that, though she wasn’t necessarily exposed to many people, she feels it is amazing how well she has gotten to know the small group of people she has had classes with during her time at FHS.
She has this to say to her underclassmen as she moves forward, “As cliché as it sounds, high school really does go by fast. It is really weird how much everything changes your senior year. Everything gets oddly sentimental, but at the same time, the adventure of these last few months is so exciting.”
She concludes by saying, “I am excited to start the next chapter in my life. Although change can be weird, I will adjust and be ready for the adventure!”
Salutatorian
“As a student at FHS, the thing I appreciate most is the education and preparation I received for college,” states 2018 FHS Salutatorian, Kealie Renee House (left).
With a grade point average of 5.25, Kealie has had a very busy and successful four years at FHS.
“Achieving this honor is surreal, relieving, and I am proud of myself,” she says of earning the title Salutatorian.
The daughter of Windy and Cory House, and sister to Tate House, Kealie has plans to attend Southwestern University to secure an education in Pre-Med.
“I hope to become an orthopedic surgeon so I can help people,” she says
Her advice to underclassmen: “Don’t give up. You can make it to the end. Avoid the drama, and have as much fun as possible.”
Below is a list of Kealie’s many activities, achievements, and honors over the past four years.
–UIL Academics: Placed 3rd at District 2018 in Accounting, participated in Journalism 2016-2017, Extemporary Speaking 2015-2017, Science 2016, and CX Debate 2015.
–Sports: Varsity Softball 2015-2018, received All-District Honorable Mention & Academic All-District; Freshman and Varsity Volleyball 2014-2015; JV Basketball 2016; and Powerlifting 2016
–Clubs & Councils: High School Newspaper 2016-2017; BETA Club 2016-2018; and Fellowship of Christian Athletes 2011-2016
–Community Activities: First United Methodist Youth Group; Recycling Events; volunteer at Freestone County Fair; volunteer as concessions worker; volunteer at local nursing home; Assistant at Youth Softball Camps; and Peer & Youth Tutoring
Outside of school, Kealie enjoys softball and reading.
A source of inspiration to Kealie is teacher, Mrs. Theresa Matthews. “She always believed the very best of me and that helped me continue to strive for greatness with her support.”
