Wortham High School held their graduation commencement this past Friday, May 21, 2021.

Academic leaders for the Class of 2021 include Valedictorian Benjamin Havens, Salutatorian Elevyn Settlemyer, third ranked Jaime Rojas, Jr., and fourth ranked Travis Laminack.

Benjamin Clark Havens earned the title to top of his class with a 4.73 GPA.

Ben is the son of John and Katherine Havens.

“Criticism is always proof that you’re on the right track,” said this wise young man.

Ben was active during his high school career, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, inducted into the National Honor Society, and elected to Student Council government.

He participated in FFA, Band, and UIL Debate; was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Spanish Club; and played Varsity Golf.

Ben was named Texas 99.1 KNES Radio Student of the Week and was winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy and the AM Vets Essay contests.

He earned several scholarships, including Terry Foundation, NHS, Scottish Rite Dallas, Ronald McDonald, UTA Presidential, DAR, Texas Tech Presidential, and Texas Tech Parents.

Ben plans to continue his education at the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a major in Engineering, with an eye on eventually becoming a Patent Attorney.

“I would like to thank the community as a family and the teachers who have guided me up to this point,” said Ben. “I would also like to acknowledge my family for setting a strong tradition of high academic achievement.”

Salutatorian Elevyn Summer Settlemyer earned her number two rank with a 4.6 GPA.

She is the daughter of Tom and Desirae Settlemyer.

During high school, Elevyn was a member of the National Honor Society, and active with the Varsity Band, Spanish Club and Art Club.

She was awarded a Wortham Band scholarship.

Elevyn plans to attend Navarro College before transferring to the University of Texas to major in Psychology. She would like to eventually become a Counselor for adolescents.

“They had us in the first half, not gonna lie,” is Elevyn’s favorite quote. It comes from a post-game interview of a high school football player whose team made a second half comeback.

She finishes with a statement of gratitude and a warning.

“I would like to thank my friends, family and loved ones for putting up with me and my madness for this long,” said Elevyn. “I would also like to warn them that it won’t get any easier.”

Number three ranked graduate, Jaime Rojas, Jr., finished his high school career with a 4.41 GPA.

He is the son of Aidee and Miguel Mota, and Jaime Rojas.

This popular student served as Senior Class President and President of the Spanish Club, was named Mr. WHS, and was elected to the Student Council.

JJ was also inducted into the National Honor Society.

He was active in athletics, competing in Varsity Basketball, Tennis, Track, and Golf.

JJ also played with the Mighty Bulldog Marching Band, Concert Band, and served as a pianist for the church band.

He was a tutor, a VBS aide, Track manager, and ‘Don’t Mess With Texas’ program volunteer.

JJ was also active in FFA and competed in UIL academics.

He earned scholarships from Mr. WHS, Wortham Band, and the Wortham Ex-Students.

Following graduation, JJ plans to attend the University of Texas at Tyler to major in Mechanical Engineering. He would eventually like to become a mechanical or a biomedical engineer.

His favorite quote is one of encouragement.

“Don’t you dare give up,” says JJ. “You are a divine being. A unique expression of the eternal life source. A child of God. Get up and fight!”

Michael Travis Laminack earned Wortham’s number four spot with a 4.31 GPA.

He is the son of Mike and Tiffany Laminack.

Travis was active in the Wortham Varsity Band and the celebrated BBQ Team.

He was inducted into the National Honor Society, and elected to Student Council, during his high school career.

Travis plans to attend McLennan Community College to major in Zoology so that he can become a zoo keeper or zoologist.

He leaves us with this advice: “Never linger on your mistakes, but never forget them either. For a mistake today can be a stepping stone for tomorrow.”

Congratulations to the Wortham High School Class of 2021.