It was a tight race this year between graduating students at Teague High School, when the top two seniors both logged in a 4.903 GPA average.
School officials had to check grades, class by class, in order to determine final placement.
In the end, Ellie Drennan has been named this year’s Valedictorian of the 2022 graduating class. Andrew Tucker was named Salutatorian.
Ellie is the daughter of Jessica and Scotty Drennan.
She completes her career at Teague with a distinguished high school diploma with STEM endorsement.
The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville will be her next step forward, as she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med and Radiologic Technology.
Ellie will have a head start on college work, as she completed several undergraduate courses at Navarro College during her high school years.
This enterprising young woman also has a start on her work resume, have worked as a Social Media Manager at Davis Country Store in Buffalo, and as a Nutritional Barista at two locations in Teague: Sassy Nutrition and Blackcat Nutrition.
While attending Teague High School, Ellie served on the Student Council and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was also a Varsity Cheerleader, and active in the FFA Chapter.
Ellie served as Vice-President of her Junior Class, and was nominated for the coveted Miss THS award, and for the school’s biennial Homecoming court.
In addition, Ellie served her hometown community as a volunteer with The Lord’s Storehouse, Elementary School Mentoring program, and Cowboy Heritage Church Youth Group.
When asked for inspiring words to leave to next year’s seniors, Ellie shared a quote from actress Jessica Lange:
“Be present. I would encourage you will all my heart just to be present. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So don’t miss them be being lost in the past or anticipate the future.”
Andrew Tucker is the son of Bruce and Kensey Tucker.
During his high school career, Andrew completed several Honor courses in Ag Science, as well as Dual Credit Welding, all with high marks.
Last summer, he achieved a solid SAT score of 1140.
Andrew plans to pursue a Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering at Texas A&M University.
An active member of Teague FFA Chapter, Andrew served as Sentinel his Junior year and as President his senior year. He also served as committee chair for several events, including the varmint hunt, fishing derby, and Swine Show.
“My family has been in charge of the pig show the past two years. They have shown me the importance of being involved,” said Andrew.
Andrew was a State Finalist (Bronze level) in Swine Profieciency. He earned Grand Champion Breeding Gilt at the Freestone County Livestock Show in 2019; and was awarded Grand Champion Showmanship at the County Fair for three years in a row.
His Supervised Agricultural Experience Program (SAEP) is a pig breeding operation. Andrew’s stock is divided into family show animals, sold stock to other exhibitors, and culls sold for feeder pigs. His income from sales last year was upwards of $5,900.
In addition to livestock, Andrew’s 12’ Custom Bumper Pull Trailer earned Grand Champion at the Freestone County Ag Mechanics Show last summer, as well as a First-In-Class HOT Fair & Blue Ribbon State Fair.
Andrew was also High Individual in the East Texas State Fair Plant I.D. competition, receiving a scholarship for that achievement.
He earned a Star Chapter FFA Award in 2020, and a Texas FFA Lonestar Degree in 2021.
When asked for advice to leave the lowerclassmen of Teague High School, Andrew gave this quote from comedian Steve Harvey:
“Do not ignore the passion that burns in you. Spend time to discover your gift. Life is going to get bad sometimes. You’ll make poor choices. You’ll fail. You’ll lose hope and maybe want to give up. If you jump, and trust that He will be there to help you soar, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”
Teague High School commencement will be held Friday, May 27, 2022 at Lion Stadium beginning at 8:00 p.m.
(photo by Karen Leidy)
