It was another tight race this year between graduating students at Teague High School, with the top two seniors separated by one-hundredth of a point in their final grades.

Leslie Ann Vaughn leads the class as this year’s Valedictorian with a 104.36 GPA. Anthony James Dimiceli earns the title of Salutatorian with a 104.35 GPA.

“Excited, shocked and relieved,” is what Leslie said she felt, when learning she had earned the title of Valedictorian.

Leslie is the daughter of Ashley and Austin Vaughn. Proud siblings include Faith and Austin Vaughn.

During her high school career, Leslie was active in Cross Country and Track.

She competed in UIL with Computer Science, Computer Application, Poetry, Accounting, Informative Speaking, Persuasive Speaking, and the One Act Play (OAP).

Leslie was also an active member of the Drama Club and Interact Club, and Beta Club and the National Honors Society. She was also an elected member of Student Council.

She was presented six Merit Awards from her teachers, earned first place in the Voice of Democracy contest, and received two invitations: one to Intensive Law & Trial with Stanford Law and another to Harvard medical Conference.

Outside of school, Leslie participated in community clean-up and recycling events, tutoring, and the Christmas Shoe Box project.

She served an internship at the District Attorney’s Office where she observed first-hand how the courts worked. “It got me interested in criminal law,” said Leslie.

Her hobbies include watching tv with her rabbit, Midnight.

Leslie’s advice to underclassmen is, “Do not let senoritis get the best of you.”

A favorite teacher is Mrs. Johnson, who teaches Business. “She helped me with whatever I needed and whenever I needed,” said Leslie.

What she appreciates most about Teague High School is, “How welcoming they are, how helpful, caring and understanding.”

Leslie will be attending Baylor University in Waco with plans to study Political Science.

“Gratifying,” is the feeling Anthony had when told he had earned the title of Salutatorian.

Anthony Dimiceli is the son of Nathan and Vicki Dimiceli; and Shari and Matt Underhill. His sister is Hannah Dimiceli.

During his high school years, Anthony served as President for the National Honors Society and as Parliamentarian for Student Council.

He was active in Football, Basketball, and Powerlifting, and threw the Discus in Track.

Anthony was also a member of the Band; and competed in UIL in Social Studies and Current Events.

He was a recipient of the Buddy Lowe Integrity Award and was a nominee for Mr. THS.

Anthony also earned Perfect Attendance and consistently made the “A” Honor Roll.

After hours, this young man was active with the Meals on Wheels program, Toy & Pet food drives, and tutoring.

His hobbies include lifting weights, and the clothing brand Griffon Apparel.

Anthony’s advice to underclassmen is to “Work first, play later.”

A favorite teacher was Ashley Hiles, who teaches Algebra. “She took me under her wing and always looked out for me,” said Anthony.

What he appreciates most about Teague High School is the tight-knit community.

Anthony will be attending University of Texas at Austin with plans to study Computer Science.

Teague High School commencement will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 at Lion Stadium beginning at 8:00 p.m.

(Photos by Karen Leidy)