Valedictorian
“Take school seriously,” says Wortham High School 2018 Valedictorian Darcy Rae Taylor to her underclassmen. “Always try your hardest to accomplish goals and stay organized.”
The daughter of Michelle and JR McLelland, Darcy has one sibling, sister Braidee Taylor.
With a GPA of 4.66, Darcy feels that she is extremely blessed to be Valedictorian. “I appreciate all the people that have supported me and helped me get to where I am today.”
Someone who has inspired Darcy is Krystal Duke. “She has always helped me with anything I need and has been there for me when I am struggling with a problem.’
Darcy followed her own advice of taking school seriously, which can be seen by her many school activities and honors. They include: Academic UIL Events; Volleyball; Track & Field; Principal Award; Honorable Mention All-District Volleyball; Academic All-District Volleyball; Second Team All-District Volleyball; serving as Class President her Junior and Senior year; National Honor Society President; Academic Excellence in Art II, Physics, Spanish II, U.S. History; and Wildlife & Range Science.
She also has participated in the Peanut Butter Drive, Carter Blood Drive, Local Canned Food Drive, and Mini Volleyball Camp.
With a love for rodeo and large animals, Darcy plans to attend McLennan Community College after high school to continue her education by becoming a large animal veterinarian.
Salutatorian
Derek Jonathan Claude Hale, son of Sharon Hale, has taken the title of Wortham High School’s Salutatorian for 2018 with a GPA of 4.55.
“Earning this honor is just almost as good as getting Valedictorian,” says Derek with a smirk.
During his time at WHS, he has participated in Choir, Golf, and National Honors Society.
High school honors include receiving a rating of I in Vocals at State UIL Competition his Junior year, and he was a Regional/Area finalist for TMEA Choir all four years of high school.
Derek is the pianist for Richland Baptist Church; and is also a piano and vocal teacher.
His hobbies include singing at various locations, writing and recording music, golf, soccer, and piano.
Following graduation, Derek plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to study pursue a double major in Music Performance and Pre-Med.
“Music has always been a big part of my life and I want to keep it going. I also plan to become a Doctor of Osteopathy,” he explains.
His advice to underclassmen is, “Decide from the beginning what the ending is going to be.”
Derek says that Linda Ferris has been an inspiration to him. “She has been my music teacher since kindergarten and has inspired me to continue with music.”
What he appreciates most about his high school is that it has an extremely advanced and active choir program for such a small school.
Top 10 Students
The remaining TOP TEN SENIORS in the Wortham Class of 2018 are as follows:
–3rd: Katilyn Victoria Cartwright, daughter of Michael Cartwright and Shawn Reichert. She participated in Volleyball, Cheer, Basketball, Track, FCA, FFA, Student Council, Spanish Club, & National Honors Society.
–4th: Logan Blake Salisbury, son of Suzanne and Eric Salisbury. He participated in Football, Baseball, Basketball, Tennis, Powerlifting, Track, FFA, National Honor Society, FCA, & Student Council.
–5th: Dylan Daniel Martin, son of Rhonda Ellen Looney. He participated in Football, Basketball, Track, Baseball, National Honor Society, FFA, Powerlifting, & FCA.
–6th: Garrett Zane Covey, son of Cheryl Covey and Craig Covey. He participated in Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Beta Club, & Honors Club.
–7th: Skylar RaeAnn Potter, daughter of Jeanna Nicholson. She participated in National Honor Society, Band, All-Region Band, All-Area Band, and State Solo & Ensemble.
–8th: Gage Ryan Harris, son of Victoria and Cody Harris. He participated in Baseball, Tennis, One Act Play, BBQ Team, Basketball, Academic UIL, and National Honor Society.
–9th: Faythe Hope Hutson, daughter of Reta and Brex Hutson. She participated in Band, Choir, Powerlifting, and Field Events.
–10th: Robert Cutter Reeves, son of Chelse Cruz and Frank Cruz. He participated in Football.
