Valedictorian – Tyler Batts
“Work hard in all that you do,” says Wortham High School Valedictorian Tyler Breann Batts to her underclassmen. “Take in every moment you have with your friends and family, because one day you will wake up, look in the mirror, and you’ll be graduating!”
The daughter of Julia Batts and Pep Batts, Tyler has one sibling, Preston.
With a passion for dance, Tyler plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Health and Kinesiology with a concentration on Dance.
“I love to dance and I like to learn about the health behind it,” she explains.
Tyler’s high school activities include FCA President for her senior year, Varsity Cheer (1 year), Varsity Volleyball (1 year), Varsity Track (2 years), Varsity Cross Country (2 years), National Honor Society (4 years), Student Council (4 years), and Tennis (2 years).
High school honors received are Miss WHS, All A Honor Roll (4 years), Academic Excellence in several classes (4 years), and Class President (4 years).
Tyler is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Wortham and is a dancer with the Ignite Dance Company in Waco.
She enjoys dancing, church, and spending time with friends and family.
“I am very blessed to get to represent my class as Valedictorian,” says Tyler. “The support and the close friendships I’ve made here make me appreciate my high school. This is my family.”
Tyler names her mother as the person who has inspired her most. “She has always been my #1 fan, biggest supporter, and best friend. Without her, I would not be where I am today.”
Congratulations on your success, Tyler!
Salutatorian – Ashley Sandifer
Ashley Kaitlin Sandifer, daughter of Roxanne Vincent and the late Bill Sandifer, has taken the title of Wortham High School’s Salutatorian for 2017.
“Earning this honor feels like I’m making my dad proud,” says Ashley.
During her time at WHS, Ashley has participated in softball, one act play, UIL speaking, basketball, and served as manager for the volleyball team.
High school honors include A/B Honor Roll and Honorable Mention District Catcher in softball
At her church, she is a member of the youth group and helps with vacation bible school.
Her hobbies include coin collecting and binge watching Netflix.
Following graduation, Ashley plans to attend Sam Houston State University to study Psychology.
“I like looking into why the brain works the way it does,” she explains.
Her advice to underclassmen is, “Don’t procrastinate. Well, you can. It’s just not suggested.”
Ashley says that school counselor Krystal Duke has been an inspiration to her. “She’s been so great since I moved to Wortham. She’s really great at her job and so great at helping others.”
What she appreciates most about her high school is how accepting everyone is.
Congratulations, Ashley!
(Photo by Jennifer Lansford)
