Valedictorian
“Work hard from the first day of freshman year because it all pays off in the end,” says Wortham High School 2019 Valedictorian Abigail Rose Jenkins (at top left) to her underclassmen.
The daughter of Andrea and Craig Jenkins, Abby has one sibling, brother, Andrew Jenkins.
With a GPA of 3.93, Abby feels that she is extremely blessed to be Valedictorian. “I am overwhelmed by God’s continual blessings in my life.”
Someone who has inspired Abby is Rosie Keathley. “My grandma has inspired me in so many ways,” she explains. “She has always taught me the true love of Christ and how to be more like Jesus.”
Abby has participated in many school activities and received several honors. Activities include: Golf, Class President (3 years), Student Council President and Vice President, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and UIL Academics. Her honors include: All A Honor Roll, Regional Qualifier – Academics, Regional Qualifier – Golf, and Junior College Honor Society.
She also has participated as a Hope Café Volunteer, as the Annual Blanket Drive Coordinator, and as a Vacation bible School Leader.
Some of Abby’s hobbies are playing golf, art, calligraphy, and spending time with her family.
Her plans are to attend Texas A&M University to earn a degree in Biomedical Sciences so she can attend medical school to become a Neonatologist.
What she appreciates most about her high school is the opportunities that a small town school has to offer.
Abby, and the WHS Class of 2019, will walk the stage in their graduation ceremony this Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Salutatorian
Ashley Tida Mao (at top right), daughter of Linda and Ricky Mao, has taken the title of Wortham High School’s Salutatorian for 2019 with a GPA of 3.88.
“It feels great to be able to represent this role within my school and community,” says Ashley about earning second spot in her graduating class.
During her time at WHS, she has participated in Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Track, Softball, National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Club, UIL, and as a Class Officer.
High school honors include being National Honor Society President, Student Council President, Spanish Club President, an A-Honor Roll student, and receiving the Principal’s Award and Volleyball All-District Hitter of the Year.
Outside of school, Ashley participates in the community by placing flags at the cemetery, reading to elementary school students, and volunteering at various community events.
Her hobbies include playing sports and spending time with her family.
Following graduation, Ashley plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to study Biology in order to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric dentist.
Her advice to underclassmen is, “Work hard from the first day of freshman year to the last day of senior year and it’ll pay off in the end.”
Ashley says that her parents have been an inspiration to her. “They taught me many valuable life lessons and have helped shape me into the woman I am today.”
What she appreciates most about her high school is everything that her small school had to offer.
Congratulations, Ashley!
(Photo by Jennifer Lansford)
