Members of the Senior Class 2020
With all the challenges and changes the senior class of 2020 experienced, the staff at The Echo wanted to spend time introducing members of the senior class to the community. Each senior was asked six questions and provided candid answers. So, introducing you to members of the Senior Class 2020.
Blain Laumer, attends Harlan High School. After graduation Laumer travels to University of North Texas School of Music.
Blain served as Drum Major for the Harlan Hawk Band, earning a spot on the 6A State Band (clarinet) and qualified for the State Solo and Ensemble contest.
When asked what animal Blain would be—a bird, because flying is pretty cool.
Any advice you would like to offer underclassmen? Don’t give yourself a chance to regret the outcome of something you care about. Instead make sure that you have done 100% of what you can to ensure your success.
Kendall Taylor attends Sandra Day O’Connor High School. She plans on attending University of North Texas.
I am on the O’Connor Golduster Dance Team, member of National Honor Society and an FCA Leader, Kendall received a total of 6 O-Awards at O’Connor and was Miss Helotes 2018.
Her favorite snack is freeze dried strawberries. Kendall’s least favorite subject is Stats because it is a lot different than regular math and I get confused very quickly in that class.
If I could be any animal, I would be a whale because then I would just get to live life in the ocean and be tough enough that no animals would mess with me and I think whales are the most beautiful and peaceful creatures I have ever seen.
The advice I offer the underclassmen is to cherish every moment with your friends and don’t procrastinate because it will only lead to stress, and seniors have enough on their plate.
Daniel Glosser Avitia attend Taft High School. After graduation, he plans to attend A&M Kingsville.
In high school, Daniel served as a member of NHS, and selected to the 2019 All Academic Baseball (2nd team).
If Daniel, could be any animal- he would be a dog because they are man’s best friend and loyal. They can also thrive alone or in a pack.
His advice for underclassman includes “don’t wait and get your work done and join an organization in school.”
Logan Lusk is a member of the O’Connor Panther Class of 2020. After graduation Lusk will travel to Palo Alto college before transferring to Texas A&M Kingsville.
Logan served as a member of the FFA and 4H organization. A four-year V E Vickery Nominee and won the award in 2019. In 2020 Lusk won 4th place in trap shooting at SA Rodeo Shoot and finished 5th place in 2019. Logan was a member of the first-place team in the 4H State games in skeet shooting and placed second as an individual in 2016.
His favorite snack is sun chips. Math is his least favorite class.
As an animal Logan would be a Rhino because they are big and strong.
He tells the undergraduate class to pay attention in class and study when you necessary.
Fellow Panther, David Teylor Dodd, plans to attend Texas Tech University in the fall.
Dodd played football and was the Panther quarterback earning 1st team All District, 1st Team All District Academic honors.
His favorite snacks are strawberries, and gummy bears. His least favorite class is Calculus.
If Dodd could be an animal, he would be a shark because the rule the ocean.
His advice for underclassman is to enjoy your classes with friends and stay on top the work you are given.
Ty Fontenot a 2020 Brandeis High School graduate plans to attend Baylor University and be a part of the Baylor Bear baseball team in the fall.
As a varsity athlete at Brandeis Ty received unanimous selection to 1st team All District as a freshman and sophomore. Coaches recognized him as the 2019 defensive MVP for baseball. He also was selected as 1st team Academic All District for three years in baseball and basketball.
Additionally, Captain: Varsity Baseball, National Honor Society, Brandeis Leadership Council 2018-2020, FCA 2019-2020, Scholars & Athletes Serving Others service organization.
Ty’s favorite snack is vanilla ice cream and milk with crumbled Oreos on top. His least favorite class is Calculus.
If he could be an animal, it would be a lion because he is king of the jungle and lionhearted.
Ty tells the upperclassman to “Work extremely hard and go 100% in no matter what you do. Your actions right now determine your future in college and in jobs so use it wisely. But also, balance that and make sure you have fun. Your time in high school only happens once so enjoy it. I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them. (Andy Bernard).
Joining Ty as a member of the 2020 Bronco class is Ashyln Zingelmann who plans to attend the University of North Texas in the fall.
The 2020 Valedictorian served as Brandeis Bronco soccer Team Captain. In addition to AP Scholar with Distinction by College Board, Brandeis High School Homecoming Queen, National Honor Society, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Broncos Building Bridges, University United Methodist Church Sunday School Teacher, Kinetic Kids Summer Bike Camp Volunteer.
Ashyln’s least favorite subject is homework.
If she could be any animal it would be an eagle, because they are strong and brave, and an eagle is mentioned in my favorite Bible verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Zingelmann offered this advice to the undergraduates. “In life, you are free to ask for what you want, but make sure you've earned what you're asking for.”
Madison Blair attends Harlan High School and plans to attend Texas A&M-College Station in the fall.
In high school Blair achieved -Nation English Honor Society; Hawk Award for A horror roll 2018-2019; Hawk Award for A honor roll 2017-2018; 2019 NISD Academic All-District Softball- 1st Team; National Honor Society Nominee (selections were not announced before school shutdowns for the COVID-19 pandemic).
Blair would be an elephant if she could be any animal, because they are beautiful creatures that are extremely focused, family-oriented, and loyal. They work together in their small groups, with incredible amounts of determination on even the smallest objectives.
Her advice to underclassmen “Enjoy your time in high school because you never know when it could all be taken away from you. Stay focused on what matters to you and the important things. Finally, be a good person.”
Maricela McKinley attends Harlan High School and plans to attend The University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, nominated to be in Harlan’s Youth Ambassadors Leadership program, nominated and crowned as Harlan High Schools first homecoming court, and are Co-Captain of the Harlan Cheer team.
If Maricela could be any animal, it would be a turtle. I am in love with the beach and summer, that’s immediately what I think about when thinking of a turtle. They are very slow and calm, taking their time, but always get to where they need to be.
Advice I would give to underclassmen is to make the most out of High School. It goes by so fast! Make sure you’re doing what’s going to benefit you and what makes you happy. Surrounding yourself around the right people is at the top of my list!
Mikaela Garvin attends Harlan High School and plans to attend Eastern New Mexico University in the fall.
During her high school career Mikaela served as one of the team captains; Express news player of the week; 5A All area Team; 1st Team all-district; NISD All-tournament team; Co - offensive MVP (Harlan).
If Mikaela could be any animal, it would be a zebra because I feel like they are just doing their own thing and living life.
Her advice for the underclassman, “To work hard and never give up, even when it feels like all the odds are against you. Just refuse to be less than your best self even on the hardest days and remember your mindset really does affect the way you live and work through your days.”