Tuesday, July 2, 2024
The Exchange Club of Gatesville recognized six high school seniors at their weekly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 29.
From September through February, the organization selects students who are nominated by a teacher for their outstanding qualities. This recognition is based not only on academics, but also on character, school and community involvement, and leadership abilities.
Students selected during the year will be recognized again at the Golden Deeds Banquet in April. After another round of scoring by club members, the two students with the highest scores will receive $1,000 scholarships from the Exchange Club.
The students of the month for January and February are Noah Smith, Cayleigh Coursey, Wyatt Dunbar, Zoee Gribble, Anna Phillips, and Matti Mann.
“We hope that wherever you go, that you’ll please take the time to be an active member in your community and to use that leadership and knowledge that you have to make a difference wherever you live,” Exchange Club Treasurer JoAnn Sugg said.
Noah Smith was nominated by his Honors World History teacher Bonnie Latham, who praised his dedication to academic excellence, maturity, and sense of humor.
Smith has been recognized by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for literary criticism and current events. Smith’s extracurricular achievements include serving as a drum major in band and as a member of the Skills USA Health Science chapter, where he has won first and third place awards in state competitions.
He has work experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Coryell Health and as a cashier at Gatesville’s HEB. He plans to attend the University of Texas and study nursing.
“He is respectful, thoughtful, and a young man I would have my own son look up to,” Latham said. “Noah’s passionate drive, determination, and sense of responsibility coupled with his intrinsic motivation will produce excellence in any circumstance and grace your organization or program as a bright star.”
Cayleigh Coursey was nominated by two of her teachers: Sarah Blanchard and Jeanette Schlicke-Collins, who commended her work ethic and drive.
“She is intelligent, a natural leader, enjoys a good challenge, and (is) excellent when collaborating with others,” Blanchard said. “Cayleigh is punctual, attentive, organized, trustworthy, and very responsible.”
Coursey held several positions in her FFA chapter throughout her high school tenure, including reporter, vice president, and president. She also served as class treasurer, senior editor for the yearbook, executive board treasurer for student council, and captain of the varsity soccer team.
Along with extracurricular activities, Coursey’s volunteer experience includes serving as a Pre-K teacher in her church and as a Coryell County 4-H ambassador. On the academic side, she has received awards in her history and science classes.
Coursey plans to study animal science at Blinn College and then transfer to Texas A&M University to continue her studies.
“Cayleigh is a true joy to be around, she has a very keen drive and determination to succeed in life as evidenced by the many organizations she is involved in,” Schlicke-Collins said. “This drive has pushed her to work hard on her studies and to keep a focus on family life and volunteer work as well.”
Wyatt Dunbar was nominated by Gatesville ISD’s GEAR UP Site Facilitator, Sarah Coker, who said his maturity and diligent work ethic immediately caught her attention.
Dunbar has received several academic awards, including an honor as a National Merit Finalist Superintendent’s Scholar. He has been honored by the UIL for mathematics, number sense, literary criticism, and spelling.
Dunbar also served as a drum captain in marching band and a member of the Texas State Rifle Association junior team where he earned 14 out of 30 EIC (Excellence in Competition Points) at the National Matches in Camp Perry, Ohio. He played baseball during his freshman and sophomore year as well as volunteered at his church, library, and the 4-H gun range.
Dunbar has been accepted to Texas A&M University. He hopes to study aerospace engineering and have the opportunity to work with NASA in the future.
“It is rare that a student can be involved in so many things and do it with a smile,” Coker said. “I know that Wyatt is destined for great things and I’m excited to see where he goes with his college and career goals.”
Zoee Gribble was nominated by GHS librarian, Summer Erwin, who teaches Gribble in yearbook and broadcasting. Erwin describes Gribble as “diligent, tenacious, focused, and genuinely committed to excellence in her academic work and extracurricular activities.”
Gribble participated in student council throughout high school and served as historian for her class. She was involved in the yearbook and held the editor position during her senior year.
Gribble also participated on the varsity cheer team and in FFA where she received honors in district. In community service, she served as a county and state ambassador for Coryell County 4-H and has volunteered in her church’s youth group. She has work experience as a nursery assistant and customer service assistant at HEB.
Gribble plans to attend Blinn College to study marketing.
“She goes above and beyond in all that I ask of her and is always willing to assist in any area that is needed,” Erwin said. “As an editor, she is committed to her leadership responsibilities and excels at planning, organizing, problem-solving, and motivating other students. I value Zoee’s hard work and determination and can always rely on her when a task needs to be completed.”
Anna Phillips was also nominated by Erwin, who was her teacher in broadcasting. Erwin said Phillips is always very polite, respectful, and willing to help.
Erwin adds that even as a high school student, Phillips has successfully managed school, extracurricular activities, and a job. She is part of the National Honor Society and has earned academic all-district for three years. She was also on the varsity cheerleading team, where she received several awards, including most coachable and most creative.
Phillips spent all four years of high school in choir, where she became president for three years and received the Texas Music Education Association scholar award. Her volunteer activities included little hornet cheer camp, Gatesville Care Center, and the library. She has managed the concession stand at the city ballpark since 2019.
Phillips plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville to pursue a degree in music business with an emphasis on production.
“She is reliable, responsible, driven, enthusiastic, and does everything with a smile,” Erwin said. “As a result of these strengths and experiences, I am confident that she will be successful in all her future endeavors.
Matti Mann was nominated by her agricultural science teacher Amanda Latham who said Mann has proven herself to excel not only academically, but also through her involvement in school and volunteer organizations.
Mann has been involved in FFA throughout high school, including serving as historian in her senior year. She was a 4-H ambassador for nine years and has volunteered for several organizations, including becoming a junior camp counselor for five years, collecting food for the local care center, and packing over 150 Operation Christmas Child boxes.
She has received academic awards such as the Hornet Fight Never Dies award and A/B honor roll. She also played on the varsity basketball team her freshman, sophomore, and senior year.
Mann plans to attend Blinn College in the fall for her associate degree and then apply for a dental hygiene program.
“Matti is a very well-balanced student. She excels in extracurricular events, while also maintaining an excellent academic record,” Latham said. “Matti is the ideal student who has a passion for learning and helping others.”
