2021 Olney and Newcastle
Olney and Newcastle High School have both announced their Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the 2020-2021 school year. For Olney High School, Kiara Allen was named the Valedictorian, and Jaden Jacoba is the Salutatorian. For Newcastle, Emma Clayton was named the Valedictorian, and Chase Ford is the Salutatorian of this year’s graduating class.
Allen will be attending Rice University in the Fall, while Jacoba will attend Texas Tech University. “When I first opened the letter, I couldn’t stop smiling because of how happy I was. I got the acceptance letter online and didn’t close out of that tab for a few days, “ Allen said. Allen plans to major in Kinesiology and become a basketball coach. “Both of my parents and my close friend, Gail Scott, have inspired me the most by showing me how to be humble and strong, and by being selfless and encouraging me every day, “ said Kiara. She also talked discussed the advice she would give to younger students adding “Don’t let things get you down for too long because your whole life is ahead of you, and be yourself, not what other people want you to be.”
Jacoba plans to major in Nursing at Texas Tech. Some of her favorite memories include playing basketball for the Cubs, as well as the bus rides and team meals. Jacoba has also been involved in Cheerleading, track, FFA, NHS, student council, and TMSCA for five years, and her favorite subject is algebra or anything math related. “As much as you think that you want to graduate, take it slow and appreciate where you are now. High school goes by faster than you think,” Jaden said when discussing advice for younger students.
Newcastle Valedictorian, Emma Clayton, plans to attend Texas Tech University and later apply for Medical School. Her favorite memory from NHS was attending the 2019 State FFA convention with her friends. “I have had many teachers inspire me since kindergarten. Each and every one of my teachers from pre-k to twelfth grade have played a large role in my development. They have encouraged me to work hard and taught me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to,” Clayton said. Clayton has participated in volleyball and UIL academics since her freshman year and is an active member in FFA and student council. “My advice to younger students is don’t be afraid to be different. I am not your average teenager. I work several days a week and spend most of my time at home studying. You do not have to be the most popular or the coolest to be successful.”
Chase Ford is the Salutatorian for Newcastle High School and wants to become a marine. His favorite memory of high school was making it to regionals for One Act Play his sophomore year. Ford is in FFA and is the president of student council. “My top three accomplishments are creating the bobcat design at the front of the school, teaching myself how to use the CNC plasma cutting table, and signing the paper to become a Marine poolee,” Ford said. Ford also discussed his love for building computers and his favorite book series, Percy Jackson. “My advice to younger students would be to take all the college classes you can in high school. As much as you’re not going to want to do the work, it is definitely worth it in the long run.”