2007 Academic All-Staters
Negin Allamehzadeh
Norman North High School
Allamehzadeh is president of the Norman North Vegetarian Club, vice president of the Astronomy Club and secretary of the Young Democrats and the Spanish National Honor Society. A National Merit finalist, she received a Gold Key award in Personal Narrative from the national Scholastic Inc. Art and Writing Contest. A tennis player and pianist, Allamehzadeh has volunteered for Tuesday Tutors, the Center for Child Support Enforcement, the Midsummer Night’s Fair and the Hispanic Heritage Festival.
Kelly Anderson
Union High School
A National Merit finalist, Anderson is a class valedictorian and president of her school’s National Honor Society chapter. She is drum major for Tulsa Union’s marching band and active in the Medical Society, Tri-M Music honor society and Key Club. A Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar, Anderson has earned her black belt in Karate and competes in Ultimate Frisbee. She is a volunteer tutor and has worked several summers as a candy striper at St. John’s Medical Center. She plans to major in zoology and premedicine at the University of Oklahoma.
Ryan Atkins
Perkins-Tryon High School
Atkins is an Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholar and has been named Region II Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the Oklahoma Coaches Association. He is captain of the academic team, captain of the football team and treasurer of the senior class. He also writes for the school newspaper and is volunteer web master for his school district. Atkins plans to major in electrical engineering at Oklahoma State University, where he is currently taking courses under the concurrent enrollment program.
Arya Azma
Norman High School
Azma is a National Forensic League All-American honoree, Scholastic Gold Key winner and Presidential Scholar finalist. He is founder of the bike club, captain of the band percussion section and president of his school’s Model United Nation’s team. He is also active in Young Democrats, Botball robotics, debate and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. He enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee and doing engine repair. Azma plans to study mechanical engineering in college.
Rex Andrew Bair
Pryor High School
A National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar, Bair is captain of his school’s academic team and vice president of the band. He is active in jazz band, orchestra, German Club, the Community Advisory Panel and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. A member of the Pryor High varsity soccer and cross-country teams, he enjoys hiking and water sports. He is an Eagle Scout and senior patrol leader in Boy Scouts. In addition, Bair plays drums in a local rock band. He plans to major in aerospace engineering at the University of Arkansas.
Kolton Barnes
Comanche High School
The recipient of several academic awards, Barnes is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar. He is senior editor for the school broadcasting program and active in French Club, Art Club and the academic team. He has been a volunteer for the Chisholm Trail Arts Council’s summer arts camp, “Art Explosion;” and has been a volunteer mentor. Barnes plans to study architecture at the University of Oklahoma.
Rebecca Bedford
Muldrow High School
A National Merit finalist, Bedford is president of her school’s Science Club, vice president of Beta Club and secretary of the Math Club. The recipient of numerous academic honors, Bedford started an American Mathematics Council competition at her school two years ago. She is active in competitive speech, Delta Beta Sigma service sorority, church ministries and the TEEN Coalition. A longtime ballet, tap and jazz dancer, she is a member of Dance est Joie Dance Company. Bedford plans to attend the University of Tulsa, majoring in biochemistry.
Zachary Blankenship
Piedmont High School
Blankenship is a National Merit finalist and captain of the academic team. An Eagle Scout, he participates in Spanish Club and Science Club. He is drum major in the marching band and has been selected for the Central Oklahoma Director’s Association Honor Band for four years in a row. Blankenship plans to major in zoology at the University of Oklahoma.
Deidra Nicole Bright
Arapaho High School
A class valedictorian, Bright is captain of the academic team and has been selected for two years to serve on the Oklahoma Northwest Academic All-Conference Team. She is a varsity cheerleader, vice president of Student Council and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Drama Club and CLUB SCRUB. Bright works part time and volunteers at the hospital. She plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in microbiology.
Jamie Brown
Laverne High School
A Girls State delegate, Brown is a class valedictorian and captain of the academic team. She is yearbook editor, senior class president and vice president of Beta Club. The recipient of numerous academic honors, Brown was selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum in Medicine last year in Los Angeles and to serve as a Northwest Electric Youth Tour delegate. She received best-of-show honors in graphic design at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University art competition. Brown plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in letters.
Nicholas Brown
El Reno High School
Brown is a class salutatorian, Oklahoma Academic Scholar and National Merit Commended Scholar. His activities have included academic team, Key Club, Band Council, History Club and baseball. A French horn player in the marching band, Brown has been named six times to the Southwest Oklahoma Band Directors’ Honor Band and has received superior ratings at district and state music contests. He also plays piano and is a guitarist in the school jazz band. Brown plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.
Andrea Marie Bryan
Putnam City West High School
A Bethany resident, Bryan is a National Achievement Scholar, Ventures Scholar and recipient of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. She has also been named a U.S. Achievement Academy All-American Scholar. Bryan is president of the senior class and treasurer of PAWS, Patriots Against World Suffering. She is a four-year member of the varsity softball team. Bryan plans to study forensic science and criminal justice at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Shayla Burnett
Cache High School
Burnett is a National Merit Commended Scholar and Academic letterwoman. She is active in Beta Club, Science Club, Drama Club and track. She has participated since 8th grade as a delegate in Model United Nations of the Southwest. She volunteers as a religious education aid. Burnett plans to study environmental science at Oklahoma State University.
Jenna Butner
Seminole High School
An Oklahoma Baptist University Scholar and U.S. Achievement Academy All-American Scholar, Butner is the recipient of a Seminole Chamber of Commerce academic letter jacket. She is president of Seminole High School Student Council, Math Club and Honor Society. She is editor of the school yearbook and newspaper and serves a co-captain of the cheerleading squad and volley ball team. She also plays golf and has been a longtime dancer and pianist. An active community volunteer, she is founder of “Leaf it to Us,” an organization that does yard work for the elderly. Butner plans to study nursing at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Traci Cates
Edmond Memorial High School
A valedictorian and amateur computer programmer, Cates is the recipient of a scholarship from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. She is active in Edmond Memorial’s Computer Club, Science Club and Movie Club. A longtime Girl Scout, she has earned her Silver Award, Senior Leadership and Program Aide awards in scouting. She plays piano and has volunteered for Friends of the Library, Taste of Edmond, HOPE Center and the Edmond Arts Festival. Cates plans to study computer science at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Justin Cockrell
Warner High School
Cockrell is a National Merit finalist and Presidential Scholar nominee. He is vice president of Warner High’s National Honor Society, secretary of the senior class and a member of the science team. Cockrell’s Academic Pursuit Team won this year’s Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association District Championship and the Connors State Brain Bowl Championship. He plays first chair timpani in the high school band and was named to All-District Honor Band. Cockrell is also a drummer in a Christian rock band, Texhoma. He plans to study psychology at Oklahoma Christian University.
Haley Cosner
Roland High School
Cosner is valedictorian of her senior class, an Oklahoma Academic Scholar and Oklahoma representative for the Youth Leadership Council. She is vice president of Roland’s Student Council, captain of the cheerleading squad, and a member of the Honor Club and yearbook staff. She has received superior district ratings as a pianist and participated in several high school plays and musicals. Cosner is also a volunteer tutor to elementary students. She plans to study pre-law at Oklahoma State University.
Andrew Crawford
Edmond North High School
Crawford is an Oklahoma Academic Scholar and National Merit Commended Scholar. An officer in the Edmond North Choir Council, he is section leader in Men’s Chorus and participates in mixed chorus, school musicals and All-State Honor Choir. He is a soloist for the Christian musical group Brotherly Love and head sound engineer at his church. In 2002, he started his own business, Drewsoft Computer Repair. Last summer, he served as an information technology logistics intern for SONIC Corp. Crawford plans to study computer science at Le Tourneau University in Longview, Texas, where he has been named a Presidential Scholar.
Matthew Scott Creech
Miami High School
A Boys State delegate, Creech has been honored by his school as a Graduate of Distinction and Top 10 of Class. He has been a member of Youth Leadership Miami as well as Student Council and National Honor Society. Creech plays golf and has been a four-year member of the varsity baseball team and the American Legion baseball team. Active in his church youth group, Creech is a volunteer mentor for Boys and Girls Clubs. He plans to study business and accounting at Oklahoma State University. His older brother, James, was named an Academic All-Stater in 2005.
William Alexander Croll
Classen School of Advanced Studies
Croll is a National Merit finalist and is ranked first in his class. He and his academic team earned first place in the regional Quiz Bowl Boren Cup competition. He has been active in the German American Partnership foreign exchange program, Model United Nations and varsity tennis. An Eagle Scout, Croll also has earned his first-degree gold sash in Hung Gar Shaolin Kung Fu and has reached the Sankyuu level in Bushido Kendo, a form of Japanese fencing. He plans to study engineering, either at Harvard University or the University of Southern California.
Jesse Reed Cruce
Dewey High School
Cruce is president of the Dewey High Student Council and vice president of the Spanish Club. A National Merit Commended Scholar, he is also active in the academic team, Key Club, soccer and his church youth group. Cruce has volunteered for the 4-H Children’s Barnyard Club and participated in FIRST Robotics. He plans to major in aerospace and mechanical engineering, either at Oklahoma State University or the University of Missouri at Rolla.
Kaylee Davis-Maddy
Tulsa Memorial High School
An Advanced Placement Scholar and Girls State delegate, Davis-Maddy is the recipient of Memorial High School’s Excellence Award and the Society of Women Engineers’ Excellence Award in Math and Science. She is president of the Pep Club and vice president of the Memorial Engineering Academy Robotics Team. A vocalist, Davis-Maddy participates in GAP Community Theatre and Breakthrough Youth. She is also a tutor in math and science. She plans to major in drama and stage management at the University of Oklahoma.
Matthew C. Deimund
Putnam City North
Deimund is a class valedictorian, Advanced Placement Scholar and National Merit finalist. The captain of the varsity football team, he was named to the Metro All-Conference team and was named McDonalds Scholar Athlete of the Week. Deimund is president of National Honor Society, a Student Council representative and member of his church youth leadership team. He has traveled to New York and Mexico on youth mission trips. Deimund plans to study business at the University of Oklahoma. His brother Mark was an Academic All-Stater in 2006.
Amalia Deines
Shattuck High School
Deines is an Oklahoma State Regents Outstanding Scholar and was named Miss Shattuck 2006. As a Girls State delegate, she received the Outstanding Citizen Award. Deines is valedictorian of her class and Student Council president. She is captain of the academic team and a junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She plays varsity basketball and softball. She also has been active in Shattuck High School Girls Chorus and Mixed Chorus and was named to All-State and regional honor choirs. Deines plans to major in business management at Oklahoma State University.
Hannah Denker
Pioneer High School
A resident of Enid, Denker is co-captain of the state champion Quiz Bowl academic team. She is president of the school and county 4-H Club, vice president of her senior class, treasurer of Student Council and secretary of Beta Club. A cheerleader, she also competes in fast-pitch softball and golf. She is a member of the marching band and jazz band. As a Girls State delegate, she served as state insurance commissioner. Denker plans to major in elementary education and horticulture at Oklahoma State University.
Emily Drevets
Edmond North High School
Drevets is a National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She has been active in Spanish Club, Latin Club, Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and National Honor Society. She has played piano for 10 years and won the Sonatina Festival competition twice in the past three years. She has been a Frontier Ranch camp counselor and a mentor for middle school students through the Wyld Life Program.
Shirley Duan
Stillwater High School
Duan is an Advanced Placement Scholar and National Merit finalist. She placed fourth in the nation in the National French Testing in 2006. Duan is president of Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, secretary of the French Club, and high school representative to the Orchestra Booster Club. She also plays cello and participates in the Recycling Club and Beta Club. Duan enjoys cooking, reading and studying Chinese. She has volunteered for Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue. She plans to study biomedical engineering in college.
Laramy Edwards
Sayre High School
A Girls State delegate, Edwards was named an Oklahoma Academic Scholar. She is president of the Sayre High National Honor Society, captain of the academic team and vice president of her senior class. She has also been active in band, cheerleading and track. A member of St. Matthew’s Youth Advisory Board, she is a PALS Program tutor at Sayre Elementary School. Edwards plans to major in accounting at Oklahoma State University.
Kayla Ewert
Bartlesville High School
Ranked first in her high school class, Ewert is a State Regents Scholar nominee for the University of Oklahoma. A Girls State delegate, she is active in Student Council, Spanish Club, Senior Service League and Select Choir. She has lettered in varsity basketball and soccer and also plays Elite ’89 community soccer. Ewert is active in the East Cross United Methodist youth group and praise team. She is a Book Buddies volunteer and has been a camp counselor. She plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in nursing.
Victoria Felder
Eisenhower High School
A Lawton resident, Felder is a National Merit finalist, a Presidential Scholar nominee and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She is a senator in Eisenhower’s Student Congress, vice president of the Spanish Club and treasurer of the Key Club. An Oklahoma Academic Decathlon State Champion, Felder received the Outstanding Achievement in Science Award from the U.S. Academic Decathlon. In 2005, she was selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum in Medicine. Felder plans to study economics and premedicine at the University of Oklahoma.
Janet Ferrell
Jenks High School
A National Merit finalist, Ferrell placed second in Oklahoma and seventh in the nation in the 2006 National French Exam. She is president of the French Club and active in Key Club, History Club and Drug-Free Youth. She has traveled to France and, most recently, China through foreign-exchange programs. She was a 2004 and 2007 representative to the National Presbyterian Youth Triennium. Ferrell also participates in ballet and will be receiving her diploma in piano from the Janell Whitby School of Music this spring. Ferrell plans to study engineering in college.
Ry Fleming
Perry High School
Fleming is president of the Perry High School National Honor Society and a member of the Science Club. He also has been active in Student Council and Future Farmers of America. He was a delegate to Boys State last year, where he was appointed lieutenant governor. He participates in track and was a regional champion and state runner up in wrestling. Fleming helped lead two voter awareness campaigns and has also volunteered at a soup kitchen and Ditch Witch Fun Fair. He plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in architecture.
Tiffany Foster
Tuttle High School
A National Merit finalist, Foster has been president of Tuttle High Student Council for two years and is president of the Spanish Club. She has been active in the First Baptist Church Youth Leadership Team and volunteered for Special Olympics of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Blood Institute. She also was a tutor for the Title VII Native American Tutoring Program. She plans to study international business and Spanish at the University of Tulsa.
Matthew Frost
Duncan High School
Frost is trombone section leader in Duncan High School’s marching band, jazz band and concert band and a founding member of the Band Trailer Crew. He is a six-year member of the Southwest Oklahoma Band Directors Association All-Region Honor Band. He is captain of his Bible Quiz Team and has participated in the Great Southwest Bible Bowl. He is an assistant swim instructor and Dehydrator Bike Race Volunteer.
Sean Fuller
Okeene High School
Fuller is president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, founder of the FISH Club and a member of the Science Club. He is team captain and a state finalist in football and participates in varsity basketball, baseball and track. The recipient of a U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award, he has been a volunteer for Americorps, High School Heroes and PEER: Prevention, Education, Enforcement and Response Mediation. He is active in his church youth group and serves as a piano accompanist. Fuller plans to study engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Adam Taylor Gronwald
McAlester High School
Gronwald is a National Merit finalist who has been selected to All-State Band and All-State Orchestra. In addition to playing trumpet in the band, he is a member of the McAlester jazz band and percussion ensemble. An Eagle Scout, Gronwald served as a senior patrol leader and a crew leader at Philmont Scout Camp. He also earned Order of the Arrow status in Boy Scouts. Gronwald plans to major in music at the University of Arkansas.
Reagan M. Haas
Muskogee High School
Haas has been named a Muskogee Phoenix Academic All-Star and received U.S. Achievement Academy honors. Named Muskogee High School’s “Most Academic” for 2007, she is active in Student Council, Teens for Christ, Science Club and the Alpha Adelphi Service Society. She has been co-captain of the varsity tennis team and a member of the Academic Pursuit Team. She has been a math and reading tutor for three years and has volunteered for Character Camp, Kid’s Space and Special Olympics. Haas plans to major in English at Oklahoma State University.
Robert Anthony Hayes
Warner High School
A National Merit finalist and class valedictorian, Hayes is a member of the Oklahoma Academic Coaches Association All-State Academic Team. He is president of his senior class, captain of the Academic Pursuit Team and editor of the yearbook. In addition, he is National Honor Society secretary and Student Council reporter. Hayes is active in the Keefeton Freewill Baptist Church, where he plays guitar for the church band. An Advanced Placement Scholar, Hayes plans to major in engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Michael Henderson
Oklahoma School of Math and Science
A resident of Dale, Henderson is a National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar. He has been active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and basketball. A participant in many academic competitions, Henderson and his team placed first in state in the Oklahoma Mathematics League competition. He is a volunteer junior researcher for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and participated in a two-week medical mission trip to Peru. He is the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Henderson plans to continue his studies in biochemistry at Stanford University.
Leah Henry
Shawnee High School
A Girls State delegate, Henry is a class valedictorian and member of Youth Leadership Oklahoma. She is president of her senior class, a varsity cheerleader and soccer player, and member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also active in Tri-Hi-Y, Spirit of Shawnee and the Ophelia Project. Henry has been a delegate to the People to People Medical Summit, as well as a soup kitchen volunteer and Life Care Center volunteer. She plans to pursue college studies in neuroscience and Spanish.
J. Luke Hollen
Charles Page High School
Hollen, who resides in Sand Springs, has been a Boys State delegate and State Regents Scholar. He is co-captain of the varsity academic team and a member of Spanish Club and National Honor Society. Hollen has earned his black belt and is an assistant instructor in martial arts. He is active on the Tulsa City-County Library Teen Team and was a Tulsa Rotary Camp Enterprise participant. Hollen plans to study computer science at the University of Tulsa.
Taylor Huff
Edmond North High School
A National Merit finalist, Huff is an Advanced Placement Scholar and 2006 finalist for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad competition. He is captain and varsity starter for his academic team and is active in Latin Club and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society. He has been an acolyte for All Souls Episcopal Church and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Shiloh Camp for inner-city youth. Huff plans to major in petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Koby Hunter
Lone Grove High School
Hunter is an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar, All-American Scholar and National Merit Commended Scholar. He is vice president of Lone Grove Student Council and participates in Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has earned three varsity letters in baseball and was named to the Daily Ardmoreite All-Area Super Team and received the Silver Slugger Award. Active in his church youth group, Hunter has been a soup kitchen volunteer, tutor and Angel Tree volunteer. He plans to study biochemistry at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Summer James
Boise City High School
A class valedictorian, James is winner of the 2006 State of Oklahoma Invest Ed Program. She received a National Merit Commendation and was a delegate to Girls State and a graduate of the Youth Leadership Oklahoma. James served as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives and participated in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program. She is president of her senior class and the National Honor Society, captain of the Academic Bowl team and treasurer for Student Council. A letterwoman in track, James won the Class A state championship in pole vaulting. She plans to study business or premedicine at the University of Oklahoma.
Quaid K. Johns
Ada High School
Johns is captain of the Ada High School Mock Trail Team and earned the Outstanding Attorney Award at the Mock Trial State Finals. He is president of National Honor Society, chairman of Teenage Republicans and participates in Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Academic Bowl. He also plays varsity baseball and basketball. Active in the Central Church of Christ youth group, Johns has completed more than 300 hours of community service. He plans to major in political science in college.
Ellen “Livvy” Jones
Pauls Valley High School
Jones was selected to participate in Girls State, the National Youth Leadership Forum in Medicine and the National Native American Youth Initiative program. She is active in Rotary Interact, Art Club, Young Democrats and the Oklahoma Indian Student Honor Society. She plays tennis and is a member of the Class 3A academic state champion teams in softball and cheerleading. Jones works part time as a kennel assistant at an animal hospital. She plans to major in art at Washington University in St. Louis.
Logan Jones
Cache High School
A National Merit Commended Student and Presidential Scholars nominee, Jones is drum major for the Cache High School band. He participates in Beta Club, Science Club, the Gifted and Talented Club, varsity soccer and the academic team. The recipient of many band honors, he was named first chair in alto saxophone in the regional honor band and concert bands and has been named to the Oklahoma Small Schools Band Directors Association Honor Band. Jones plans to major in computer science at the University of Oklahoma.
Sean Keller
Bartlesville High School
Keller is an Advanced Placement Scholar and University of Arkansas Honors College Fellowship finalist. A member of the National Society of High School Scholars, Keller is active in National Honor Society, Senior Service League and National Spanish Honor Society. He is a member of the Bartlesville High School varsity football and golf teams. Keller volunteers as a Book Buddy. He plans to major in accounting at the University of Arkansas.
Collin Kent
Booker T. Washington
A National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar, Kent is captain of the Policy Debate Team. He has won numerous first-place debate honors and has placed in several state and national tournaments. An International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate, Kent won third place in the 2006 National Religious Liberty Essay Contest. He is a graduate of Youth Leadership Tulsa and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program. He is active in his church youth group and competes in varsity cross country. Kent plans to major in political science in college. His brother Andrew was an All-Stater in 2003.
Katherine Knutter
Healdton High School
Knutter is an Oklahoma Academic Scholar and National Merit finalist who has been named a class valedictorian. A Girls State delegate, she is president of the Beta Club and senior representative to Student Council. She is saxophone section leader for her high school band and has won superior and outstanding rates in district and state contests. Outside of school, Knutter serves on the board of directors for the Healdton Youth Center and is a junior deaconess for the First Christian Church. She plans to major in English at the University of Oklahoma.
Krystal Nicole Krug
Lindsay High School
A valedictorian, National Merit finalist and State Regents Scholar, Krug has earned numerous awards during her high school career. She is a member of the National Honor Society and active in band, Spanish Club, FISH Club and Erin Springs Baptist Church youth group and praise band. For the past two years, Krug has tutored other students in need of academic assistance. Krug plans to major in accounting at Oklahoma State University.
Kaitlin Kruse
Adair High School
Kruse is captain of her school’s academic team and valedictorian of her senior class. A former state geometry champion, Kruse serves as a math analysis tutor and is active in Future Farmers of America and the school’s science club. She has served as secretary and treasurer of the Adair High School Future Farmers of America and competed in the 2006 state FFA agribusiness speech contest. She plans to major in biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma.
Meghan Leibold
Broken Arrow High School
An Advanced Placement Scholar and National Merit finalist, Leibold has received many academic awards for her achievements in science, history and English. She was nominated for the Global Young Leaders Conference, People to People Student Ambassador Program, Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program and the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award. Leibold serves on the excecutive board of the Student Council and is a member of the Young Republicans. She plans to major in international business at Southern Nazarene University.
Frank Lezu
Weatherford High School
Lezu is a valedictorian, National Merit finalist and Presidential Scholar nominee. He served as senate majority leader at the 2006 American Legion Boys State and is a member of Key Club International, the History Club and Calculus Club. A member of the Francis Tuttle Pre-Engineering Academy, Lezu is involved in the Early Bird Reading Program and volunteers as a tutor. He plans to study computer engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Allison Lyons
Edmond North High School
A valedictorian and Oklahoma State Regents Academic Scholar, Lyons is active in the National Honor Society, DECA and the Spanish club. She is a member of the Freshman Advisory Program, serving as a mentor to freshmen to ease their transition to high school. A longtime dancer, she served as captain of the Oklahoma division of the St. Louis Hoofer’s Club and danced competitively for the Star Steps Senior Dance Company. Lyons volunteers with elementary students through the varsity pom pon squad’s Pact Pals program. She plans to major in business/pre-law at Oklahoma State University.
Jessica Mary-Inez Mackiewicz
Deer Creek High School
Mackiewicz, a recipient of the Presidential Environmental Youth Award and the International Young Eco-Hero Award, also received the Gold Award, the highest honor given by the Girl Scouts. She is fluent in French, Spanish and Japanese, a language she taught herself using books and tapes. Mackiewicz served as a national student advisor for the 2006 American Master’s Project on the book My Antonia, and her article “The Innocence of Violence” was published in a collection of essays called Authors of Tomorrow. She plans to major in physics and Japanese at the University of Oklahoma.
Jonathan Mani
Mustang High School
A valedictorian, Mani coordinates community service efforts for the Mustang High School chapter of the National Honor Society and has served as a junior volunteer at the Integris Baptist Medical Center. He is a member of the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) and a member of the 2006 regional champion science bowl team, which competed nationally in Washington, D.C. Mani plans to major in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Mary Masterman
Westmoore High School
Masterman is an award-winning scientist who was named National Young Astronomer of the Year and recently competed against nearly 1,700 students to win the Intel Science Talent Search. An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Masterman won first place in physics at the 2006 Intel International Science Fair. She is active in the Oklahoma City Astronomy Club and volunteers with the Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank. Masterman, who plans to continue her academic career in physics, is also an accomplished musician on the piano, harp and flute.
Vasiliy Mayer
Ponca City High School
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Mayer is a National Merit finalist, nominee to the Global Youth Leadership Conference and winner of the calculus competition at the University of Oklahoma’s Engineering Day. He is active in his community, serving on the Ponca City Area Literacy Council and the ConocoPhillips Community Advisory Council. An accomplished pianist, Mayer is a member of the National Federation of Music Club and the National Piano-Playing Guild. He plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Cassandra Mickelson
Yukon High School
A National Merit Commended Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar, Mickelson is active in Future Farmers of America and the Oklahoma Junior Hereford Association. She has spent the past several years caring for and exhibiting a variety of livestock. Mickelson is an award-winning public speaker and member of the Yukon High School Academic Bowl team. She also spends time volunteering at the elementary school Spanish market and tutoring. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in agribusiness and animal science.
Ibrahim Mohedas
Ponca City High School
An Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and National Hispanic Scholar, Mohedas received Oklahoma Boys State’s H.V. Thorton Award for demonstrating qualities of democratic leadership, service and citizenship. For the past three years, he has lead fundraising efforts for the Ponca City Great Race Team to finance the group’s participation in the Great American Race, a coast-to-coast, timed road rally in antique cars. In addition to his interest in antique automobiles, Mohedas is actively involved in community service through the Leo Club and Habitat for Humanity. He plans to major in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas.
Brodie Montgomery
Comanche High School
A valedictorian and senior class president, Montgomery serves as captain of the Comanche High School academic team and treasurer of Student Council. Recognized as Masonic Student of Today, he is actively involved in his community. He has volunteered for the Angel Food program, Toys for Tots and a Thanksgiving canned food drive. Montgomery also partnered with a classmate to design a web page for their church youth group, which earned state and national awards. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in accounting.
Kelsey G. Murray
Edmond Memorial High School
Murray, an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar and University of Oklahoma Regents Scholar, received Distinguished Merit from OU’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications for a sports feature published in the Edmond Public Schools’ newspaper. She is a member of the Youth Council of Oklahoma City and president of Read ‘N Feed Book Discussion. A Principal’s Advisory Leadership Service advisor, Murray volunteers for Breakfast on Boulevard and the Edmond Community Thanksgiving dinner. She plans to major in broadcast journalism at the University of Oklahoma.
Amy Myers
Fletcher High School
Myers is valedictorian and president of the Student Council. An active member of DECA, she received the National Award of Excellence and the state championship as reporter in the advertising campaign competition. She has earned numerous outstanding student awards and serves on the Fletcher High School Community Awareness Team. A four-year member of her school’s volleyball team, Myers served as team captain this year and received all-area volleyball honors. She plans to attend Oklahoma State University.
Logan Neufeld
Fairview High School
A Presidential Scholar nominee and State Regents Scholar, Neufeld is a member of his school’s Student Council, Academic Bowl team and 30+ Club for earning a 30 or above on the ACT. An active member of the Mennonite Brethren youth group, Neufeld has participated in several mission trips and regularly volunteers for fundraising activities for overseas relief through the Mennonite Central Committee. He serves as vice president of Northwest Technology Center’s Business Professionals of America and was selected for the center’s Superintendent’s Leadership Class. Neufeld plans to major in computer science at Neumont University in Salt Lake City.
Sissie Nie
Edmond Santa Fe High School
Nie is a National Merit finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and Academic Team All-Stater. As president of her school’s National Honor Society, she coordinates volunteer activities and assists in organizing events, such as a food drive and Special Olympics bowling. Nie was appointed by the Edmond mayor to serve as the youth board member on the City of Edmond Arts and Humanities Council. She is a member of the Edmond Centennial Fountain Youth Committee and has participated in the Youth Leadership Exchange Program. An entrepreneur who started her own fashion accessories business as a junior in high school, Nie plans to major in business and public relations in college.
Kristen Osiek
Cushing High School
A National Merit finalist, Osiek is a United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Osiek is active in her school’s band program, serving as field commander and participating in the symphonic band and jazz ensemble. For the past three years, she has been named to the All-Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-State Honor Band. Osiek is also active in her church, participating in a mission trip, serving as a counselor at children’s camp and teaching vacation bible school. She plans to major in music business at Oklahoma City University.
Jamie Lee Anne Pelfrey
Maysville High School
Among her many academic awards, Pelfrey received the American Legion Certificate of Superior Achievement and has been named a semifinalist for the Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship from the National Society of High School Scholars. She is captain of her school’s academic team and president of the National Honor Society. As an athlete, she has been recognized as Most Valuable Player and Best Defensive Player for the Maysville varsity fast-pitch softball team. Pelfrey, who aspires to be a NASA astronaut, plans to major in aerospace engineering at Oklahoma State University.
Cody Wade Piersall
El Reno High School
A National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar, Piersall, is president of his school’s National Honor Society and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. He serves as captain of the academic team and has qualified for the state tennis tournament the past two years. Active in his church and community, Piersall participated in a mission trip to Mexico and has volunteered many hours to the El Reno Fire Department, Canadian Valley Red Cross and El Reno Main Street. Piersall plans to earn a degree in engineering.
Taymoor Pilehvar
Carl Albert High School
Pilehvar is a valedictorian and an Oklahoma Academic Scholar. As president of Key Club and a student member of Kiwanis, he is active in his community and was honored with the Mid-America Kiwanis Club Outstanding Citizenship Award. Pilehvar was inducted into the Carl Albert High School Hall of Fame and named to the academic state championship wrestling team. As a Boys State delegate, he was elected commissioner of labor at the state level, and his city won the prestigious City of Excellence Award. Pilehvar plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in pre-veterinary medicine.
Danni Powell
Muldrow High School
Powell, a National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar, spends much of her time giving back to her school and community. As a sophomore, she founded HOPE: Helping Others Pursue Education, a church-based peer tutoring group, which she continues to lead. Her church and community activities include Pulse Ministries Core Leadership and Relay for Life. Powell serves as president of her school’s National Beta Club and is an active member of TEEN Coalition, the Theta Pi Science Club and the high school competitive speech team.
Dylan Powell
Ponca City High School
A National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors, Powell takes courses through the local branch of the Oklahoma School for Science and Mathematics. He is treasurer of Key Club and a member of Ponca City High School’s National Honor Society and Renaissance Leadership Team. He tutors elementary students each week and volunteers at the First Lutheran Church preparing PowerPoint slides for worship services. A Boys State delegate, Powell serves as a member of the Ponca City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Megan McRae Prescott
Byng High School
Prescott is an active leader in her school, serving as president of the senior class, Business Professionals of America, Beta Club, and the Math and Science Club. She has earned many academic achievements, including winning second place in the Oklahoma State Fair Scholars Competition and earning second place honors in state and eighth place nationally in the Beta Convention Math Competition. A Girls State delegate, Prescott has been recognized by her community’s Kiwanis and Rotary clubs as an outstanding student. She plans to attend the University of Washington, majoring in marine biology and oceanography.
Jamie Quitoriano
Kingfisher High School
A Girls State delegate, Quitoriano was named to the National English Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society. She is president of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and president of the Kingfisher Regional Hospital Student Governing Board. Quitoriano serves as editor of both the newspaper and yearbook at Kingfisher High School. Her community involvement includes volunteering with the Red Cross, Lords Table, Battered Women’s Shelter and Regional Food Bank. She plans to major in pre-medicine at an Oklahoma university.
Katherine Rhine
Claremore High School
Rhine, an Advanced Placement Scholar and Oklahoma State Regents Scholar, is a member of the state championship-winning academic team from Claremore. As an active member of her school’s Young Democrats chapter, Rhine serves as president and has volunteered in state and congressional campaigns. She is also president of the Native American Club and vice president of the math club. Rhine is in the process of establishing Emerald Earth Couture, an apparel business designed to promote earth-friendly products. She plans to major in chemical and biomedical engineering at the University of Oklahoma.
Betsy Riley
Poteau High School
Riley is a member of the National Honor Society and National Indian Honor Society and she serves as captain of her school’s Academic Bowl team. She has visited several countries, including Scotland, Italy and Greece, and spent her junior year of high school in France as part of a one-year student exchange program. In addition to her academic achievements, she is a member of the marching and concert bands, captain of the varsity soccer team and a member of the Poteau High Advisory Team. She plans to attend Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
John W. Romanishin
Norman High School
Romanishin, an Eagle Scout, is a National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. He is active on his school’s debate team, qualifying for the national tournament in policy debate, and serves as president and primary builder for Botball, the robotics club and competitive team. He is also president of the Mu Alpha Theta math club and volunteers with Link-Crew, a group that assists freshmen during their first year of high school. An avid bicyclist, Romanishin established a bike club at his high school. He plans to major in physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Garrett Rosser
Checotah High School
Rosser is a valedictorian and was named to the National Society of High School Scholars. As a member of the National Honor Society, he has assisted with the local Angel Tree program and other food drives and performs with the school choir at local events. Treasurer of the Spanish club and member of his school’s select choir, Rosser is also active in his church and community. The leader of Teens for Christ, Rosser has participated in mission trips and served as a leader at children’s church camp. Rosser plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in criminal justice.
Krystal Roush
Westmoore High School
A National Merit finalist and member of the National Honor Society, Roush is active in several Westmoore High School organizations, including the Stomp Team, Model United Nations, Ebony Society and STAND (A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition). She is an active member of her high school music program. For the past two years, she has led the marching band as drum major and band council representative and was selected for the Central Oklahoma Band Directors Association All-Region Band.
Samuel Scharff
Edmond Memorial High School
Scharff, a Presidential Scholar nominee, National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, participated in the national Congressional Youth Leadership Conference and National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. Active in his community, Scharff is a member of Youth Leadership Edmond and the Edmond Youth Council. His school activities include school mascot, jazz and symphonic band member and the National Honor Society. Scharff, an Oklahoma Boys State delegate, also teaches Hebrew to seventh graders each week. He plans to major in pre-medicine in college.
Preston Seaberg
Tecumseh High School
A high school valedictorian, Seaberg is an active member of his school’s academic team, Beta Club, Student Council and Spanish club. He is also a member of the Oklahoma Honor Society and the National Honor Society. As a volunteer in his school and community, Seaberg earned the President’s Student Service Challenge Award for completing more than 135 volunteer hours. He plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Scott Andrew Sheppard
Eisenhower High School
A National Merit finalist and Presidential Scholar nominee, Sheppard is involved in his school’s National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and student government cabinet. He plays varsity golf and is a four-year member of the academic team. Active in the community, Sheppard has volunteered more than 150 hours through Key Club and serves on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Committee, working to protect elk and other wildlife. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.
Emily Singletary
Jenks High School
Singletary is a Presidential Scholar candidate, Advanced Placement Scholar and National Merit finalist. Her academic achievements and community service efforts have earned Singletary consideration for Jenks High School’s Distinguished Graduate and Distinguished Service Graduate honors. In addition to her participation in the American Cancer Society’s local Relay for Life as a committee chair, she serves as a board member for her school’s chapter of Key Club and volunteers weekly at the Red Cross. Singletary is an accomplished violist who has earned excellent and superior ratings at both the regional and state levels. She plans to earn a degree in international business. Her sister Sarah was an Academic All-Stater in 2005.
Austin Tanner Slaymaker
Blanchard High School
Elected governor at Oklahoma Boys State, Slaymaker is a valedictorian and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. A recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, he volunteers for Muscular Dystrophy Association events and assists with Oklahoman’s Without Limits activities. He was selected as a member of the Oklahoma Baptist All-State Choir and serves as an officer for several school organizations, including Student Council, National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Slaymaker plans to major in political science at the University of Oklahoma.
Paula Diane Smithheisler
Tonkawa High School
Smithheisler, a member of the National Honor Society and Oklahoma Honor Society, was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution as Outstanding American History Student. She earned second-place honors in the Kay Electric Cooperative Youth Tour essay and speech competition and reviews young adult books in a column, “The Library Shelf,” for her local weekly newspaper. The captain of her school’s Academic Quiz Bowl team and active in band, Smithheisler has been a member of the Kay County 4-H group and the Single Action Shooting Society for several years. Smithheisler plans to attend Oklahoma State University, majoring in agriculture.
Amy Stinnett
Lindsay High School
Stinnett, a valedictorian and member of the Oklahoma Honor Society, received the American Legion Leadership Award and serves as president of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Vice president of the senior class and member of the Spanish Club, Stinnett also writes school news for her local newspaper. She is active in her church, participating in several mission trips to Arizona, Panama and Mexico. Stinnett plans to earn a journalism degree at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Ryan Thomas
Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences
An aspiring filmmaker, Thomas earned the rank of Eagle Scout by producing a documentary for the MS Foundation, which continues to be used by the organization. He is a National Merit finalist and captain of his school’s area champion Academic Bowl team. Through participation in Southminster Presbyterian youth group, Thomas has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and assisted with relief work in New Orleans. He participated in the People to People Future Leaders Summit at Columbia University and was invited to attend the Chicago Leadership Summit. Thomas plans to attend the University of Tulsa, majoring in film studies.
Kara Tobey
Edmond Memorial High School
Tobey is a National Merit finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar and class valedictorian. She is active in Spanish Club, National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. In addition to her academic achievements, Tobey was named to the All-Edmond Girls Cross-Country and Track teams. An active member of her church youth group, she has participated in several mission trips and serves on the youth leadership team. Tobey plans to attend Harding University in Searcy, Ark.
Chris Trulock
Midwest City High School
A Phi Beta Kappa scholarship recipient, Trulock is a National Merit finalist, Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and alumnus of the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. He is a member of his school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, a junior Rotarian and an academic tutor. An accomplished musician, Trulock is active in Midwest City High School’s concert, marching and jazz bands as well as his church orchestra. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, majoring in biochemical engineering.
Jackson Turner
Putnam City West High School
An Eagle Scout, Turner has been named a National Merit Scholar and Advanced Placement Scholar. Among his academic achievements, Turner received his school’s Outstanding Achievement in Science award and was named Junior Scientist by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. He also spent a summer volunteering in the immunobiology and cancer research lab at OMRF. Turner, a four-year member of both the cross country and wrestling teams, is active in his First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, participating in several mission trips. He plans to major in biochemistry.
Tyler Van Arsdale
Ponca City High School
Van Arsdale, a National Merit finalist, is a member of his school’s National Honor Society and president of the Asian club. He works with Ponca City’s Rotary Club to host the “Wings of Rotary” program, which involves entertaining Japanese students for a few days each spring. Van Arsdale is an avid photographer who donated his services to a local child advocacy center to create a promotional virtual panoramic tour. He plans to major in business at Oklahoma State University.
Sydney Vanhooser
Enid High School
A National Merit Commended Scholar, Vanhooser earned the National Forensic League’s Degree of Excellence. She is vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Spanish club, Delta Theta math club and Student Council. As a freshman, she received the Golden Eagle Award for service, leadership and character. Vanhooser is an accomplished musician, performing with Enid Symphony Orchestra and Oklahoma Youth Orchestra. She was named co-concert mistress for the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Vanhooser plans to major in music and English at the University of Oklahoma.
Rebecca Walker
Booker T. Washington High School
Walker is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and candidate for the International Baccalaureate diploma. She serves on the executive board of her school’s National Honor Society chapter and as a member of Key Club. She spends time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters in her community. As an athlete, she is captain of the varsity cross country team and has earned All-District honors for her achievements on the soccer field. Walker plans to major in international relations.
Zhu (Judy) Wang
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
Because of her achievements in science, Wang was named a Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar by the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF). Wang, a Ponca City resident, was invited to conduct biomedical research at the foundation and published a scientific paper based on her findings. A National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor, Wang competes on the debate and academic teams. She also served as vice president and judicial attorney for the Ponca City Youth and Government chapter and co-founded Bibliophiles Anonymous. Wang plans to major in biological sciences at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Michael D. Watson
Ardmore High School
Watson is a National Merit Scholar, Distinguished Honor Scholar and Oklahoma Scholar. An Eagle Scout, he is active in drama and debate, earning fourth place at the national Lincoln-Douglas debate as an eighth-rader. He is a member of the marching and concert bands and was named to the All-District band for the past five years. Watson also volunteers regularly at the community soup kitchen. He plans to major in computer science at the University of Oklahoma.
Casey Weaver
Sallisaw High School
A National Merit finalist, Weaver is captain of the Sallisaw academic team, president of the math and science club, and member of the high school marching band and jazz band. As a member of his school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, he volunteers for the local Department of Human Service’s babysitting service and restocks the Catholic Charities’ food pantry. He plans to major in music at the University of Oklahoma.
Kenneth Whitmore
Shawnee High School
Whitmore is a National Merit Commended Scholar and was named Academic All-Star by First United Bank. The captain of his school’s academic team and member of the National Honor Society, Whitmore placed third and second at the National High School Mathematics Championship in 2005 and 2006 respectively. He is a two-time member of the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute Orchestra and performs with his high school band, the Shawnee Community Orchestra and his church choir. He plans to major in physics at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo.
Hillary Wiener
Stillwater High School
A National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar, Wiener is a member of her school’s drama and debate team and president of the National Forensics League. She is active in several school organizations, serving as president of the National Honor Society and secretary of the French club. As a member of Beta Club, she participates in a youth mentoring program and is the founding member and coordinator of the recycling crew. She serves as co-teacher of a children’s cooking class and assists with children’s programs at the local library. Wiener plans to attend Carleton College in Northfield, Minn.
Chelsea Word
Arnett High School
A class valedictorian, Word is active in Beta Club, PEER Mediation and athletics. She volunteers in her community, organizing blood drives, working as a fundraiser for groups such as St. Jude’s and Ronald McDonald House, and participating in Cystic Fibrosis Foundation events. She was named to the All-Tournament Team during the state basketball tournament and was recognized as Most Valuable Player at the Canton Invitational Basketball Tournament. Word plans to study nutrition at Oklahoma State University.
Jing Yan
Stillwater High School
A National Merit finalist and Advanced Placement Scholar, Yan received the National Science League Award in Chemistry and the United States Achievement Academy Science Award. She is an active member of the debate team, National Honor Society, International Club and Future Business Leaders of America, and founder of the Stillwater High School chapter of the Junior Statesmen of America. As a certified interpreter and teacher by the International English Education Research Association, Yan is founder and teacher of a Chinese class in Stillwater and volunteered to teach English to elementary and junior high school students in a Chinese village.