Introducing: Kaleena Pickett
Head of the class
By Katie Loftis
Having mastered school for the past 13 years, Kaleena Pickett plans to attend Texas Tech University to further her education. Driven by her dedication and motivation to become successful, Pickett aims high for a position as an anesthesiologist.
Her interest in pre-medicine was fueled by Mr. Abrams’ biology class.
“Mr. Abrams always supported me and was like a second father to me,” Pickett said.
Taking all that she could from her high school years, she says she’ll always remember with pride the Friday night lights and making it to the third round of playoffs.
As valedictorian, Pickett will lead the Class of 2013 graduation ceremony, one of the proudest moments of her life so far.
She is the daughter of Dennis and Misty Pickett.
In 10 words:
“I am dedicated, determined, motivated and driven to be successful.”
Introducing: Desiree Cruz
Practicing medicine in honor of mom
By Mariah Klosterman
Slightly weird, smart and creative is how the Class of 2013 Salutatorian Desiree Cruz describes herself. The daughter of Ronnica and Michael Cruz, she has attended Wylie schools since first grade.
Her favorite high school memory is going to games as a sports medicine trainer.
She plans to attend the University of Texas in Austin to fulfill her dreams in majoring in medical engineering. She chose this major so she could help others with diseases, without actually being a doctor.
“My mom has multiple sclerosis so I want to give something back to others like her,” Cruz said.
She attributes her mother with her decision to pursue this degree.
“Thank you for being an important part of my life, by teaching me, providing for me and by supporting my decisions along the way.”
In 10 words:
“I am slightly weird, smart, creative and dislike describing myself.”
Introducing Aubree’ Keller
Still acting up in college
By: Carley Rogers
Aubree’ Keller is one of eight who won a Birmingham scholarship. Daughter of Brandon Keller and Susan Arnold, she’s attended Wylie schools since the sixth grade.
“I was most proud to go to Wylie schools when I heard of East’s growing status as a theatrical power house in the district,” Keller said.
Her favorite class while attending East was Main stage with Mrs. Andrea Farnham. Her favorite high school memory are her One Act competitions.
“I love performance arts because it is creative and doesn’t function as a formula. There is room to experiment and try new things,” Keller said.
She attributes to her hardest class and biggest obstacle to calculus.
After graduating she plans on attending Transyvania in Lexington. During college she plans on majoring in Performing arts due Farnhm’s influence.
“She gave me the opportunity and power to explore my performance genre.Thank you for that,” Keller said.
In 10 words:
“History has her eyes on you dear; you are chronometrable.”
Introducing: Kevin Saygi
Playing with electricity
By Brandy Jones
Kevin Saygi, son of Ronica and Farck Saygi, moved to Wylie in eighth grade. He plans to attend Texas A&M in College Station and major in Electrical Engineering.
“I spent a year in TPSP exploring the disciplines; electrical matched me the most,” Saygi said.
His favorite class is TPSP. He says his proudest moment of the year was creating an instrumental class for junior high students.
“TPSP prepared me for the real world,” Saygi said.
His favorite memory was starting the zip tie scare, a prank students pulled where they would secretly zip tie their friends’ belongings together. From back pack zippers, to strapping unbeknownst students to their own chairs, pranksters had to be sneaky to pull off the trick.
In 10 words:
“I’m the one, the powerful, supreme overlord of the World.”
Introducing: Jack Huey
Genetics Goal
By Sam Ochoa
Jack Huey has attended school in Wylie since Kindergarten. He plans to graduate from Texas A&M at College Station with a major in Genetics.
“I want to research the human genome,” Huey said.
Jack’s favorite class is Texas Performance Standards Project, TPSP because it allows him to explore genetics.
Huey’s parents, Boyce Huey and Annette Clark, have influenced his future plans the most.
“They have supported me every step of the way,” Huey said. “Thank you for supporting me in everything I do. I wouldn’t be where I am if it was not for you.”
A life moment Huey is most proud of is whenever he received his class rank, XXX. He has come a long way and plans to have a successful future.
In 10 words:
“I am curious, kind and motivated to leave a legacy.”
Introducing: Kayla Mayberry
Painting her way to UT
By Raymond Huber
Kayla Mayberry is another recipient of a Birmingham scholarship. She is the Daughter of Kim and Gary Mayberry and has attended Wylie schools all of her life.
Mayberry plans on going to the University of Texas at Austin and majoring in Studio Art.
“I chose this major because I love drawing, painting and taking photographs. It is my dream to be a free-lance artist,” Mayberry said.
She gives the credit to her mother for her future plans.
“My mother was an artist and used to spend time drawing with me. She helped me realize my talent,” Mayberry said.
The moment that she is most proud of is succeeding in getting into the fine art program at UT Austin.
“I had to submit a portfolio. So not everyone who applies gets accepted.”
Her favorite high school memory was being part of the National Honor Society. It allowed her to volunteer and help others.
Her favorite Class is AP studio art.
“I enjoy getting to make art at school,” Mayberry said
In 10 words:
“Open minded, quiet and trustworthy; Person who loves creating art.”
Introducing Breanna Figuly
A Force to reckon with
By Kiera Bell
As one out of eight students, senior Breanna Figuly, daughter of Judy and Robert Figuly, was rewarded with a Birmingham Scholarship.
Figuly has attended school in the Wylie Independent School District all the way from Kindergarten to her current senior year. After high school, she plans on majoring in Astronautical Engineering at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
“I’m interested in working for NASA after I retire from the USAF,” said Figuly, “just to secure some money for when I’m older.”
Figuly’s activities and connections made in JROTC have greatly impacted her way of thinking and her thoughts on the future. She gives a great deal of credit to Sergeant Colonel Wilbanks, Master Sergeant Smith, Master Sergeant Amos, Colonel Jones and her Physics Teacher, Mr. Pruit, for their continued support and encouragement.
“They have allowed me to become a devoted student, cadet and community leader,” Figuly said. “Thank you for the discipline, sacrifices, mentoring, and support these four years. Thank you for giving me the vision of success and the skillfulness to achieve anything I set my mind to!”
Figuly was also chosen as the North Texas cadet to receive the Bronze Patrick Henry award during Cadet command and Staff school during the summer of 2011.
In 10 words:
“Picture a novice (socially inept), now an extraordinary ring leader.”
Introducing: Leslie Snider
Scoring goals in Abilene
Leslie Snider is the daughter of Tony and Beth Snider. She has attended Wylie schools since Kindergarten.
She will play soccer at Abilene Christian University in the fall.
She says her family has impacted her future plans the most because she tries to follow in their footsteps.
“I appreciate the support and guidance my family provided and I thank them for that,” Snider said.
Her favorite high school memory was honoring a fallen Raider.
“WEHS put on a car wash for Nahum. We earned $10,000,” Snider said.
Moments of pride in her life stem from both academics and athletics. She not only qualified for the Birmingham scholarship, but received district Most Valuable Player in girls soccer for two years in a row.
Snider’s favorite class at East was Mr. Jeff Hattaway’s calculus class last year.
“He was an awesome teacher and mentor,” Snider said.
In 10 words:
“I am a Christian young lady who wants to achieve.”