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Valedictorians, Graduates of Distinction and Honor prepare for final walk
News
May 9, 2024
Valedictorians, Graduates of Distinction and Honor prepare for final walk
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER

Checotah High School (CHS) announced their Class of 2024 Valedictorians, Graduate of Distinction and Graduate of Honor this past month. Now the Class of 2024 looks forward to their next chapter in life as they all prepare for their final walk across the stage that is only two weeks away.

Seven seniors will share the spotlight of being the top of their class this year. They are Brooke Creekmore, Marcela Wilmoth, Elisabeth Ortiz, Alexander Moffitt, Austin Shreves, Alexis Duval and Regan Westbrook.

Valedictorian Brooke Creekmore

Brooke Alan Creekmore is the daughter of Linda Creekmore.

Brooke has participated in Student Council, National Honor Society (NHS), Business Professionals of America (BPA), Yearbook and Spirit Club. Her extra-curricular activities outside of school have included volunteering and working at Marshall Elementary for the 21st Century After-School Program during the week.

Brook’s favorite teacher has been Mrs. Tara Dearman and her favorite class has been Yearbook.

“Yearbook has been a high responsibility class and taken a lot of hard work and dedication,” Brooke said. “The satisfaction and joy though that this has brought me is unlike any other when it all pays off in the end. Mrs. Dearman has been my favorite teacher because she has taken the time to understand me as a person, adapted to how I need to do certain things, and uplifted my spirits each day. She made school more like a job I want to do, rather than the chore that inconvenienced me.

“I don’t necessarily have a favorite memory from high school because every day brings more memories, and even if the day was bad, there was always something good underlining it. I always had things and people I loved around me every day throughout the years. Every memory is a favorite, because they brought me to where I am now and made me who I am. So for that, I am grateful for each and every precious memory.”

Brooke also wanted to say thank you to her mother, Linda Creekmore (Millican), who always supported her in whatever she chose to do.

“Thank you, Mom, for always being beside me and sacrificing whatever was needed to make me happy and successful.”

Brooke plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater this fall and major in Aerospace Engineering.

Valedictorian Marcela Wilmoth

Marcela Wilmoth is the daughter of Kimberly Wilmoth & Daniel Wilmoth.

Marcela has participated in several school clubs and sports to include Student Council, Spanish Club, Business Professionals of America, National Honor Society, Swim Team, Track and Field and Football Manager.

“My first swim meet in high school is definitely my favorite memory from high school,” Marcela said. “My favorite teacher though has been Mrs. Looper because she helped me to excel in math.”

Marcela wanted to say thank you to all of her family and friends, especially her mom.

“I want to thank my mom for always supporting me in everything I do.” Marcela’s plan for after high school is to attend Austin College and double major in International Relations and International Business.

Valedictorian Elisabeth Ortiz

Elisabeth Lynne Ortiz is the daughter of Stephen and Elisa Ortiz.

Elisabeth has enjoyed participating in many school clubs or sports to include Student Council, Business Professionals of America, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Art Club, Spirit Club, Homecoming Float Committee, Prom Committee, Swim Team, Track and Field and Football Manager.

Her extra-curricular activities outside of school include Teens for Christ and Muskogee Swim Sharks Club Team.

“My favorite memory from high school has been being on the Checotah High School swim Team and spending time with my coach and teammates,” Elisabeth said. “Mrs. Elisa Ortiz has been my favorite teacher not only because she is my mom, but also for the love we both share for the arts. We can also throw ideas back and forth at each other for new art.”

Elisabeth would like to say a big thank you to her family and friends.

“Thank you to my parents who have always been there and guided me through high school, and to my friends who have made these years more enjoyable.”

Elisabeth’s plan after high school is to attend Rogers State University in Claremore, OK, and major in psychology and art.

Valedictorian Alexander Moffitt

Alexander Thomas Moffitt is the son of Richard Moffitt and grandson of Vivian Moffitt.

Alexander has been the Vice-President of the Checotah Senior Class and has enjoyed participating in Student Council, National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America and CHS Football.

His extra-curricular activities outside of school have included working out, making money and hanging out with friends.

“My favorite memory has been my senior year in high school playing football with teammates and learning from all my coaches,” Alexander said. “My favorite teacher has been Mrs. Sarah Dennis because she’s the “goat.”

Alexander sends this message to his family and friends: “Dear Family and Friends, As I stand on the brink of a new chapter, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering support. You have guided me through every triumph and challenge. To my incredible parents, your sacrifices and belief in me have been my foundation. To my siblings, your encouragement has fueled my journey. And to my friends, your laughter and belief in one another has been my lifeline. Together, we’ve shared unforgettable moments that shaped who I am today. Through our journey, I’ve learned the power of support. Your presence has been my greatest gift, propelling me forward and shaping my success. As I move forward, I’m committed to carrying your values with me. I pledge to pay your kindness forward and cherish our bonds always. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for shaping my journey. Here’s to the future, filled with gratitude and endless possibility.

With love, Alex” Alexander plans to go to college to pursue a future in the medical field.

Valedictorian Austin Shreves

Austin Shreves is the son of James Shreves.

Austin has been a part of the National Honor Society while at Checotah High School.

“My favorite memories from high school have been meeting new people,” Austin said. “I’ve had two favorite teachers also, Mrs. Scroggins and Mrs. Burris, who are both very kind and easy to talk to.”

Austin wishes to thank his family and friends.

“I want to thank my family and friends because I would not have been able to be this successful without them. And a special thanks to my father, because he did a great job of raising me and he is the main reason I’m doing so well today.”

Austin’s plans after high school are to go to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.

Graduate of Distinction – Alexis Duval Alexis Vali Duval is the daughter of Sara Lynn Duval.

Alexis has participated in several school clubs to include Checotah High School Band, Checotah Jazz Band, National Honor Society and the Business Professionals of America.

“My favorite memory from high school was eating lunch with the robotics team in Mrs. Fowler’s classroom all of my freshman year,” Alexis said. “Mrs. Fowler has also been my favorite teacher because we have good and easy conversations.”

Alexis would like to thank her family and friends.

“I want to thank my mom Sara, Matt and Rachelle, and everybody who has supported me throughout the years.”

Alexis plans after high school are to go to Oklahoma State University.

Graduate of Honor – Regan Westbrook Regan Westbrook is the daughter of Desiree and Ryan Westbrook.

Regan has been the Senior Class President, National Honor Society President, Spanish Club President and Business Professionals of America Media Manager. She has also enjoyed participating in Student Council and National Art Honor Society.

“My favorite memories from high school are the rap battles students used to have outside during lunch hour,” Regan said. “My favorite teacher has been Mrs. Looper who has always been helpful during class and makes sure every one of her students get the help they need. She is very kind and never gives up on you, even when you can’t seem to get it right.”

Regan wants to thank all her family and friends.

“I would like to thank my parents for guiding me through high school. I would also like to thank my grandmas and aunts for being there for me no matter what and my friends who made it so memorable.”

Regan plans to attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

Checotah Public Schools will host their CHS Senior Baccalaureate on Sunday, May 19 at 5 p.m. at the Checotah Performing Arts Center and the Class of 2024 will graduate at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 at the Myrtle Wallace Frost Event Center.

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