BROOKESMITH – Karolina Mata is the valedictorian and Autumn Petross is the salutatorian for Brookesmith High School’s Class of 2021.
Brookesmith will hold its graduation at 7 p.m. Friday, May 28 at the high school football field.
Mata said of earning the valedictorian honor, “It feels great because it’s showing all my hard work, those late nights studying paid off for something. It feels really good to be valedictorian. I was surprised. I knew it was a really close race between quite a few people. I was really scared about that, and I really was surprised because I didn’t expect it.”
Mata intends to attend Howard Payne and pursue a career in the teaching field.
“I want to become a teacher and hopefully in five years I’ll be done with college by then,” Mata said. “I can see myself teaching somewhere, maybe not in a humongous school, maybe I’ll want to start off small first then slowly get up there. But I see myself being a teacher.”
Reflecting on her time in high school, Mata took part in basketball, tennis and track, where she advanced to regionals in the discus this past spring. Mata also served as the videographer for football, competed in UIL activities and was accepted into the National Honor Society.
As for her fondest memories in the classroom, Mata said, “My favorite class is math and the teacher we have now, Coach (Darrin) Barrow, he’s a pretty good teacher. I really enjoy him teaching math.”
Petross said of her status as salutatorian, “I worked really hard, I really wanted to get valedictorian but if anyone was to beat me I’m glad it was (Mata) because we have worked really hard to get where we are. To be salutatorian is just as great as valedictorian. I knew who the top three were of our class, I knew I was up there. When I found out I was salutatorian I was happy. It was really amazing feeling when I found out.”
Petross is bound for Tarleton where she intends to study nursing with a goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.
Looking ahead five to 10 years, Petross said, “I see myself having my bachelor’s and working. I want to move out of a small town, I see myself working in a bigger city and being a pediatric nurse in one of the head pediatric departments in a big city.”
During her high school career Petross competed in UIL spelling, but spent the bulk of her extra time taking dual course classes.
“The last two years I’ve taken four dual credit classes to get ahead on my college,” Petross said. “I also work a part time job at United.”
Like Mata, Petross’ favorite subject was math and, “my favorite teacher who has taught me math is Mrs. (Mitsy) Paz.”
Both students expressed thanks to their families for supporting them through their academic endeavors.
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BROWN COUNTY VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN SCHEDULE
May 18 – Blanket, Brookesmith
May 19 – May, Zephyr
May 20 – Early, Bangs
May 21 – Brownwood