EARLY – The Early High School Class of 2023 will graduate at 8 p.m. Friday, May 19 at Longhorn Stadium. Leading the way at the top of the class are valedictorian Michael Morales and salutatorian Yasmin Ibarra.

Morales is the son of David and Peggy Morales and Ibarra is the daughter of Rogelio and Ernestina Ibarra, and both credited their standing in the class with the work ethic they exhibited over four years of high school.

“I worked hard and whenever I saw that I got it I was kind of surprised, but I’m very thankful for all the teachers that helped guide me through this process, especially all the AP teachers like Ms. Dunlap, Coach Jones and Mr. Ritter,” Morales said. “It’s very important to me because this class is very close and we’ve made strides in making Early such a great place both athletically and academically. It’s been really special to represent this wonderful class.”

Ibarra added, “I knew I was in the Top 5, but there was a competition with the person right behind me so it was a little bit of surprise, but I hoped it was me. In my opinion Val and Sal are just the hardest workers. I don’t think by any means does it mean the smartest people in the class. I don’t feel that way about myself, but I worked really hard to get the grades I get and I juggle a lot of other things like drill team and having a job, too. There’s a lot of time I have to spend on my school work specifically, so I’m really proud of myself and my family’s proud of me.”

Morales will continue his education at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

“It’s a Catholic university and my Catholic faith is very important to me,” Morales said. “Also, there’s a strong bond of community like I received at Early High School. It’s a big DI school with big sports, but also the undergrad program is pretty selective and small and tight. Even though it’s so far from home, it’ll be the same kind of community feel where I grew up. My interests are something in business whether that’s economics or finance, but I’m also contemplating a pre-law program of some sort, going that route. Maybe I’ll go into financial consulting, maybe helping people invest, or maybe I’ll be a lawyer or attorney of some sort.”

Ibarra is staying closer to home and will remain a Longhorn as she is attending the University of Texas.

“It’s a more prestigious school in Texas and it’s a great honor just to be accepted there,” Ibarra said. “The scariest part was getting into Moody (College of Communication) because I know that and McCombs (School of Business) are very competitive. I was super scared that I wouldn’t. I’m majoring in journalism but I really want to be a teacher. I think before I’m a teacher I want to pursue other things like work in the media, maybe some newspaper work in a city, just to get some experience. I feel like you have to get some experience before you can teach.”

During high school Morales was involved in numerous activities and organizations, including National Honor Society where he served as President. He listed football, baseball and Community Problem Solving among his most favorite activities.

“I’m a big sports guy and I love the team oriented aspect of football and baseball and working together with some of your brothers,” Morales said. “On the academic side, I was in Community Problem Solving this year and we find a pressing issue in our community as a whole, we investigate it and do research, then we set up a project and raise money toward that project. This year we chose the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center and that’s been a really special experience because for all my life they’ve always had struggles like budget issues or volunteer issues. We were able to raise a lot of money and go out there and help clean up the kennels, walk the dogs, so we’ve not only seen the impact we’ve made on the building itself, but more people are adopting dogs now that we’ve gone out and spread awareness for the project and told about their pressing issues.”

Among Ibarra’s activities, she is a two-time Global Issues Individual Problem Solving State Champion, but she credits the Belles drill team for helping shape who she’s become.

“I was a social officer in the Belles last year and a lieutenant this year,” Ibarra said. “The Belles really taught me a lot. I wasn’t very confident and didn’t put myself out there before I was in Belles. That really gave me room to grow in a lot of aspects with my confidence and my leadership skills. I really love those girls and they were like a second family to me.”

Regarding what they will miss most about their time at Early High School, Morales said, “Definitely my friends and the special, goofy conversations at the lunch table. Also, the relationships I have with my teachers – them being so personable and being able to go up to them after class if you have questions. That’s a perk of going to a small school because they really know you, not just on the academic side but your home life and they check in with you.”

Ibarra added, “I really think the teachers. I was student body president this year, student council all four years, I was in honor society, and Ms. Dunlap, Ms. Atkinson and Ms. Fowler helped run those. I feel like I have a really close bond with them, I’ve had them every single year for one class or another. It’s going to be hard to be away from them.”

Asked what advice they would offer younger students hoping to one day graduate at the top of their class, Ibarra said, “Just work hard, don’t give up and don’t doubt yourself. I definitely did that but I received a lot of words of affirmation from my family and friends to believe in myself. I would just say believe in yourself and you can do anything you set your mind to do.”

Morales added, “Work hard, that’s the main part, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Your junior year is a step up. Freshman year is a step up from middle school, but your junior year is very challenging and really separated us. At times it could seem overwhelming, but eventually you get used to it. Just take it a day at a time and work hard.”

Both students also extended a thank you to those who helped them achieved their status among the Class of 2023.

“I want to thank my AP teachers Ms. Jones, Coach Jones, Mr. Ritter, Ms. Dunlap and countless other teachers,” Morales said. “Also my parents, my brothers, my coaches, Coach Price and Coach Pettit, Coach Kello and Coach Haynes. They’ve all played a pivotal role. Sports sometimes is considered just a pastime, but there’s many lessons you can take into the real world that you learn from sports.”

Ibarra said, “I definitely want to thank my parents and siblings. They helped me the most, they always told me I could do this, don’t be scared. They even thought I could be valedictorian. My best friends, my teachers for sure, everyone that’s inspired me has pushed me to be better than I have ever been in my life, and I’m grateful for that.”

CLICK HERE for the 2023 Early Graduation Class 

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VALS AND SALS/GRADUATION PAGE SCHEDULE

Monday, May 15– BCCS

Tuesday, May 16 – Early

Wednesday, May 17 – Zephyr

Thursday, May 18 – Brookesmith

Friday, May 19 – Blanket

Monday, May 22 – Brownwood

Tuesday, May 23– Bangs

Wednesday, May 24 – May

Thursday, May 25 – Premier

Friday, May 26 – Coleman