The top 10 students in the class of 2014 and National Merit Scholars and their parents gathered May 2 to celebrate at a luncheon in honor of these high achieving students who have excelled both academically and individually.
“I am very proud of my girls Hayley Peeler (Top Ten and National Merit Finalist) and Hannah Peeler (Top Ten) because they have both worked so hard to be where they are today,” Cindy Peeler, mother, said. “With all of the work, effort, and dedication these girls have put in, I wasn’t surprised that they made it; I was just speechless.”
Before passing out the awards, Principal John Yonker gave a heartfelt speech about being a scholar. He encouraged the students to embark on a new journey because they are only halfway there. The American dream that everybody has been chasing, is here. It’s reality.
“This luncheon is the hardest event to get invited to,” Yonker said, “You cannot have waited until junior year to start achieving. This has to be a part of you from the moment you walked into this school. Building up from elementary to high school, and all the teachers, parents, friends, and people who have influenced you is the reason we are celebrating today. You (the students) have not only made your parents proud, but me as well.’
Dr. Steve Flores, superintendent of RRISD, also gave an encouraging speech about the future that awaits everyone once they graduate.
Yonker asked every student’s parents to come and pin the award on their child and tell everyone their future plans. Each one of these students are going to prestigious schools and embarking towards a future that holds great promise.
“Freshman year I had no clue as to what any of this meant,” senior Hannah Peeler said. “I did what I needed to and worked really hard at it. Every night that I stayed up studying for a test, and every worrisome and exciting moment of my life paid off. I made it. I finally made it.”