News Articles

 

Matthew Garcia is a graduate of Wharton High School with a 3.12 GPA and will pursue a Criminal Justice degree at Texas State University. He plans to return to Wharton County to work for the Sheriff’s Department, and aspires to one day being elected Sheriff.  Matthew’s activities include Anchor Club, W.I.T., Yearbook, Speech and Drama Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, and he earned Best in Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He works part time and also volunteers with Anchor Club serving at the Wharton Chili Bowl Supper, Elk’s Lodge suppers for the elderly, Veteran’s Day Celebration, Civic Center Pancake Supper, “paw painting” at the High School and many hours of church service.  Congratulations and best wishes to Matthew.

Kristy Lynn Janak graduates from El Campo High School with a 4.596 GPA. She will attend Wharton County Junior College and then plans to transfer to Texas State University to pursue Bachelors and Masters degrees in Agricultural Management and a secondary education teaching certificate. Kristy’s career plans include teaching in a local school or working in her chosen field, as well as educating the community in modern, effective and environmentally sound agricultural methods. She is a member of National Honor Society, Elk’s Student of the Month, Chamber Junior Ambassador of the Month, El Campo FFA, Anchor Club, 4H Outdoor president and secretary, Interact Club, FCA, numerous animal showing awards and dozens of body building and fitness accolades. Kristy still finds time to volunteer with the nursing home, Blessing Cup Pantry, Five Star Fair Fund, Wharton County Youth Fair, Women’s Crisis Center, Rice Bowl donations, Head Start, Bastrop Fire Victims fundraiser, and St. Phillip’s Church.  Our best wishes to Kristy as she pursues her career goals.

Nicholas Logan is Sweeny High School Salutatorian with a GPA of 104.376.  Nick plans to pursue a Chemical Engineering degree at Texas A&M University to prepare for a career as a Process Engineer with a chemical company such as Dow or Phillips66. His activities and awards include Freshman Class President, Sophomore Class Vice-President, National Honor Society, Student Council Representative, SHS Student of the Month, Brazosport College Dean’s List (32 hours college credit with 4.0 GPA), Cross Country – 4 year Regional Qualifier, Golf – 2 year Regional Qualifier, Track – Regional Finalist, Football – 2 year All-District Academic Team, Soccer – Team Captain, Varsity Basketball and Tennis, Band, and UIL Current Events and Social Studies. Nick volunteers as a Communities in Schools Mentor, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School, church youth group member, Fire on the Mountain Mission trip, Sweeny Community Thanksgiving Dinner, and many NHS service projects including Teacher Prep Day, blood drive, Teach Appreciation Breakfast and Breast Cancer Pink-out Campaign. We’ll look for Nick back home in a few years helping a local industry improve their processes and environmental performance.

 

Tucker Anthony Novosad graduates from Needville High School ranking 9th in his class with a 3.361 GPA and he will attend Texas A&M University in the Fall, majoring in Civil Engineering. He hopes to follow that up by obtaining a Masters degree, becoming a Registered Professional Engineer and working in a job that will involve some travel. Tucker’s application made a very convincing case for the important role of Civil Engineering in the environment. Tucker’s high school years have been full with activities and awards including member of National Honor Society, Texas Boys State representative, Spanish Club, Historian for Student Council and Senior Class, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Track (Area qualifier in 400 M), Varsity Golf, Cross County (Regional Qualifier and 1st Team Academic All-State), Academic All-District in Golf, Basketball, Track and Cross Country, Big Creek 4H president and Fort Bend County Outstanding 4H Teen Leader, numerous livestock show awards, and the list goes on. Tucker participated in volunteer work with most of the organizations listed above, including blood drives, fundraising, food and clothing drives, Fair Grounds volunteering, fun runs and many church activities. Congratulations to Tucker as a recipient of the FOR San Bernard Scholarship.

 

Jennifer Rubio ranks 9th in her class at Columbia High School with a 100.13 GPA. She will attend Brazosport College with plans to transfer to UTMB and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. In addition to a nursing career, Jennifer’s future plans include starting a family. Her many activities and honors include Drum Major for the band, PALS, vice-president of National Honor Society, soccer, UIL science, Spanish Club, color guard, student of the month twice, and St. John the Apostle Church. She has volunteered with the 1st Capital Color Run, Hometown Heroes, Ghosts Along the Brazos, CEMS fundraiser, West Columbia Elementary mentor, Barrow Red Ribbon Week parade, vacation bible school, Halloween in the Park and 4H “A Very Special Fall Festival".  FOR is proud to award the San Bernard River scholarship to Jennifer.

Courtney Steed graduates 5th in her class at Sweeny High School with a 102.899 GPA and is headed to Texas Tech University to major in Chemical Engineering. There she hopes to continue her studies to earn an MBA in Science, Technology and Engineering Management and eventually enjoy a career in corporate management. Courtney is president of National Honor Society, Vice President of POWERSET (women’s science, engineering and technology organization), Student Council Representative, UIL Academics Regional Qualifier, Yearbook Co-editor, 3 year Varsity Cheerleading (co-captain Junior year), all this while working 18 hours per week. Courtney also volunteers generously, participating in the many NHS service projects, helping at the SPCA, Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser, Teens for Jeans, Thanksgiving Community Feast and teacher work days. Courtney’s application emphasized the importance of Chemical Engineering in reducing environmental risks and developing “greener” products, and we’ll look for great things from her in those areas in the years to come.