🎓#5th Salutatorian - Jenna Smalygo
Next Steps: University of Arkansas
Field of Studies: Biomedical Engineering (Pre-Med)
Zebra Since - Pre-K
What advice you would give your freshman self? I would tell myself to always work hard, get involved, and find good friends and teachers that you can ask for help when you need it.
What has this journey taught you about yourself? This journey has taught me that hard work allows you to do anything you put your mind to!
🔴 What does this accomplishment mean to you? This accomplishment means a lot to me because it recognizes all the effort that I and other classmates have put in over the last four years.
Looking back on your school experience at CPS what does being a Zebra mean to you? Being a Zebra at Claremore Schools has allowed me to consistently have mentors and friends to look up to and learn from.
What staff member impacted your life most and how in elementary school? Mrs. Bonham from Catalayah Elementary School made a big impact on my life because she taught me the importance of being yourself and thinking outside the box.
What staff member impacted your life most and how in junior high? Mr. Knoke was the best because he mentored the Golf Club which was some of my favorite memories with my friends from Will Rogers Junior High.
What staff member impacted your life most and how in high school? Although I had many amazing teachers, the most impactful Claremore High School staff members results in a tie between Mrs. Brace and Mr. Riggs. Mrs. Brace is the embodiment of the strong hardworking woman I aspire to be. She taught me everything about leadership and the importance of work ethic. Mr. Riggs is one of the kindest and most encouraging people whose teaching inspired my interest in the medical field.
What is the ONE thing you absolutely take with you to college? I will definitely be bringing my phone so I can answer my mom’s calls because she will undoubtedly miss me a lot.
What activities you have been involved in? Biomedical Club, National Technical Honor Society, ZUAC, Student Council, SADD, SkillsUSA, Red Army, NTC, National Honor Society, Native American Student Asso., Math Club / Mu Alpha Theta, Knitting Club, FUZE, FCA, Concurrent, AP / Pre-AP Programs, Class President.
What was the hardest part (challenges) you had to overcome to achieve this honor? The hardest part of achieving this honor was managing all my other involvements while also maintaining rigorous school work.
What are you most proud of in your high school career? I am most proud of being Senior Class Co-President with Ryne Vance, where we led our class to win the annual Homecoming Float Decorating Contest.
Awards / Honors / Scholarships
Scholarships: National Honor Society Scholarship, Rotary Club Scholarship, Claremore Alumni Scholarship
Awards- Elks Award for Mathematics, Z Award (Hon. Geometry, Hon. Algebra III, Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP English I, AP English Language and Composition), Rotary Club Student of the Month, CHS Student of the Month
#CPSZEBRAPRIDE #Classof2023