🎓#9 Salutatorian - Madison Ferrel
➡Next Steps: Oklahoma State University
📚Field of Studies: Secondary Education: English
🦓Zebra Since: First-grade
What advice would you give your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self that high school is absolutely nothing like the movies. I was expecting something like television, where I would be struggling to find my place (and maybe singing a few songs along the way). In fact, it's way easier than I thought it would be if you find your crowd and be confident in yourself.
What has this journey taught you about yourself? My journey in Claremore - though it is coming to an end - has taught me that I tend to speed through things and need to remember to slow down and find peace in the little things. I find joy to be one of the most important things in life, and if you are constantly striving for academic or financial excellence, it becomes hard to be happy.
What were the hardest challenges you had to overcome to achieve this honor? The hardest challenge I faced throughout my academic journey at CHS was burnout. I was constantly creating my own problems for myself by overworking past my ability, and finding myself unable to do anything further due to burnout. Throughout my high school career, I have learned to allow myself to take breaks to indulge in my interests - as a way to recharge my brain.
What does this accomplishment mean to you? This accomplishment adds a nice bow onto my high school career, and makes me feel like all the long classes and draining tests I took had a purpose, an ultimate goal.
What are you most proud of in your high school career? I am most proud of the relationships I've found during high school. My friends are those I find myself most proud of, with their accomplishments meaning more to me than my own. I feel I wouldn't be who I am without the love of those around me.
Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you? Being a Zebra - to me - is being someone with enough courage to strive forward despite hardships.
🔴Elementary staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mrs. Willard at Roosa Elementary was a counselor when I was a child, but now she is the principal of the school. I remember her demeanor and kind personality getting through to me, even as a kid.
What junior high staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mrs. Lee - in one of her final years at the Will Rogers Junior High - changed the way I think about teaching English, and made me truly invested in the subject.
What high school staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mrs. Andrews has already gotten her flowers countless times over with various teaching awards - but it cannot be overstated the personal impact she has on her students' lives and the effective way she teaches concepts to her students.
What activities have you been involved in? Art Club, Concurrent courses, SAGA, and the Career Development Program
What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college? When going into college, I will definitely take the communication skills I have developed during high school, because I absolutely adore making friends.
Awards / Honors / Scholarships
Recipient of the Claremore Alumni Association Scholarship, the Daniel and Mary Herd Memorial Scholarship, the Gravelle Scholarship, and the OSU Academic Excellence Scholarship.
Madison’s work was chosen as a Top 10 Portfolio in the Young Talent in Oklahoma gallery, and she was awarded a 2024 Scholastic Gold Key award in both Art and Creative Writing. She has also been awarded the CHS Outstanding Student Award in AP Studio Art, Creative Writing, and Social Psychology.
Madison is signing off with a shout-out to her mom for always being there to support her through this journey!
