🎓#8 Salutatorian - Mason Erstad
➡Next Steps: Oklahoma State University
📚Field of Studies: Mechanical Engineering/Aerospace Engineering
🦓Zebra Since: Pre-K
What advice would you give your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self to always strive to make good relationships with peers and teachers.
What has this journey taught you about yourself? This journey has taught me to persist through difficult tasks and always strive for excellence in everything I do.
What were the hardest challenges you had to overcome to achieve this honor? The biggest challenges throughout school were procrastination, self-doubt, and time management.
What does this accomplishment mean to you? This honor represents a culmination of my hard work, dedication, and commitment to both academic and personal growth.
What are you most proud of in your high school career? I am most proud of my ability to balance numerous different extracurricular activities while maintaining a GPA above 4.0
Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you? Looking back on my school experience at CPS, being a Zebra means being part of a tight-knit community that values dedication and support.
What elementary staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? My fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Bacon at Roosa, had the biggest impact by instilling a love for learning and providing a strong foundation for future academics.
What junior high staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mr. Isenbart had a great impact on my academics. He ignited my passion for engineering and technology and taught me hands-on skills to prepare me for the real world.
What high school staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Out of all the High School staff, Coach Hurt had the biggest impact by teaching me lessons of discipline and perseverance and always encouraging my teammates and I on and off the field.
What activities have you been involved in? AP/Pre-AP Programs, Chemistry Club, Christian Club, FCA, Math Club, NTC, Red Army, SkillsUSA, the Career Development Program, and is on the Zebra Football team.
What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college? One thing I would take to college with is all the lessons my family and teachers have taught me over the years.
Awards / Honors / Scholarships
Recipient of the Academic Excellence Scholarship, the OK Engineering Initiative Scholarship, numerous Academic Excellence Awards, Homecoming Representative, and a Chemistry Club Officer.
