Claremore Public Schools

➡Next Steps: Undecided

📚Field of Studies: Biology/Pre-Med

🦓Zebra Since: Junior Year

🔴What advice would you give your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self not to worry so much about school but to get out and meet new people. I would remind myself to spend more time in the moment instead of worrying about the future. Time has flown by the past few years, and I wish I had enjoyed some moments more.

🔴What has this journey taught you about yourself? When I put my mind to it and have a good attitude, I can accomplish just about everything in front of me.

🔴What were the hardest challenges you had to overcome to achieve this honor? The biggest challenge I faced was moving into a new school during my junior year. This was an uncomfortable adjustment at times, having to take some classes that set me back a little.

🔴What does this accomplishment mean to you? I am extremely honored to receive this title, as I have worked hard my entire high school career to achieve it. I am thankful to have a supportive family and friend group behind me who I couldn't have done it without.

🔴What are you most proud of in your high school career? I am most proud of the friends that I have been able to make in my time at Claremore High School. I have built many great relationships and connections with students as well as staff that I will never forget.

🔴Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you? Being a Zebra is being involved in many opportunities - staying dedicated within each and every one, as well as being kind to everyone that I get the chance to meet.

🔴What elementary staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mr. Roof, my elementary school principal at West Fannin Elementary School, had the biggest impact on my life. He was always a positive influence to have around the school and helped me push myself not only mentally, but physically as well.

🔴What junior high staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? The junior high staff member who made the biggest impact on my life was Coach Daves, my basketball coach when I was in Georgia. He would hold Bible studies before practice on Wednesdays because we wouldn't be able to go to youth group because of practice. This taught me that even when I am busy with other things in life, I can still find time for my relationship with God.

🔴What high school staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mr. Jeremy King and Mr. Bruce Riggs impacted my life the most. I took Mr. King's anatomy class my sophomore year, and he planted the seed that got me interested in the healthcare field. Then, Mr. Riggs cultivated that seed and helped me continue my pursuit in this field.

🔴What activities have you been involved in? AP/Pre-AP Programs, Christian Club, Concurrent courses, FCA, National Honor Society, Biomedical Club, Zebra Basketball, and Zebra Tennis

🔴What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college? My Bible

🔴Awards / Honors / Scholarships

Recipient of the Chancellor Scholarship at John Brown University and a Partial Basketball and Academic Scholarship at Tabor College. He has received multiple Z-Awards, selected as Boys State Delegate, the American Citizenship Award, the President's Education Awards Program: Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, and Academic Achievement Awards for Basketball and Tennis.

Will’s signing off with an acknowledgement to his coaches over the years: “I am thankful to have had great coaches, like Coach Nolan, in my life to teach me my favorite sport (basketball). They’ve allowed me to step into a leadership role and be the best student athlete I could be. I look forward to taking what they taught me to use at the collegiate level next year.”