David Ryals

🎓#2 Valedictorian - David Ryals 

➡Next Steps: University of Arkansas 

📚Field of Studies: Business Economics 

🦓Zebra Since: First-grade

🔴What advice would you give your freshman self? Persistence is key and that the sun will always rise for another day.

🔴What has this journey taught you about yourself? Life is an intricate balance that should always be tweaked to perfection. Live your life with delicate change so that you can handle even greater changes.

🔴What were the hardest challenges you had to overcome to achieve this honor? Throughout these four years of high school, I have had to learn the intricate balance of social activities and academics. Each of these has its respective places, and in the event of a crossroads between the two, I have worked to make my choices in prioritizing academics.

🔴What does this accomplishment mean to you? I believe that this is a testament to four years of work and a reminder to keep working on the things you are passionate about. Life is a long trip, and this accomplishment, for me, sets a great precedent for the future ahead.

🔴What are you most proud of in your high school career? The people I've met, the friends I've made, and the experiences that I can call my own are the three best components I can look back to and take pride in.

🔴Looking back on your school experience at CPS, what does being a Zebra mean to you? If being part of this Zebra family has taught me anything, it has shown me the wondrous complexity of each and every one of us. I have learned that the excellence that we strive to deliver, receive, and grow from, is as unique as the stripes on a Zebra's back. Being a Zebra makes us more than just unique on our own, it makes us an even more one-of-a-kind, precious family.

🔴What elementary staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mrs. Cummings was an amazing teacher during my second-grade year. Since I only attended Claremore Schools starting in April of first grade, she was the first full experience I had in the environment at Westside Elementary. A whole decade ago, we were preparing for the end of the school year, probably numbering day 150 on our daily worksheets. Amidst it all, it was an experience I could never wish to replace as it offered me a home away from home and encouraged me to do the same for others.

🔴What junior high staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mrs. Hibbard from Justus Tiawah impacted my journey. Whether it be the starting of Covid-19 or the academics themselves, Mrs. Hibbard offered sparse leniency the likes of which I had never been exposed to before. Of course, in the time that I was in the class, I didn't see the value of it, but now I see that pushing me and my fellow students in times of great disruption kept us all grounded. Despite my first impression of it, I thank her for the rigor because the lessons it has taught me are invaluable.

🔴What high school staff member made the biggest impact on your life, and how? Mrs. Steidley has been an amazing teacher during my time at Claremore High School. Not only has she taught me a variety of academics, but she has been a role model in all things determination. From school to SkillsUSA to scholarships, I had Mrs. Steidley to lean on and work with through it all. 

🔴What activities have you been involved in? Academic Team, AP/Pre-AP programs, Chemistry Club, Christian Club, FUZE, Math Club, the Native American Student Association, National Honor Society, NTC, SkillsUSA, SADD, Student Council, Young Democrats, Young Republicans, and the Career Development Program 

🔴What is the one thing you will absolutely take with you to college? Graduation Cap! Maybe some Braum's Sauce on the side. 

🔴Scholarships

Recipient of the New Arkansan Non-Resident Student Award, the Honors College Academy Scholarship, and the Razorback Generations Scholarship.

🔴Awards and Honors 

Recipient of the AP Psychology Outstanding Student Award and a Z-Award in AP Chemistry. As well as being on Claremore High School’s Honor Roll.

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