The Social Studies department didn't take long to make the selection of Grace Gates as our February student of the month. She is a student with broad interests, who distinguishes herself from her peers by setting high expectations, working hard, and giving back. I have had the opportunity to teach and coach her in academics for the last four years. Grace’s competitive spirit drives her to achieve her ambitious goals. Academically, Grace has taken advanced courses all four years of high school where she has maintained a top 1% status throughout and is a member of National Honor Society. In UIL academics, Grace was an individual state medalist and leader of a state championship Current Issues and Events team.(And preparing to win it again this year.) She is also a two time district champion & two time state qualifier in CX Debate. Her determination and work ethic have helped showcase her impressive academic strengths. Athletically, Grace is a fierce athletic competitor. She is a basketball captain and a leader of our school golf team. Grace has always been undersized in athletic competitions, but never in ambition, grit, and class. When she’s not on the court or course, Grace volunteers her time by working basketball camps for youth, mentoring underclassmen athletes, and even announcing Lady Dawg volleyball home games. Besides academics and sports Grace has a variety of other interests, hobbies, and responsibilities. She is our current Student Body Vice President, and is part of our school leadership team. She delivers lessons and mentoring to elementary girls through the Diva Dawgs program, teaches Bible class lessons at her church, and provides her photography expertise free of charge at many local events. In addition to her volunteer work, Grace manages to hold down a variety of jobs related to the field of journalism. She is a photographer and counselor at Camp Longhorn, a student correspondent for The Daily Tribune, and she is the lead videographer and photographer for Luedeke Photography. Grace is a published writer whose experience will guide her pursuit of a degree in the field of journalism at the University of Texas this fall. Grace plans for success, works hard to achieve it, and shares those successes with others. For these reasons, it is my pleasure to introduce Grace Gates as our February student of the month.
The first thing to know about Aedan McLennan is that he has lots of ability. He is a straight A student who ranks near the top of his graduating class of 2023. He’s not only driven to learn, but he really seeks to understand. He’s thoughtful in everything he does & works through the material to make unique connections. He eventually develops not merely knowledge or understanding but a real insight into the content. He has a natural interest in learning of all kinds, but especially in History. Aedan is extremely active at Burnet High School. In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, the Interact Club, and the Student Council, he has been heavily involved multiple extra-curricular organizations: a leader of the drumline in our award-winning school band, a lead actor in our theater company, and a standout performer on the UIL social studies team. His Social Studies coach Mr. Hobbs wanted me to relate how proud he was of Aedan for developing into a trusted teammate and a fierce competitor. He ended up placing 4th individually at the state meet in Social Studies. Beyond that he’s just a good person. There is a good nature about Aedan that goes far beyond just being an excellent student or a champion. His sense of humor is always active and seeking out some bit of irony to laugh at. He pokes fun at the world, often while speaking in dialect, but he is always willing and able to laugh at himself too. I have even heard he is a decent chess player…though I have still yet to see it. Aedan will be attending Texas Tech university where he will be majoring in Business Administration. It is my pleasure to introduce to you our February student of the month, Aedan McLennan.