TATUM SALINAS
The Social Studies department is awarded the opportunity to select the students of the month for February. We pride ourselves in choosing students who exemplify spirit, pride, and honor during their time in the halls of BHS. This year we chose Tatum Salinas. Tatum shows a competitive spirit through competition, respectful pride in her accomplishments, and selfless volunteer work to our community.
Former New York Yankee owner, George Seinbrenner, once said, “Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.” This quote reminds me of Tatum, partly because she is a huge NY sports fan, but mostly because she is one of the most competitive people I have ever had the pleasure of teaching and coaching. Her competitive spirit has led her to success in academics, athletics, and UIL competitions. She is ranked at the top of her class, with a 4.78 GPA, and too many Top Scholar course awards to count. Tatum has been a four year varsity tennis player, where she competed at the State tournament last year, and is working on getting there again this year. Finally, her competitive spirit has driven her to back to back State championships in Current Issues and Events, and hopefully in May, she will be leading our team to a three-peat, or in her words, “a dynasty.”
Tatum's demeanor as a winner is one of respectful pride. She represents our school humbly, quietly, and with class. She has received numerous recognitions, such as, the College Board Rural & Small Town student, the College Board National Hispanic student , and locally, the BHS Spirit Pride and Honor award. She has held leadership positions in BHS Student Council all four years of high school, participated in four years of Interact Club, and three years of HOSA. Tatum is not a person to brag about her accomplishments, rather one to share such recognitions with others. She is a great teammate who helps to mentor others, while representing Burnet as a devoted player, participant, and leader. She truly puts herself second and her team, our school, and our community first. This is a character trait that sets her apart.
For the last three and a half years, Tatum has often given her most valuable resource, her time. As someone so focused on academic and extracurricular activities, Tatum did not forget to give back to our community. She has helped with projects over the past few years that include; feeding the homeless, providing holiday joy to others, aiding with blood drives, coaching youth tennis, volunteering at a local animal shelter, and mentoring at Burnet Head Start. She has also been able to volunteer her time in unique, witty, and fun ways. Rumor has it, she may even be responsible for the Burnet High School Bad Parking webpage. She also keeps an important journal full of useful quotes for life. Whether helping with the needs of the community or taking time to make others laugh, Tatum has given her time in a way that others are benefited.
This Fall, Tatum will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Kinesiology and Health with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. Grammy award-winning comedian Dave Chappelle once said, ”You know you must be doing something right, if old people like you.” The Social Studies department agrees and we are proud to present to you the February student of the month, Tatum Salinas.
LUKE HUDGINS
The Social Studies department made a sound decision choosing Luke Hudgins as our February Student of the Month. His teachers and his coaches were united in nominating him for all he has done while at BHS. Luke is a standout student at Burnet High School, excelling in various activities that showcase his dedication and determination.
He has been actively involved in football, powerlifting, and FFA, participating in these endeavors since his freshman year. Despite facing injuries during football season, Luke still managed to contribute significantly on both offensive and defensive sides of the ball. In powerlifting, he's on track to qualify for regionals for the second year in a row, a remarkable achievement given the level of competition. Moreover, Luke has impressed at the FFA Ag Mechanic shows with his metal project a Rocket Stove.
Luke is a polite student, who respects his teachers, his classmates, and our school. He is a student that sticks up for his friends, loves his family, and provides a great example of what a student-athlete should look like. Mr. Evans, one of our ag teachers, shared with us that Luke not only created great projects in the ag mechanics class, but he patiently taught, mentored, and shared his skillset, while working with the younger students in the shop.
Whether it's academics, sports, or FFA, Luke consistently gives his best effort without seeking attention or credit. Motivated by an industrious spirit, he looks forward to joining his family's business, Bulldog Bodyworks, after graduation.
For his outstanding achievements, work ethic, and perseverance, Luke Hudgins is the BHS Social Studies department's choice for student of the month.