The Exchange Club of Killeen honored 14 high school seniors Monday as Youth of the Semester.
Two students each nominated from seven Killeen ISD high schools earned the award and the chance to be named Youth of the Year and receive a scholarship.
The students shared with club members and guests words of wisdom during the organization’s monthly gathering.
Another 14 students chosen last semester make up the pool to compete for two $1,000 scholarships at the end of the school year.
During the presentation at Yank Sing Restaurant in Killeen, each student introduced their guests and provided “words of wisdom” for those in attendance, including parents, educators and other supporters and Exchange Club members.
The students spoke about blazing their own trail in life, leaning on their support system, managing time wisely and finding love within themselves to share with others.
Exchange Club President Dawn Richardson read portions of the students’ nomination essays.
They responded to questions about their mentors, a favorite quote and how they would change the community.
“It’s amazing,” said Jeffrey Brown, a nominee from Killeen High School. “I never expected to be honored in this way. I’m grateful for my principal, who is very supportive of me.”
He said he’s both excited and scared to graduate and move on.
“I have good support,” he said. “I’m ready to take on the challenge.” He’s on his way to Texas State University to study business.
Janely Ortiz-Acosta of Chaparral High School also said she was nervous about the future. She is on her way to Central Texas College, then a four-year university to study computer science.
“I’m proud to be recognized for my achievements,” she said. “It’s nice to be recognized for academics, extra-curriculars and service.”
Honorees for the spring semester include the following:
Killeen:
Desiree Gomez and Jeffrey Brown
Shoemaker:
Alana Gonzalez and Jaymes Brown-Peterson
Pathways:
Taynia Springs and Bob-Hley Bastien
Chaparral:
Janely Ortiz-Acosta and Reynaldo Serna
Harker Heights:
Cassidy Braccini and Davier Gonzalez
Early College:
Aileen Menjivar and Drake Adams
Ellison:
Brianni Gaines and Clayton Sursa
Exchange Club Youth of the Semester for fall are:
Chaparral High School
Bethany Romero
Christopher Keifer
Early College High School
Alexis Speakman
Christian Butler
Ellison High School
Nevaeh Robledo-Blankenship
Jaden O’Brien
Harker Heights High School
Sarah Gill
Vyom Patel
Killeen High School
Ana Gonzalez
Max Widacki
Pathways Academic Campus
Jordielys Hernandez
Benjamin Allsbrook
Shoemaker High School
Alahna Daniels
V’Jae Brown
