Outstanding High School Seniors

Cascia Hall Preparatory School

Attending: Texas Christian University

Intended major: Movement science on a pre-athletic training and physical therapy track. I’ve always enjoyed working with people, especially in the athletic realm, and the functions of the human body, so this seemed like a great way to combine these.

Proudest achievement:I received the Chancellor’s and Trustee’s Scholarship from the John V. Roach Honors College at TCU, valued at more than $320,000.

I would trade places for one day with: Tennis legend Roger Federer. As one of the best tennis players of all time, a successful business man, globetrotter and a father, experiencing his life in his professional prime would be one of the most interesting and gratifying experiences.

Twenty years from now, I’d like to be: In a secure career raising a family and following God’s plan in my life.

Unique characteristics: I think I matured very quickly from struggles I faced in my personal life, so that, and my ability to interact and bond with most everyone around me has blessed me with a drive and natural ability to reason and thoroughly think through any situation.

Hobbies and passions: I enjoy tennis. I also am very involved in my church youth group and its global missions and retreats.
Bonus tidbit:During the summer of COVID, I participated in a virtual summer camp for academic bowl that had people from all around the U.S. and I won a semi-competitive tournament at the end of the week. From there on, I told everyone that I was a national champion in academic bowl – stretching the truth to sound more impressive – but was quickly knocked off my pedestal by a friend who had attended the camp with me. 

Bishop Kelley High School

Attending: Texas A&M University

Intended major: Biomedical engineering. Through God’s grace, I am part of E2EnMed, where I am set to graduate from Texas A&M College of Engineering Medicine in 2033 with an M.D. and masters of engineering. 

Proudest achievement: Doing graduate level research since the age of 12 at OSU with Dr. Vazquez. I contributed to the discovery of a potential link between serum and brain BDNF levels with addiction and depression and went on as the youngest person to win 1st Place Best High School Student at the TABERC Biomedical-Neuroscience-Physiology Conference. 

I would trade places for one day with: Srinivasa Ramanujan. As a fellow Tamil from South India, I admire his extraordinary intuition and groundbreaking insights in mathematics. 

Twenty years from now, I would like to be: An interventional radiologist because it involves a profound understanding of applied physics in medicine. 

Unique characteristics: I am insatiably curious about all aspects of the world  – art, literature, architecture, geography, world history – especially math, physics, chemistry and biology.

Hobbies and passions: I enjoy playing tennis with my little sister, playing piano and exploring non-Euclidean games on my computer.

Bonus tidbit: I played on Google Earth so much when I was younger that I accidentally memorized the world map and can still draw it from memory.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School

Attending: The University of Oklahoma

Intended major: Petroleum engineering. Since I was a small child, I enjoyed tinkering with things, taking everything I could apart, and figuring out how to put it back together. Additionally, math has always been my favorite subject. So, when researching careers, engineering was my go-to. 

Proudest achievement: Throughout my high school years, I have been faced with more adversity than most my age. This has led to me learning about resilience and perseverance. Nonetheless, I was able to maintain my grades and continue to take challenging classes with all that life threw at me, as well as start on the varsity football and soccer teams.

I would trade places for one day with: Dwayne Johnson. I want to see what it feels like to come all the way from rock bottom, where your family is living paycheck to paycheck, and then become a man with money, fame and success. He is a person who solves problems and never backs down, and that’s something I truly admire. 

Twenty years from now, I would like to be: Settled down in a nice home with a family of four to five, and a nice job. I want to send my kids to a good high school and have a membership at a local country club/golf course. 

Unique characteristics: My skills to persevere and my charming sense of humor. 

Hobbies and passions: This summer I’ve committed my time to the golf course, as well as hanging out with my friends and family before college.

Jenks High School

Attending: Brown University

Intended major: Economics on the business track. Brown has concentrations instead of traditional majors, so I chose econ as it can easily be paired with other interests of mine. I hope to take courses within the international and public affairs program as well.

Proudest achievement: My organization: Leap. Leap is a pen-pal program between high school students and elementary students in the English Language Learners program. Letter-writing is a fun and engaging way to learn English and build connections between Jenks students. The pilot year has proven to be successful, and we ended the year with over 1,000 letters being exchanged and 200 participants total. I really enjoyed launching my own program, and I learned so much about how to lead an organization. It was stressful but also incredibly fulfilling. 

I would trade places for one day with: Anna Wintour. I think it would be incredible to see how the chief of America Vogue lives her life, and I would love to choose the cover of Vogue. 

Unique characteristics: I’m not shy when it comes to talking to others at all. I love starting conversations with strangers, whether I’m out shopping or waiting in line at a cafe. I believe you can learn a lot from everyday interactions and build community with people you never expected to meet. 

Hobbies and passions: Seeing everything Tulsa has to offer. Every weekend I’m either at a flea market, a new cafe or the park with my friends. 

Bonus tidbit: My hidden talent is that I’m currently learning how to fly a plane! I’m hoping to eventually get my private pilot license. 

Booker T. Washington High School

Attending: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Intended major: Computer science. My older sister began to major in computer science, and because I was interested in learning more about it, I joined the programming sub-team in First Robotics Competition robotics. After participating, I found myself increasingly becoming interested in it. 

Proudest achievement: When I can help explain difficult concepts like math or literature analysis to someone and see them suddenly brighten up with joyful realization and a big “Ohhhhh.” 

I would trade places for one day with: The child of a successful business leader so that I could understand the family dynamic of those whose parents are in high demand and learn about the overlooked struggles of those often seen as ‘privileged.’

Twenty years from now, I would like to be: Living a fulfilled life, bringing smiles to more people while helping them feel seen and accomplished. 

Unique characteristics: I am curious to listen and learn about the details, whether it be the historic origins of the civil war in Sudan or the diverse interests and styles people have. 

Hobbies and passions: I recently got an electric bicycle and have gotten into bicycling around Tulsa. I find it calming to feel the wind blowing through my hair as I feel the occasional bump of every crack on the Oklahoma roads and discover new pathways in areas I thought I once knew. 

Bonus tidbit: I admit that I stand at a colossal height of 5’2 and weigh around 5 watermelons, but I can give you twenty pull-ups right now, and can do some Judo. 

Broken Arrow High School

Attending: United States Naval Academy

Intended major: Aerospace engineering. I always had an interest in aviation and want to pursue a challenging path while building a foundation for a career in test piloting.

Proudest achievement: Gaining admission to the United States Naval Academy. It’s a huge honor for me and my family and I’m excited for the challenges ahead.

I would trade places for one day with: Neil Armstrong to experience his walk on the moon.

Twenty years from now, I’d like to: Have a successful career in aviation and fly my family around in my own plane.

Unique characteristics: My ability to put my head down and get to work.

Hobbies and passions: I enjoy working out and playing piano, and I also work as a lifeguard.

Casady School

Attending: Johns Hopkins University

Intended major: Computer science and biology. I love building things – whether it’s software or machine learning (ML) models, and strongly believe that technology, especially ML, will help introduce new life-saving treatments.

Proudest achievement: Seeing Patai & Patel et al. projected in a lecture hall full of Ph.D., M.D., and graduate students at OU’s Neuroscience Symposium. Publishing a peer-reviewed, co-first-author research paper while finalizing two other manuscripts showed me that, with proper mentorship and determination, a high schooler can make a significant impact in the field of science.

I would trade places for one day with: Dario Amodei, the co-founder and CEO of Anthropic, a company committed to creating safe and ethical artificial intelligence. 

Twenty years from now, I’d like to be: Leading my own start-up that leverages advanced technologies to support physicians and researchers in improving quality of life.

Unique characteristics: I try to live by my favorite quote:  Do things “not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies.” – J.F. Kennedy. 

Hobbies and passions: I’ve been swimming competitively for the past five years and playing the cello for the past six years! Recently, I’ve also picked up hiking with friends. 

Bonus tidbit: I can read Latin! Additionally, during the first week of the COVID-19 lockdown, my brother and I managed to finish a TV show with a 70-hour runtime in a week. 

Holland Hall High School

Attending: University of Pennsylvania

Intended major: Finance and accounting with a minor in behavioral economics and/or Chinese. I am interested in behavioral economics because learning how people think with their money will help me make informed decisions. The minor in Chinese is more of a need to reach bilingual fluency in my native language. 

Proudest achievement: Winning regionals two years in a row in tennis and qualifying for state. The main reason is because I started during the summer following freshman year. It was one of the first things in my life that I personally decided to pursue and ended up being one of the greatest things I could add to my life. 

I would trade places for one day with: Warren Buffet – he has been an inspiration to me as an investor and I would love to see his day in the life.

Twenty years from now, I’d like to be: In the penthouse of a Manhattan skyscraper. I was born in New York, but moved when I was five, so the city has always felt so close yet so far. 

Unique characteristics: My unwillingness to give up in the face of almost certain adversity. It is a characteristic that has been lost somewhere in the 2000s and has helped me work through many of my personal and academic struggles. 

Hobbies and passions: I love playing pickleball and am looking to play in a few tournaments soon. I also loved participating in academic team. 

Augustine Christian Academy 

Attending: Rogers State University

Intended major: Political science with the aim of going to law school. I decided to pursue this after discovering my interest in law and legal studies.

Proudest achievement: My 56-page thesis on federal Indian law I wrote for a senior thesis class at Augustine Christian Academy. I spent a year studying that
thesis starting in July 2024 and earned the title of keynote speaker.

I would trade places for one day with: My ancestor, William Thomas (1573-1651) who funded the Mayflower voyage and Plymouth Colony. I spent a fair few months researching his life a couple of years ago and desire to know if my speculations about his life were correct.

Twenty years from now, I would like to be: Working as a lawyer, ideally for the Choctaw Nation. 

Unique characteristics: I am diligent and hard working. I enjoy reading and research. I try to learn from everything I do.

Hobbies and passions: I like to read history books (all kinds) and listen to Supreme Court oral arguments. I enjoy learning languages, including Choctaw, Biblical Greek and German.

Bonus tidbit: I have spent almost a year studying and learning the Choctaw language. I am a descendant of Rhys ap Thomas who ended the War of the Roses by killing King Richard III. I’m also a descendent of the former Choctaw Chief Moshulatubbee, who signed the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek.

Classen School of Advanced Studies 

Attending: Emory University 

Intended major: Chemistry on the pre-med track. Throughout all of high school, chemistry class has always been fascinating to me, and I love how challenging chemistry is because it motivates me to become a better learner. My ultimate goal is to become an endocrinologist.

Proudest achievement: Aside from getting into my dream school, my best academic achievement has been placing 13th at the High School National Championship Tournament for Quiz Bowl. It’s the highest placement any team has gotten in Oklahoma’s history.

I would trade places for one day with: Warren Buffett, because the stock market has always intrigued me, and one of the best ways to learn is to put yourself in the eyes of an expert. Also I always wondered how billion dollar companies were run on a day to day basis. 

Twenty years from now, I’d like to be: A practicing physician with my own clinic. I want to own my own house and be able to take care of my parents financially.

Unique characteristics: I love learning about all aspects of academia, whether its art, literature or science.

Hobbies and passions: Going on walks, listening to music (my favorite genres are R&B and rap), watching sports and hanging out with my friends.

Bonus tidbit: My name means “at God’s feet” in Sanskrit. My grandmother chose this name because it symbolizes devotion and humility to God, as it’s a common gesture of respect to bow down and touch the feet of elders in Hindu culture.

Crossings Christian School

Attending: University of Arkansas

Intended major: Business with a minor in marketing. I love working with people and hope to manage or run a company some day.

Proudest achievement: Making the Razorback college cheer team.

I would trade places for one day with: The CEO of a large company or top
designer to see how they run their business.

In twenty years, I’d like to be: Married with children. I hope to raise my kids to know the Lord and hopefully run a successful business for work.

Unique characteristics: I believe a few characteristics that make me stand out is my strong Christian faith and love for kids.  

Hobbies and passions: I personally love cheerleading, playing tennis or pickleball for fun, and going on walks outside to enjoy nature! 

Bonus tidbit: I have played the piano for 10 years!

Edison Preparatory School 

Attending: University of Tulsa 

Intended major: Mechanical engineering. I have always loved math and learning about the way things work. Plus, it would be foundational to further study in architecture – which has always interested me. 

Proudest achievement: Participating in and placing third in the regional Next Narrative competition. Living with cerebral palsy, I’m also proud of my hard work learning to walk when I was around ten years old. 

I would trade places for one day with: Brian Regan to experience what it’s like to be a comedian on tour. 

Twenty years from now, I’d like to be: Living in a big city doing some type of performance art alongside my professional career. 

Unique characteristics: I love taking my time with people and indulging in long conversations without looking at our phones. 

Hobbies and passions: I love music and constantly have a song stuck in my head – usually from a musical. 

Bonus tidbit: I love doing stand-up. I always have a “tight fifteen” routine ready and am looking forward to hitting up some open-mic nights this summer. 

Metro Christian Academy 

Attending: Baylor University 

Intended major: Kinesiology in order to later go into sonography and become an ultrasound technician.

Proudest achievement: Being a part of Metro’s varsity pom team and winning state all four years of high school. 

I would trade places for one day with: My two-year-old niece, Noa, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in utero. I’m sure she has a very unique look at life and experiences the world in such a different way than most. It would be so special to me to understand Noa much deeper and be able to educate others for her benefit.

Twenty years from now, I would like to be: Involved in travel sonography, so I can experience so many different places while doing what I love. 

Unique characteristics: I believe my intentionality sets me apart from others my age. Whether it be my studies, relationships or faith, I have always made an effort to live with purpose. What has also made me stand out is my quiet consistency, being present and actively trying to better myself in whatever environment I am in.

Hobbies and passions: Outside of school, I danced competitively from the age of two all the way to graduation. I also volunteer at the Sapulpa Church of the Nazarene with the children’s program and nursery. The rest of my time is spent babysitting my niece and nephew, whom I adore.

Mingo Valley Christian

Attending: Tulsa Community College

Intended major: English, because I love studying literature and would love to become an English teacher or professor. My own high school English teachers were such a special part of my education, and I hope someday I can help students savor the great books they encounter in the classroom.

Proudest achievement: Receiving the highest grade in each of my English classes all three years I attended Mingo.

I would trade places for one day with: Donna Tartt, a favorite author of mine. It would be interesting to try her routine, which is known to consist of writing for at least three hours in the morning. 

Twenty years from now, I’d like to be: A professor of English literature, having both written and published at least one work of fiction. I also hope to be a wife and mother, reading stories like Narnia, the Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter to my family.

Unique characteristics: My Nana says I am a very gifted deep thinker. But she has to say nice stuff like that, because after all, she’s my Nana!

Hobbies and passions: I love to read a variety of genres but usually find my way back to classics by the likes of Jane Austen, John Steinbeck and C.S. Lewis. I also had a blast singing in high school musicals like Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music and Cinderella.

Bonus tidbit: I am named for two of my great-grandmothers, Mary and Ruth. I am told that they were both great ladies, but complete opposites: Ruth, a tough and fiery entrepreneur, and Mary, a calm and nurturing teacher. I like to think that God gave me a perfect balance of that fire and ice.

Oklahoma Christian School

Attending: Oklahoma Baptist University

Intended major: Business with a concentration in computer information systems. I’ve always been interested in how technology and business work together to solve problems and improve efficiency.  One of the biggest influences was learning code with my dad. 

Proudest achievement: Graduating cum laude, which reflects the hard work, discipline and perseverance I’ve put into my education.  

I would trade places for one day with: Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A.  I’d want to experience how he combined faith, leadership and business on such a large scale. I’d be curious to see how he made tough decisions, stayed true to his values, and led with purpose. 

In twenty years, I’d like to be: Living a life that reflects my faith, with a strong and loving family at the center of it. My goal is to be a faithful leader, both at home and in my community, using the gifts I’ve been given to make a positive impact.

Unique characteristics: My dedication, dependability, honesty and maturity, whether it is academics, work, sports or helping others. 

Hobbies and passions: I’ve been involved in tennis, track and golf, which has been a great way to challenge myself and stay competitive. I also spend time serving at Wings Special Needs Community and help at Project 66 Food Pantry, making sure families have what they need. 

Bonus tidbit: I will be continuing athletics at OBU, competing in track and field.  I’m excited to start training in a new event, javelin, which will push me physically and mentally in a whole new way. 

Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics

Attending: Duke University

Intended Major: Biology with a concentration in biochemistry. I’ve always had a passion for biology and excelled in every course I took. When I enrolled in biochemistry and earned a 100% in the course, I realized it was the perfect blend of my interests.

Proudest achievement: Receiving a full-ride, four-year scholarship to Duke through the QuestBridge National College Match. Going to college out of state never felt possible for me because it was too expensive, and my family tradition was to attend OU, teach English in Japan for a year, then begin a career. However, breaking tradition and achieving higher education without worrying about any financial difficulties is an ineffable blessing. 

I would trade places for one day with: Jalen Hurts. I’ve always loved football and played quarterback on my intramural flag football team. 

In twenty years, I’d like to be: A cardiothoracic surgeon. I also hope to be a public advocate, encouraging meaningful conversations on the issues that matter most. Beyond my career, I envision marriage and a happy, beautiful family to call my own.

Unique characteristics: I’m a very thoughtful person, and I make it a point to listen carefully, remember details, and notice the little things.

Hobbies and passions: I love grabbing an iced matcha latte and getting lost in a good book. I also enjoy solo dates where I listen to uplifting podcasts while exploring local food spots. And cooking—pasta is my go-to dish. I can whip up pretty much any American dish, but I really want to learn how to cook Nigerian food to connect more with my roots. 

Bonus tidbit: My middle name is Amarachi, which means “a miracle from God” in Igbo, a Nigerian tribe.

Riverfield Country Day School

Attending: Oklahoma State University

Intended major: Architecture with a minor in business. I have always loved the idea of making something, so much so that when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always responded with something that allowed me to use my imagination and create something. 

Proudest achievement: Learning to play basketball, which I began my junior year. I had no experience and was honestly terrible at first, but I was determined to improve. I spent nearly all my free time in the gym, practicing and pushing myself. Eventually, I was invited to join the team. 

In twenty years, I’d like to be: Running my own architecture firm, where I play an active role in client meetings and project discussions. At the same time, I hope to have built a large, happy family and maintain close relationships with loved ones.

Unique characteristics: My ability to embrace discomfort. When I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of ten, my world was completely turned upside down. But instead of letting it define me or hold me back, I chose to face it head-on. Embracing the uncomfortable helped me grow stronger, more resilient, and more confident in who I am. 

Hobbies and passions: I really like to play basketball and soccer, play drums and draw as much as I can. I am also a Breakthrough T1D Advocate, where I use my voice to help raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes and its symptoms. I even got to speak on live TV about it!

Bonus tidbit: I have run into not one but two poles and gotten scars from both around my right eye. One of them gave me 18 stitches! 

Union High School

Attending: Pittsburgh State University 

Intended major: Social work. What led me to pursue this is my deep desire to help others. I feel like my purpose is to be there for others, supporting those going through challenges.

Proudest achievement: Being a state champion in the 4x400m relay at the 2025 Oklahoma Track and Field State Championship. We broke the school record for the third time that year, running a 3:48.12. We were so broken down and hurting towards the end, and that was our final push. We took home the gold and so many cherished memories!

I would trade places for one day with: My fifth-grade self. I was so free, and I didn’t have a single care in the world. My worst fear was missing the school bus. I would go ride my bike and stay out until the streetlights come on!

In twenty years, I’d like to: Have a family and a welcoming home. I want family and friends to constantly be over, where we can all do life together. I want to have a job that I absolutely love, getting to help people every day.

Unique characteristics: I’m rarely ever mad. I physically cannot be mad for longer than 3 minutes. I love being happy, I love smiling, I love laughing and I love being funny. 

Hobbies and passions: I (somehow) actually enjoy running. I also love art and being able to create gifts for others! I would love to learn how to play the piano!

All photos courtesy the students unless otherwise marked.