Malina Thompson
3 | Class of 2025 | PALESTINE HERALD-PRESS
TWENTY-TWENTY-FIVE
PALESTINE
Wildcats
Valedictorian
Malina Thompson
Salutatorian
Joseph Flynn
Malina Thompson, a proud product of Palestine ISD, began her educational journey at Washington Early Childhood Center and has remained a dedicated Wildcat for all 12 years of her schooling. Throughout her time at Palestine High School, Malina has demonstrated exceptional academic and extracurricular excellence. She has been consistently ranked as a Top Ten student throughout all four years and was named PHS Student of the Month in February 2025. A well-rounded student leader, Malina has actively contributed to her school and community through her involvement in Student Council, Interact Club, and athletics. She competed in volleyball and track, specializing in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles. Her athletic achievements include earning 2nd Team All-District and All-Academic honors in volleyball during her junior year. Beyond the classroom and athletic fields, Malina has shown a deep commitment to service. She has participated in community food drives, school blood drives, volleyball tournaments, and worked concession stands at football and basketball games. She also played a key role in Student Council events such as the annual pumpkin patch. Malina will graduate not only with her high school diploma but also with an Associate of Arts degree from Trinity Valley Community College. She plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to complete her nursing prerequisites before enrolling at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio for nursing school. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, driven by her passion for helping children and making a positive impact on their lives.
Palestine High School is proud to recognize Joseph Flynn as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian. A well-rounded scholar and dedicated student-athlete, Joseph has maintained straight A’ s while earning 41 hours of college credit and being actively involved in a wide range of academic and extracurricular pursuits. Joseph is a varsity football player, UIL Math and Science team competitor, member of the Academic Team, and a powerlifter. He also showcased his talents in welding, track, soccer, and the spirited Maroon Mob. Beyond athletics, Joseph is a National Honor Society member, Student Council leader, RYLA counselor, and has been recognized as Student of the Month, Top Ten, and a Junior Rotarian. Passionate about service, he has volunteered at elementary school field days, book fairs, blood drives, and Vacation Bible School, and has helped with Stockpot, a local community support initiative. He’ s also a certified pharmacy technician and earned recognition through the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program. Joseph plans to attend Texas A & M University, majoring in Biochemical Science, with aspirations to pursue dental school. His commitment to academics, leadership, and community service makes him a standout representative of Wildcat Nation.
3 | Class of 2025 | PALESTINE HERALD-PRESS