Huntsville Living Graduation 2025 | Page 13

HUNTSVILLE LIVING | JUNE 2025 | 13

Val and Sal Q & A

Valedictorian Matthew Kim

Parents Doug and Dianna Kim What school activities have you been involved in? National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, UIL Journalism, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Tennis, and Student Council Where do you plan to attend college? UT Austin Were you awarded any scholarships? If so, which ones? The University of Texas
Valedictorian Scholarship, Young / Rathke / Kooi Hornet Healthcare Scholarship, Peyton Irwin Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Huntsville Hornet Military Marching Band Booster Club Scholarship, The University of Texas Book Scholarship What do you plan to major in, and what are your career plans? I plan to major in Chemistry and minor in Business. Upon my graduation from UT Austin, I plan to attend medical school. My career goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon. To what do you attribute your achievements? I attribute my achievements to many people. First, I thank God for all his blessings throughout my high school career. Without him, I would not be where I am today. Next, my parents have instilled a strong work ethic in me, and they are also very supportive
in all of my endeavors. Finally, my friends have always been there to keep me accountable and never let me give up, even when times are hard. What teacher( s) impacted you the most? Kimberly Theisen has impacted me the most. I had her for two classes, my junior and senior year. Beyond academics, Mrs. Theisen provided important life lessons that can be applied outside of the classroom. Mrs. Theisen is also an amazing cheerleader, always pushing me to be the best version of myself. I know that I will take her knowledge with me wherever I go in the future. What are your favorite memories of school? As my primary activity outside of academics, band was my favorite memory of school. In many ways band felt like a second family. All the bus rides, late-night food runs after games, and marching competitions are memories that I will always cherish.

Salutatorian Lillie Kate Burris

Parents Damon and Amanda Burris What school activities have you been involved in? I have been involved in the Huntsville Hornet Military Marching Band, where I was a member of the Uniform Crew and a Drum Major, National Honor Society, where I was a Service Liaison Officer, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Student Council, the Hornet Influence Program( HIP), and I was a member of the Varsity Girls Wrestling Team for two years. I was also a member of 4-H for ten years, where I showed Swine and Baked and Canned goods. In addition, I was the 2023 Walker County Fair Queen. Where do you plan to attend college? I will be attending Texas A & M University. Were you awarded any scholarships? If so, which ones? I received the Harris Foundation Scholarship from TAMU, the Harrison Foundation Scholarship, the Gloria S Sale / Coca-Cola Scholarship, the Huntsville Band Booster Scholarship, the Walker County Area Go Texan Scholarship, various Walker County Fair Association Scholarships, the Ruth Finnegan Academic and Community Service Scholarship, the Detour Film Production Scholarship, the Walker County A & M Club scholarship, the HHS Class of 2005 Scholarship, the Walker County Farm Bureau Scholarship, the Walker County Federal Credit Union Scholarship, the Jordan Ellisor Memorial Scholarship, the TuMile Association Scholarship,
and the Francis Munn Scholarship. What do you plan to major in, and what are your career plans? I will be majoring in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, with plans to attend Medical School. To what do you attribute your achievements? I attribute my achievements to hard work, determination, and a strong and encouraging support system. What teacher( s) impacted you the most? I was blessed with amazing teachers during my time at HISD, including my senior AP English teacher, Mrs. Mims, and my Pre-Calculus teacher, Ms. Cason, who both hold a special place in my heart. What are your favorite memories of school? My favorite memories of School surround my growth as a leader, teammate, and peer. This includes many Friday night football games, the National Honor Society’ s Christmas service project, and the many hours spent studying, smiling, and laughing with my friends.
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | JUNE 2025 | 13