By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Class of 2025 Valedictorian Brenda Thomas, 18, is the daughter of Kenneth and Misty Thomas and has attended Copperas Cove ISD Schools since kindergarten.
During her four years at CCHS, she has been a member of the Pride of Cove Marching Band, playing percussion; HOSA, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society; and UIL Academics.
With her above activities, she finishes her high school studies with a 5.25 GPA. In academics she has also earned 72 college credits during high school.
“It feels incredibly rewarding,” Brenda said, on learning she was number-one in her class. “I have worked hard these past four years and I’m glad to see my hard work pay off.”
She looks back on her high school years with mixed emotions, she said.
“I’m happy I get to start another journey and grow myself. I’m sad I am leaving a community that has supported me so much.”
After graduation, she looks ahead to studying nursing at the University of Texas in Austin. She plans to become a geriatric nurse and open her own nursing home.
Looking back on her four years of high school, Brenda said her friends are the most memorable part of that experience.
“Either on the marching field, or in clinical settings, or in the classroom, I love the diverse experiences I’ve had.”
Salutatorian Nathaniel Roberts is 17 years old and is the son of Martha and Bruce Roberts. He has attended CCISD for 12 years.
During his years at CCHS, Nathaniel has participated in theater arts and belongs to the National Honor Society.
He is rounding out his high school studies with a GPA of 5.03.
During his studies, he also earned more than 60 dual-credit courses and has already walked the stage at the Cadence Bank Center, to receive his associate degree in interdisciplinary studies and general studies degree.
On learning he was salutatorian, Nathaniel said he’s very proud of himself, even though he did not expect to get to that point.
“It feels great,” Nathaniel said.
“It’s a relief: I can finally relax and take time to enjoy myself. I’m excited to move on to the next stage of my life and start moving towards my career.”
For Nathaniel, that next stage is continuing his studies at the University of North Texas, where he will study graphic design and marketing.
“I like art, and this is a good way to make a career of it,” he said.
Like Brenda, his friends have been the best part of high school for him.
“It’s cliché, but my friends. I had several different friend groups through the years, and I’ll take the lessons from those experiences into my future relationships,” he said. “Thank you to my teachers and family what supported me.”
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