At
the May 11 School Board meeting, Principal Kris Olsen
introduced graduating seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to
excellence and service in academics, athletics and community service.

The students shared information about their activities and future
plans and fielded questions from the board. Several students credited
McMinnville High School for providing opportunities that will help them
in their career goals. Four students said they chose a college major
because of their career pathway. Three of the students transferred into
MHS to take more rigorous Advanced Placement courses than were available
in their home district. 

(From left) Maya Payton, Carlisle Topping, Juan Cortes-Perez,
David Brosius, Samuel Freeman, Andrea Hernandez-Gallo, Nancy Suarez, and
Dr. Olsen.

Maya Payton – National Merit Achievement Scholarship
finalist and MHS Salutatorian. Maya was a member of two MHS choirs and
competed three years for the swim team. She plans to attend the
University of Chicago and possibly major in Biology or Pre-Med.

Carlisle Topping – Valedictorian. Carlisle was a
two-time News-Register All-Valley Girls Soccer Athlete of the Year and
was an OSAA Class 6A first team all-state selection in 2014. She has
committed to play soccer for Columbia University in New York City.

Juan Cortes-Perez – Salutatorian. Juan was named a Gates Millennium Scholar,
which awards him a full four-year scholarship to the college of his
choice. He plans to major in physical therapy at Pacific University.

David Brosius – Salutatorian. David is an and
all-league pitcher who has committed to playing baseball at Oregon State
University and plans to major in marine biology.

Samuel Freeman – EASA. Samuel is Chief Petty Officer
of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps and recipient of the Captain Michael King
Private Pilot Scholarship. He plans to attend Oregon State and major in
aerospace engineering.

Andrea Hernandez-Gallo – Salutatorian. Andrea is a
co-founder of the MGM2 Club (McMinnville Grizzly Mentors and
Mentees) and one of the students hired by the Willamette Valley Medical
Center. An outstanding math student (and peer tutor), she plans to
attend Linfield and become a math teacher and possibly attend law
school.

Nancy Suarez – Co-founder of the MGM2 Club. Nancy is
a College Credit Now scholar and one of only three students hired by
the Willamette Valley Medical Center. She plans to attend Linfield and
become a teacher.