Top Grads Program 2022

top graduates Beaumont United High School Early College High School West Brook High School



2022 Top Graduates Luncheon April 28, 2022 Greetings & Acknowledgement of Special Guests Debbie Bridgeman Community Relations Specialist Invocation Derwin Samuels, Jr. Executive Director of Human Resources Lunch Introduction of Guest Speaker Adam Thibodeaux Assistant Director of Community & Media Relations Guest Speaker Zena Stephens Jefferson County Sheriff 2022 Top Graduates Presentation Dr. Charisma Popillion, Principal, Beaumont United High School Melanie Pharis, Principal, Early College High School Nicholas Phillips, Principal, West Brook High School Closing Remarks Dr. Shannon Allen Superintendent of Schools Special Thanks/Recognition Denise McLean Director of Community & Media Relations

Beaumont United High School Dr. Charisma Popillion – Principal Chantel Douglas – Student Activities Director Daniel Taylor – Senior Assistant Principal Tanisha Domeaux – Senior Counselor

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Kathy Nguyen will graduate first in her class. Her high school honors include Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude, Key Club President, National Honor Society Historian, Senior Class Representative, University Interscholastic League (UIL) Computer Science Regional Qualifier, Beta Club, Varsity Girls Tennis, A-Honor Roll and Youth Leadership Southeast Texas Representative. She plans to attend Lamar University to major in computer science and pursue a career in software engineering. Jose Argueta Urquilla will graduate second in his class. His high school honors include Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude, QuestBridge National College Match Finalist, Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, Matriculate Advising Fellow, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, Citizenship Award and Presidential Award. He plans to first attend Rice University with a double major in biochemistry and business, then Stanford Medical School in California to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree and become a family practitioner. His hope is to be able to bring medicine to under served areas around the world. Nhatanh Nguyen will graduate third in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, UIL Computer Science Invitationals and District First Place, UIL Computer Science Team Invitationals and District Second Place. He plans to attend Lamar University to pursue a career as a software developer.

Beaumont United High School Debani Herrarte will graduate fourth in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society Secretary, National Technical Honor Society Secretary, Beta Club Recording Secretary, Key Club, Tennis Team Captain, UIL Computer Science Team Overall Second Place and A-Honor Roll. She plans to attend Lamar University to obtain a degree in computer science and become a software engineer. Taylor Brown will graduate fifth in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude and the Outstanding Leadership Award. She plans to attend Lamar University to receive a degree in biology, then enroll in Texas Southern University’s pharmacy school to receive a doctorate in pharmacy. Christianna McAfee will graduate sixth in her class. Her high school honors include three-time Universal Cheer Association All- American Cheerleader, Summa Cum Laude, Beaumont ISD Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council, College Board National African American Recognition Program, High School Daily Announcements, 74th Neches River Festival Princess, The University of Texas at Austin Texas First Program, 2022 Miss Beaumont United, 2022 Most Spirited, Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity Cheer Captain, Varsity Cheer Social Officer, Timberwolf Network Audio/ Visual Production President, Yearbook Club Section Editor and First African- American Neches River Festival Queen. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to earn doctoral and corporate law degrees to advance to post-secondary administration while working as a multi-disciplinary professor teaching business, law and communication.

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Kadence Garlington will graduate seventh in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, 2021-22 Student Body President, 2020-21 Student Body Vice President, 2018-2020 Student Council Class Representative, 2021-22 National Honor Society Vice President, 2021-22 Health Occupation Students of America President, 2020-22 Texas Association of Student Councils District 17 Historian, 2020-22 Superintendent Student Leadership Council and 2018-22 Career Center Health Science Academy. She plans to attend Lamar University to major in chemical engineering with a minor in chemistry. Jasmine Guillory will graduate eighth in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, State Solo and Ensemble and All-Region Band. She plans to attend Lamar University to earn a degree in biology and become a dermatologist. Jennifer Castillo will graduate ninth in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, A-Honor Roll, National Honor Society and Beta Club International. She plans to first attend Lamar Institute of Technology then Lamar University to earn a degree in nursing and become a neonatal nurse. Aniza Robles will graduate 10th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude and A-Honor Roll. She plans to attend Texas State University to earn a bachelor’s degree, then pursue a master’s degree in radiology and specialize in the field.

Beaumont United High School Laci Graham will graduate 11th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, the Best Actor Award, Best Actor Honorable Mention, National Honor Society and Thespian Award. She plans to attend Lamar University to pursue a career as a speech pathologist or second- grade teacher. Kimberly Castillo will graduate 12th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, AP Scholar, National Honor Society and Key Club. She plans to attend Lamar University to major in pre-veterinary medicine and become an equine veterinarian. Jakayla Malone will graduate 13th in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, National Honor Society, National Beta Club Treasurer, Health Science Academy Secretary and 2021 Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association Academic All-State Award. She plans to attend Lamar University to major in kinesiology, minor in biology and to go into sports medicine as an athletic trainer or sports medicine physician. Madison Diggs will graduate 14th in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. She plans to attend Lamar Institute of Technology to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Leslie Mireles will graduate 15th in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, A-B Honor Roll, AP Courses, National Honor Society, Key Club and Beta Club. She plans to attend Lamar Institute of Technology to pursue a career in sonography/respiratory therapy. Diego Lavador Castillo will graduate 16th in his class. His high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. He plans to attend Lamar University to major in business with a concentration in accounting. Maryanna Gray will graduate 17th in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. She plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. Alaina Redding will graduate 18th in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. She plans to attend Lamar University to study music education.

Beaumont United High School Trenity Haynes-Vallery will graduate 19th in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in sports management and become a director of the athletic department at a prestigious university for the NCAA. KamRon Hadnot will graduate 20th in his class. His high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, 2020 UIL Solo and Ensemble State Competitor, 2021-22 Kappa League Vice President, 2021-22 Drum Major and Percussion Section Leader and 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont Scholarship Recipient. He plans to attend Prairie View A&M University or Texas Southern University to major in biology to pursue a career as a forensic scientist. In his spare time, he would like to volunteer with Beaumont FFA and the Soul of the South Band, while continuing to breed champion-quality rabbits. Sema’J Harrison will graduate 21st in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, 2018-20 UIL Solo and Ensemble State Qualifier, College Board National African American Recognition Program Awardee and 2021 Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association Academic All-State Award. She plans to attend Huston-Tillotson University to become a therapist, specializing in Black teens and adolescents.

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Anyana Clack will graduate 22nd in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. She plans to attend Prairie View A&M University to obtain a nursing degree, then become a labor and delivery nurse. Abigail Flores will graduate 23rd in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. She plans to attend Baylor University to earn a degree in psychology. Heydy Perez will graduate 24th in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, Varsity and Junior Varsity Tennis, National Technical Honor Society, Key Club and Beaumont ISD Board Recognition of the National Technical Honor Society First Chapter at Beaumont United. She plans to attend Lamar University to obtain a degree in computer science/data administration. Micheal White will graduate 25th in his class. His high school honors include Magna Cum Laude. He plans to attend the University of Houston to pursue a career as a business owner of a mechanic shop.

Early College High School Melanie Pharis – Principal Ashley Smith – Principal’s Secretary Leslie Stegemoller – Counselor Jodi Broussard – Path College Career IV

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Gladys Oliva Guilen will graduate first in her class. Her high school honors include Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude, Lamar University Presidential Scholar, Student Council Executive Board President, National Honor Society Secretary, Yearbook Secretary, Senior Class Secretary, Questbridge College Prep Scholar, Questbridge National College Match Finalist, 2022 UIL Science Team First Place District, 2022 UIL Science Team Second Place Biology District, 2022 UIL Ready Second Place District, 2021 UIL Science Team First Place District, 2021 UIL Science First Place Physics Region, 2021 UIL State Science Contestant and Beaumont Early College High School American Chemical Society Top Honors Chemistry Student. She plans to attend Lamar University to study nursing, pursue a career in pediatric nursing and attend medical school to become a pediatrician. Alondra Guzman Morales will graduate second in her class. Her high school honors include Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude and Beaumont Early College Student Council Executive Board Secretary. She plans to attend Lamar University to pursue a degree in biological science. Makayla Vallian will graduate third in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, National Honor Society, UIL Math, National Society of High School Scholars and fall 2021 Lamar Institute of Technology President’s List. She plans to attend Houston Baptist University to major in biology to pursue a career as a geneticist.

Early College High School Kayla Johnson-Boyd will graduate fourth in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa and Lamar Institute of Technology President’s List. She plans to attend Lamar University to become a pediatrician, after receiving her degree and PhD. Kami Nguyen will graduate fifth in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, National Honor Society President, Student Council, Senior Class President, Yearbook Vice President and fall 2021 Lamar Institute of Technology President’s List. She plans to attend Lamar University and pursue a career in pharmacy. Sade Haynes will graduate sixth in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Vice President’s List. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin and pursue a career in psychology.

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Marcela Torres will graduate seventh in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, National Honor Society and Student Council Executive Treasurer. She plans to attend Lamar University to pursue a career in pharmacy. Destinee Bennett will graduate eighth in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and National African American Recognition Program. She plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana and become a software programmer. Mexli Flores will graduate ninth in her class. Her high school honors include Magna Cum Laude, National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa and Vice President’s List. She plans to attend Lamar University to study medicine and pursue a career in oncology. Kevon Hardin will graduate 10th in his class. His high school honors include Magna Cum Laude and the Lamar Institute of Technology President’s List. He plans to attend Lamar University to major in chemical engineering.

West Brook High School Nicholas Phillips – Principal Tisha Smith – Student Activities Director Shundria Jackson – Senior Class Assistant Principal Carla Case – Senior Counselor

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Sebastian Kuriakose will graduate first in his class. His high school honors include Valedictorian, Summa Cum Laude, Key Club Vice President, Former National Honor Society Vice President, National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Texas Math and Science Coaches Association Vice President and AP Scholar with Distinction. He plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin and major in business honors, on a pre-medicine track to become a doctor. Tianjian Li will graduate second in his class. His high school honors include Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude, National Merit Scholar Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Swim Team Captain, Former National Honor Society President and Texas Math and Science Coaches Association President. He plans to attend Rice University to major in computer science. Djuro Sokic will graduate third in his class. His high school honors include The University of Texas Dean Scholar Program Acceptance, Summa Cum Laude, AP Scholar with Distinction, National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Student, Future Problem Solvers International Competition Seventh Place, UIL Number Sense First Place, UIL General Math Team First Place, UIL Calculator Team Second Place and UIL Piano Stats Qualifier. He plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to major in physics and work as a researcher after graduate school.

West Brook High School Elisante Msengi will graduate fourth in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, 2021-22 College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholar, 2021-22 College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program Scholar, Key Club, West Brook Chrome Squad President, National Honor Society, A-Honor Roll, Youth Leadership Southeast Texas, Student Council and PTA Executive Board Student Member. He plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin and major in mechanical engineering to pursue a career in the aforementioned field, working to find ways to turn the ideas of the 21st century into real-world solutions. Kyler Harrington will graduate fifth in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, 2018-22 Varsity Tennis, 2020- 22 Tennis Team Captain, 2021 Bi-District Champions/ Bi-District Most Valuable Payable, 2019-22 Varsity Soccer Goalkeeper, MaxPreps Player of the Game vs. Nederland, Golden Glove Award, Player’s Player of the Year Award, District 21-6A Goalkeeper of the Year Award with 225 saves, 2020-22 STARS Escort, Future Problem Solvers State Competitor, National Honor Society and UIL Number Sense Team Competitor. He plans to attend Texas A&M University majoring in accounting at the Mays Business School, graduate with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification/license and co-found a business. Emma Gilbert will graduate sixth in her class. Her high school honors include Highest Ranked Female, Summa Cum Laude, 2021- 22 STARS President, 2020-21 STARS Secretary, National Honor Society Parliamentarian, 2020-22 Stand Up to Cancer Co-President, 2018-19 All-American Cheerleader, Camp Waldemar All-Tribe Council, Louisiana State University’s Ogden Honors College Selection, Southern Methodist University’s Hilltop Scholar Program Selection, Southern Methodist University Bachelor of Business Administration Scholars Program and Baylor University Distinguished Scholars Program Selection. She plans to major in business and minor in psychology at The University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University or Texas Christian University.

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Casey Carreon will graduate seventh in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, 2018-2022 A-Honor Roll, 2021- 22 West Brook STARS Drill Team Vice President, 2020-21 West Brook STARS Drill Team Historian, National Honor Society and 2021-22 Student Council Junior Class Treasurer. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology. Jeremy Blackwell will graduate eighth in his class. His high school honors include National Merit Commended Scholar, Summa Cum Laude, AP Scholar, Varsity Golf Captain and Soccer Captain. He plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to major in biomedical engineering and advance to graduate school to pursue a career as a doctor in medical school and obtain a master’s degree in engineering. Matthew Dean will graduate nineth in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude and National Honor Society. He plans to attend Texas A&M University to obtain a master’s degree in finance and open his own gym.

West Brook High School Cristina Marquez will graduate 10th in her class. Her high school honors include 2021 AP Scholar with Honor, Summa Cum Laude, 2021 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, 2021 Rotary Youth Leadership Award, 2021 Coke Scholars Semi-Finalist, 2021 National Hispanic Merit Scholar, 2022 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar Finalist, 2020 District Student Congress Competition First Place, 2020 State Final Student Congress Competition Legislation Chosen Author, 2021 UIL 6A Social Studies Best of Texas Team Overall First Place, 2021 UIL 6A Current Issues and Events Best of Texas Team Overall First Place, 2021 UIL 6A District Current Issues and Events Team First Place. She plans to Attend Wellesley College with a major in political science on the pre-law track to pursue a Juris Doctorate and become an attorney with a specialization in entertainment law. Mala Gupta will graduate 11th in her class. Her high school honors include Key Club President, Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society, Student Council Class Secretary and Executive Board Parliamentarian, Medical Club Vice-President, UIL Student Congress State Qualifier, UIL Current Issues Team First Place, Regional Student Congress Meet Second Place and State Ranked in the 2017 Houston Public Media Spelling Bee. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in biology on the pre-med track, then going to medical school to become a psychiatrist. Jessica Do will graduate 12th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude and National Honor Society. She plans to attend Lamar University and major in computer science.

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon James Foxworth James Foxworth will graduate 13th in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Scholarship-Commended Scholar, Beaumont ISD Information Technology Department Intern, Math and Science Club Treasurer, West Brook Chrome Squad President and Key Club Treasurer. He plans to attend Rice University to study computer science and become a software engineer. Katlyn Huynh will graduate 14th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude and National Honor Society. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to achieve a degree in economics to pursue a business/ finance career. Melessa Nguyen will graduate 15th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude. OneWorld Multicultural Club President and Spanish Club Vice President. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to pursue a career as an OB/GYN. Samantha Sifuentes will graduate 16th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude and Spanish Club President. She plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to study business.

West Brook High School Ahmed Qayyum will graduate 17th in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, 2020-22 Key Club Parliamentarian, 2021-2022 National Honor Society Officer, Student Council, and exiting the ESL course after two years residing in the USA and moved from rank 87 to 17 during high school. He plans to attend Lamar University or The University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a degree in computer science with pre-med track to become a doctor. Olivia Barrett will graduate 18th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society Corresponding Secretary, West Brook STARS Senior Lieutenant and Summa Cum Laude. She plans to attend Baylor University to major in social work and hopes to open a pregnancy resource center that will positively impact women who are facing a crisis pregnancy. Owen Cansler will graduate 19th in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society and 2018-22 Varsity Baseball. He plans to attend the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University and major in accounting.

2022 Top Graduates Luncheon Raj Robison will graduate 20th in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, Varsity Soccer, Key Club and National Honor Society. He plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a career in Computer Science. Fiona Cronin will graduate 21st in her class. Her high school honors include National Honor Society – selected for academics and character, Summa Cum Laude, Honor Roll, Youth Leadership of Southeast Texas Nomination, West Brook STARS Dancer Girl Nomination, West Brook STARS Spirit Girl Nomination, Stand Up To Cancer Club Co-President, 2021-22 West Brook STARS First Lieutenant, 2020-21 West Brook STARS Junior Lieutenant, 2019-20 West Brook STARS Class Representative and Christmas Affair Committee Chairman. She plans to attend either the University of Texas or Syracuse University with a major in business and minor in fashion or interior design to go on to own a business that allows her to exercise her artistic abilities as well as have the opportunity to travel. Andy Ramirez will graduate 22nd in his class. His high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, University of Houston Honors College Acceptance, Yearbook Editor and Spanish Club Secretary. He plans to attend Lamar University to major in computer science and to be able to create various software programs that will help make the world a better place for everyone.

West Brook High School Kelly Velazquez will graduate 23rd in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, National Honors Society, Beaumont FFA President, Ricebelt District FFA President, Area IX FFA Treasurer, Texas FFA State Nomination Committee Member and Praise Church Youth Intern. She plans to pursue studies in animal science at Texas A&M University and go on to veterinary school to receive a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Emily McGee will graduate 24th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, National Honor Society Treasurer, Bruin Bearers Captain, 2018-19 A-Honor Roll and 2019-22 A/B Honor Roll. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to earn a kinesiology degree to pursue a career in sports medicine. Madison LeBlanc will graduate 25th in her class. Her high school honors include Summa Cum Laude, Lamar University Reaud’s Honor College Acceptance, West Brook STARS Drill Team Line Sargent, National Honor Society and Student Council Freshman Class Secretary. She plans to attend either Lamar University or the University of Houston to obtain a degree in business finance and then attend law school to become a corporate attorney.

Congrats & Best Wishes Top Grads Class of 2022

Thank you to the following partners for supporting our Top Graduates Program!



Beaumont ISD Board Robert C. Dunn, Sr., President Woodrow Reece, II, Vice-President Stacey Lewis, Jr., Secretary Joe A. Evans, Jr., Trustee Tillie Hickman, Trustee Kevin W. Reece, Trustee Denise Wallace-Spooner, Trustee Dr. Shannon Allen, Superintendent of Schools It is the policy of the Beaumont Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, handicapping condition, or age in its programs, services, activities, or employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Beaumont Independent School District is committed to providing a free and appropriate public education for all students.