Meet our 2023 valedictorians and salutatorians!
Meet KCSD’s class of 2023 valedictorians and salutatorians from each of our high schools – Bonanza, Chiloquin, Gilchrist, Henley, Lost River, and Mazama. These 42 students not only are at the top of their classes academically, but also participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, representing their schools and communities.
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JOSIE COLE
Valedictorian
Bonanza Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: Attend College of the Siskiyous for LN nursing degree, then transfer to a university to further my education as a registered nurse
Awards/extracurricular activities: Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, FFA and showing livestock
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YAHIR RAYGOZA CORTEZ
Valedictorian
Bonanza Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon State University to go study electrical and computer engineering and earn a bachelor’s of science degree. Goals include working for a company such as Apple, Microsoft, Boeing, etc.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Bonanza Chapter Vice President for Future Business Leaders of America, Robotics, Varsity Football, Varsity Track and Field, Ford Scholar recipient.
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CAMERON MOTZ
Salutatorian
Bonanza Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: Attend University of Oregon
Awards/extracurricular activities: Football, Basketball, Baseball, FBLA, 2021 Football Coaches Award, 2022 Football Defensive Linemen of the Year, 2022 Football 3rd Team All-League Defensive End, 2023 Basketball Coaches Award, 4-year member of Grand Honor Roll, 2020 Science Academic Excellence, November 2022 Student of the Month, 2022 English III Student of the Year
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BELEN MARIN-CORTES
Salutatorian
Bonanza High School
Future plans: Attend Klamath Community College for two years to get a transfer degree towards Oregon State University to major in pre-veterinary. Afterwards, attend UC Davis for four years to get a doctorate degree in veterinary.
Awards/extracurricular activities: FBLA, Basketball Stats/Book Keeper, Student Government, Bonanza Lions Club Senior of the Month (September), FBLA State Conference 4th Place in Public Service Announcement (2022), Member of the OASSA Honor Team for Foreign Language (2020)
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ALLEN HILL
Salutatorian
Bonanza High School
Future plans: Attend West Texas A&M University to major in Animal Science. Become a large animal veterinarian and an embryologist and also own and operate own registered Angus cattle business.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Varsity football for three years, varsity basketball for four years, varsity baseball for four years, FFA for six years, and 4-H for nine years. First Team All-League Football Defensive Back and Second Team All-League Quarterback, Team MVP, and Most Valuable Offensive Player 2022. First Team All-League Basketball 2022 and 2023, Honorable Mention All-State 2023, and Moda Health Player of the Game State Tournament 2022. First Team All-League Infielder and First Team All-League Pitcher 2022. FFA Star Chapter Greenhand, FFA Star Chapter Farmer, and FFA Most Outstanding Member. 4-H Beef Superintendent Award 2022.
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ANASTASIA SHANKS
Valedictorian
Chiloquin Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: Portland State University, majoring in biology on the pre-med track. Attend post-grad education at OHSU School of Medicine, to become a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Awards/extracurricular activities: On Track OHSU! program, My Future-My Choice teen leader, varsity track and field
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NICOLE PARRISH
Salutatorian
Chiloquin Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: I plan on attending SOU in the fall majoring in psychology. From there I plan on beginning work in mental health counseling in Ashland. I plan on settling down in Ashland where I will buy my first house and get married.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Softball (3 years), volleyball (2 years), Rising to Excellence 2021, Principal honor roll, Grand honor roll, Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence.
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SHILO TUCKER
Valedictorian
Gilchrist Jr/Sr. High School
Future plans: Army National Guard
Awards/extracurricular activities: Likes working, reads and plays video games
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GARRETT HUFFMAN
Salutatorian
Gilchrist Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon Institute of Technology
Awards/extracurricular activities: Football, basketball, track, and playing video games
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HOLLY PARKER
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend Pacific University and major in kinesiology???????
Awards/extracurricular activities: Teacher’s choice award recipient, scholar athlete, team captain varsity basketball, Key Club member, National Honor Society member, HOSA member, 6th place state basketball
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SOPHIA GRAETSCH
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Earn a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing
Awards/extracurricular activities: Team captain varsity tennis, athletic scholar award, FFA Academic Scholar award, FFA Reserve Grand Champion market chicken, FFA State Grand Champion art exhibit, National Honor Society vice president
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LANIE COX
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Studying biology at Pacific University to become a physician- assistant
Awards/extracurricular activities: Principal's Honor Roll, Scholar Athlete, Key Club, National Honor Society, HOSA, soccer (1st Team All-State), track (state champion)
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ETHAN ROELOFFS
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attending OIT for a bachelor’s degree in biology, then go to PA school
Awards/extracurricular activities: Athletic scholar (4 years), tennis (varsity, 4 years), 2022 FFA Junior Scholar, 2021-2022 FFA Chapter Sentinel, 2022-2023 FFA Chapter vice president, 2022 most involved FFA Member Award, 2022, 2023 #1 individual in FFA District Meats Evaluation, 2023 #8 Individual in State FFA Meats Evaluation, Klamath County Scholarship ($1,000), Choose Oregon Tech ($500), Winston Purvine Presidential ($5,000), Edward J. Mulick Memorial Scholarship ($1,900)
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GRACELYN HEDLUND
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attending OIT to get a degree in bio health science to eventually pursue physical therapy
Awards/extracurricular activities: Varsity soccer, varsity tennis, HOSA, Student Council, National Honor Society, 1st Team All-Conference Soccer (2021, 2022), All Conference Goalkeeper of the Year (2021, 2022), Oregon Scholar Athlete Award (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), Class of 2023 vice president (2021-2023), HOSA 1st place in job seeking skills, soccer team captain, Pacific Crest Federal Union scholarship recipient, Erlandson scholarship recipient
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KAYLEE HADDOX
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attending Oregon State University for mechanical engineering.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Ford Scholarship, robotics, chief science officer, tennis, cross country, and National Honor Society.
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CALEB NEJELY
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attending OSU for biomedical engineering
Awards/extracurricular activities: Robotics, engineering, band
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MICHELLE BONILLA GONZALEZ
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Major in biology-health science at Oregon Institute of Technology.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Ford Family Foundation Scholar, Walsh Family Scholarship, HOSA, soccer
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ALANA SMITH
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend University of Southern California for chemical engineering
Awards/extracurricular activities: Engineering, VEX Robotics, National Honor Society, Principal’s Honor Roll, chief science officer, VEX Robotics State Innovate Award
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SPENCER KOWASH
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon State University to pursue a degree in bioengineering and bioresource research for pre-med to pursue a career as a physician.
Awards/extracurricular activities: HOSA state champion in medical law and ethics, FFA State Runner-Up in manufacturing, FFA state finalist in ag sales and floriculture, novice reserve grand champion poultry, Honor Society president, HOSA president, senior class president, FFA rreasurer, FFA reporter, and Trivia Team
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ELLA BOCCHI
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend University of Florida majoring in non-profit management
Awards/extracurricular activities: United Way Leadership Award, Social Studies Student of the Year, HHS GRIT Award, Principle’s Honor Roll, PNW featured officer, Key Club president, Yearbook, HOSA, National Honor Society, Sunday School teacher
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TREVOR TOBIASSON
Valedictorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Go on a two-year mission to Costa Rica and then attend BYU-Provo after.
Awards/extracurricular activities: United Way Community Campaign Award, outstanding evaluation Solo Competition 2022 and 2023, 1st Team All State boys soccer, soccer, tennis, Key Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, jazz band and wind ensemble
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JAMIE WHITAKER
Salutatorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend Boise State University to pursue pharmacy
Awards/extracurricular activities: Varsity Softball, Varsity Swimming, FFA, 1st place District Creed Speaking, Scholar Athlete (4 years), National Honor Society, WUE scholarship recipient, swim team captain
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LAUREN WILKINSON
Salutatorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend UC Davis majoring in Aerospace Engineering
Awards/extracurricular activities: Varsity swim, varsity tennis, CSO, Oregon Military Youth Teen Panel, Honor Roll, 4H
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ARIA SHA
Salutatorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend Klamath Community College for basic credits. Transfer to a university to pursue performing arts.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Wind ensemble, tennis, marching band, jazz, drama. Scholar athlete. Sapphire award through Lewis and Clark.
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SHAW STORK
Salutatorian
Henley High School
Future plans: Attend a four-year university
Awards/extracurricular activities: 2x Conferences Football Player of the Year, 2nd All State QB, 2x 1st Team QB, 2x 2nd Team All-Conference basketball, All Defensive Team basketball, state finalist hurdler, 4-year scholar athlete, SMART Youth Council President, National Honor Society member.
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NATHAN DALTON
Valedictorian
Lost River Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: Attend George Fox University and major in nursing
Awards/extracurricular activities: Football (1A Player of the Year, State Champion, 1st team all-state LB and RB), basketball, and track and field (5th in state for 4x100, 6th in state for shot)
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ISAAC HERNANDEZ
Valedictorian
Lost River Jr/Sr High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon Institute of Technology and major in geomatics
Awards/extracurricular activities: Football, track, basketball, FBLA, National Honor Society. Academic excellence and scholar athlete awards in every sport along with the Merrill Lions Student of the Month Award
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HAILEY VILLEGAS
Valedictorian
Lost River Jr./Sr. High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon Institute of Technology and major in radiologic sciences
Awards/extracurricular activities: Leader of the Kindness Club, FFA, FBLA, National Honor Society, Leo's Club, Malin Community Service Club, robotics, basketball, volleyball, softball, track and field
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GRADY DUNLEA
Valedictorian
Lost River High School
Future plans: Attend Baylor University, major in health sciences and minor in Spanish. Become a bilingual physician’s assistant and return to Klamath County.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Basketball (4 years) All-League 2 years; football (4 years), All-League Offense/Defense, All-State Offense/Defense; member of National Honor Society, FBLA, and Leo's Club; Class President
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DANIELA VALADEZ
Salutatorian
Lost River Jr./Sr. High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon Institute of Technology and work towards a bachelor’s degree in nursing and later pursue a career in this field
Awards/extracurricular activities: Future Business Leaders of America/FBLA (4 years), 2021-2022 Vice President of Membership, 2022-2023 Vice President of Media; Leo’s Club, Kindness Club, National Honors Society, softball, and member of the first-ever soccer team at Lost River. Awards: President’s Volunteer Service Award for FBLA, the 100X Officer in recognition of my leadership growth and multiplication award, the Lost River Jr/Sr High School Freshman Student of the Month, certificate of achievement for showing true grit throughout distance learning, certificate of appreciation for outstanding dedication to Lost River’s FBLA Chapter, certificate of recognition for excellence in Business Leadership, certificate of recognition for great work ethic in chemistry, certificate of recognition for outstanding performance in English, certificate of recognition for excellent work in History 203, certificate of recognition for the Business Achievement Awards Business Level, Softball Scholar Athlete Award, 2022 Athletic Award in softball and the 2022 Athletic Award in soccer
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MATTHEW ELFBRANDT
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon Institute of Technology in the fall to pursue a degree in software engineering. I will be joining OIT’s Robotics Club to learn more about robotics and engineering. In addition to my studies, I am also looking forward to traveling to Portugal this summer with my church for World Youth Day to celebrate my faith.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Member of the International Robotics Honor Society, member of Mazama’s National Honor Society, qualified and attended for Vex Worlds three times, member of Vex Robotics/Robotics Club, and completed the STEM&M program.
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STORMY TECUMSEH
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Pursue an internship over the summer with the Oregon Air National Guard at Kingsley Field in the Oregon Energy Trust Program. In fall 2023, attend Oregon Tech to potentially pursue a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography to eventually become an ultrasound technician.
Awards/extracurricular activities: 4.0 GPA and Honors Diploma, partake in all advanced classes (majority dual credit), Student Government for 4 years currently ASB Vice President, National Honors Society for 3 years, STEM&M for 3 years, awarded several scholarships including the Al Forthan and Benefit for the Basin, Oregon Tech scholarships with OWLS, Presidential, and Klamath County Recognition Scholarship, enjoy volunteering and community service.
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MAK QUIRK
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attending Oregon State University as a first-generation college student on the Presidential Scholarship and major in business administration. After earning my bachelor’s degree, plans are to attend law school in California and eventually open my own law firm.
Awards/extracurricular activities: FBLA Chapter President, national qualifier twice; received the OSU Lucille Burigio Scholarship that covers tuition for an entire year; Honor Society Vice President; Student Government representative; My Future My Choice Teen Leader; Varsity Soccer Team Captain; Varsity Track; and Student Section Spirit Leader.
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EMMA ATENCIO
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Plan to take a gap year after graduating high school to move to Colorado. After the gap year, I will attend a community college for two years and then enroll in a university to study veterinary medicine, psychology, toxicology, or chemistry.
Awards/extracurricular activities: National Honors Society, Honors Diploma with a 4.0 GPA, completed the STEM&M program, volunteer with Toys-for-Tots over Christmas break, completed an internship with the Klamath County Library, took advanced classes (majority dual credit), including advanced chemistry, advance psychology, calculus, and pre-calculus.
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ELLA BALEY
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo as a biochemistry major. My major had a 5% acceptance (70 total) and is in the top 10 biochemistry programs on the West Coast. After Cal Poly, I plan to attend graduate school at UCLA to obtain a doctoral degree or a doctor of veterinary medicine.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Varsity volleyball and basketball (4 years), varsity softball (3 years), varsity track (1 year), four times All-State, five times first team All-Conference, seven times All-Conference 2nd Honorable Mention, 2023 Skyline Volleyball player of the year, National Honor Society and member of Student Government, HOSA, and FBLA, and completed the STEM&M program.
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ELIZABETH ESTES
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend Washington State University as a student in the Honors College in the Fall 2023 to obtain a bachelor’s of science degree in biology. After graduating from WSU, plan to attend graduate school to earn an M.D. in psychiatry.
Awards/extracurricular activities: FFA President and State FFA Degree, basketball, soccer, tennis, member of National Honors Society, completed the STEM&M Program, MESA, National FFA Bronze Beef Production Placement Award winner, National FFA Bronze Social Science Division 5 award winner, advanced history, advanced psychology, advance English, and advanced chemistry student of the year.
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KAYLEI GARLOCK
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon Tech to obtain a degree in biology health science. After my bachelor’s degree, plans include going to medical school for oncology. I have been taking a CNA licensing class through Mazama (Health Occ II) to work as a CNA throughout college.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Vice president of FFA (2022-2023), treasurer of FFA (2021-2022), treasurer of National Honor Society (2022-2023), completed the STEM&M program, recipient of the $750 BFTB Scholarship, National FFA Bronze: Agriscience Food Processing Division 5 Award Winner, five times Student of the Month at Mazama, and 2021-2022 Agricultural Student of the Year.
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ALEXANDER LEHMAN
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend Oregon State University to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. While in school I would like to complete a full stack developer certificate. After college, I would like to find a job in development.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Robotics for four years and went to Worlds twice, Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy Award for Excellence in Leadership, International Robotics Honor Society secretary for two years, Student Government for three years, Finely Scholarship at OSU, and referee for robotic competitions.
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BRENDON MONTEITH
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Earn a business degree from Oregon State University followed by attending law school.
Awards/extracurricular activities: Varsity letters in football (team captain) and baseball, All-Conference middle linebacker, tight end, and outside linebacker, All-State Tight End, 2021 4A Football State Champion, FBLA National Placer, four years of Athletic Leadership, and motivational speaker at the elementary schools.
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HANNAH DARRAH
Valedictorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend Northumbria University, New Castle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, to study sport, exercise, and nutrition. My dream is to open a business for rehabilitation of athletes, chronically ill, and disabled individuals while also educating those on nutrition, exercise, and benefits of sports. I will also be playing soccer at Northumbria University.
Awards/extracurricular activities: 2023 Yearbook Editor in Chief, National Honor Society president 2023 and parliamentarian in 2022, FBLA cabinet member 2023, FBLA 2021-2022 Public Speaking district and state winner, and 9th place in nationals, HOSA member, valedictorian and honor student with 71 college credits, soccer captain 2022-2023, 4-year varsity starter, scholar athlete (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), 2nd Team All-Conference (2019, 2022), Honorable Mention All-Conference (2021), and FBLA Graphic Design district and state winner 2022-2023.
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RHYLEE UTLEY
Salutatorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend Klamath Community College and then transfer to OIT to earn a degree in biology and health sciences. I eventually want to attend vet school and become a small animal or exotic animal vet. My dream is to open up my own 24-hour clinic in Klamath Falls.
Awards/extracurricular activities: class president (3 years), ASB president 2022-2023, softball (3 years), basketball (3 years), National Honor Society, softball 2nd team infielder, Honorable Mention, Academic All-State, and working part time at Double-C.
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CHELSEA GILMORE
Salutatorian
Mazama High School
Future plans: Attend the University of Oregon to study in human physiology/anatomy and major in health science or biology. After college I plan on going to PA school to become a certified physician assistant. I am interested in pursuing a career in family medicine or an ED PA.
Awards/extracurricular activities: National Honor Society, volunteer at Sky Lakes Medical Center and Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center, part-time job at Canvasback Book Store, Academic All-State in varsity basketball 2019-2023, Students for Safe School Award, Second Team All-Conference for varsity basketball 2022-2023, and mentor to a young girl.
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