Grady senior profiles

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of profiles about local graduating high school seniors.

Morgan Borden plans to attend Dona Ana Community College in Las Cruces to pursue a career in radiology.

Do you feel prepared to leave high school? Why or why not?

Yes. Over the years, I have learned how to prepare personal taxes, how to handle money responsibly, how to effectively communicate in writing, how to push through subjects that seem impossible and, most importantly, that a smile and a little respect goes a long way.

What is the most important advice you've received in high school and who gave you this advice?

The best advice I received ... was from my English teacher Mrs. (Jennie) Piepkorn: “Don’t be a dummy.”

Daniel Edwards plans to apply at the city of Clovis Fire Department and get his intermediate EMT license at Clovis Community College.

In high school, what extracurricular activities did you participate in?

I participated in football, basketball, baseball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Farmers of America.

What do you view as your greatest achievement in high school?

Winning the class A six-man football state championship in 2016.

Jayden Garrett plans to attend CCC and work on becoming a certified welder.

What do you view as your greatest achievement in high school?

Winning the class 1A six-man state championship with a perfect record of 8-0.

How have you changed since you were a freshman?

I have grown bigger and stronger, and I have matured in mind and spirit. The biggest change is that I have learned that sometimes it is just better to keep your mouth shut.

Jasmine Gonzales plans to get all of her basics done at CCC, and after that, “I am going to major in nursing at New Mexico State University.”

What was your favorite book to read in high school?

“Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach. While already completely infatuated with a career in the medical field, this book intrigued me. I found it informative, funny and extremely entertaining.

What is the most fun you ever had in class?

When my classmates and I put a dead mouse in our teacher's desk drawer, and she didn't notice it most of the day. But it was in the moment we heard her scream, we knew she had found it. It provided our class a lot of laughs for a lot of weeks

Marcus Palma’s plans after high school are uncertain.

“I'm still on the fence about either joining the U.S. Air Force or becoming a priest. I'm just going to let God set the path for my future.”

What was your favorite book to read in high school?

It was during my sophomore year, and it was called “Alas, Babylon.” The reason I liked this book was because it was set in an alternate universe where the U.S. and the Soviet Union launched a nuclear war against each other (during the Cold War).

What was your favorite subject and why?

Chemistry. The reason I preferred chemistry over any other subject was because I liked to study the chemical composition of the most basic things, such as iron and how rust is formed.

Garrett Rutherford plans to attend New Mexico State University in the fall, pursuing a major in mechanical engineering with a minor in ag business.

In high school, what extracurricular activities did you participate in?

I have actively been involved in FFA, serving as an officer on a local and state level as New Mexico state vice president, as well as being on the Grady High School baseball and basketball teams.

What kind of impression do you hope to leave on everyone you attended high school with?

Be original. It took me far too many years to learn that if you spend all your time trying to be like someone else, you will never get the chance to actually be someone special, someone who matters. All you have to do is find what you like, find what you love and love every day, or not love — it's up to you, but I am not officially endorsing that.

Sage Starbuck will be attending Grand Canyon University, majoring in pre-med with plans to go on to medical school.

What was your favorite book to read in high school?

“Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach. Stiff quickly became my favorite read because of Roach's witty way of making a non-fiction book educational yet entertaining.

What is the most important advice you've received in high school, and who gave it to you?

“Just because you say ‘bless their little heart’ before you talk about someone doesn't make it OK to gossip.” — Mrs. (Jennie) Piepkorn

Tayte Trice’s plans are to find a job and work for a year, then attend West Texas A&M University.

How did you meet your best friend in high school?

My best friend is Morgan Borden. I met Morgan right after I moved to Grady, and she has been a supportive, loyal friend ever since.

What was your favorite subject and why?

My favorite subject was government, because I had the best teacher, Mrs. (Cheryl) Grau.

— Compiled by the Staff of The News