Spring 2025 Highest Honors Graduates

Spring 2025 Highest Honors Graduates

Congratulations to all of the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­’s Highest Honor graduates!

Carli Hope Borsche

Carli Hope Borsche

Carli Hope Borsche is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Carli says, “My teammates, my coaches, family and friends all influenced my success.”

Carli plans to major in mass communications and minor in dance at Sam Houston State University.

Roy Clemens Carney

Roy Clemens Carney

Roy Clemens Carney is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced his academic success, Roy says, “I want to thank my parents, Lindsay and Joshua, my siblings, Dr. Makowsky and Dr. Dennard, and numerous peers who have supported me including Marco Cunningham, Caedmon Kelley, David Tran, and Nathanael Polk.”

Roy plans to study psychology at Texas State University.

Osmar D. Cazares Guillen

Osmar D. Cazares Guillen

Osmar D. Cazares Guillen is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced his academic success, Osmar says, “First and foremost, I’m incredibly grateful to my family for always encouraging me to excel in every part of my academic journey. My dad and brother, in particular, have been constant sources of inspiration. I’d also like to thank my counselor, Renee Jacinto, who has been my academic anchor—always there to help with scheduling or simply listen when I needed support. Lastly, I want to thank my dual credit classmates for challenging me to step outside my comfort zone; for that, I am forever grateful.”

Osmar is undecided on his future college but plans to study aerospace engineering.


Marco Valentine Cunningham

Marco Valentine Cunningham

Marco Valentine Cunningham is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced his academic success, Marco says, “I would like to thank all of the amazing professors that have put an effort into my academic success at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­.”

Marco plans to study neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University.

Madelyn Michele Davis

Madelyn Michele Davis

Madelyn Michele Davis is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Madelyn says, “I would like to thank my mom and dad for always being there for me no matter what, and my siblings, Jillian and Nate, for being the best siblings in the world. I'd also like to thank the Jonas Brothers for being amazing, and my wonderful friends, extended family, and professors for being such incredible support in my life and my academic journey.”

Madelyn plans to study educational advocacy at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Highlander

Yuto Goto

Yuto Goto is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced his academic success, Yuto says, “I would like to thank my family for supporting my decision to study abroad. I’m grateful to the Honors College directors, Dr. Rogers-Sharer and Dr. Villarroel, for guiding my academic journey. Thank you to the Phi Theta Kappa advisors—Professor Bigham, Dr. Walker, and Fabion—for believing in me and helping me grow as a leader. I also appreciate Professor Randell for the research opportunity and my friend Ruben for emotional support. To my professors and the many faculty and staff at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ who encouraged and challenged me—though I can’t name everyone individually—thank you for your guidance, kindness, and support.”

Yuto plans to major in kinesiology and biology at Texas Christian University, Texas A&M University or the University of Texas at Arlington before studying to become a physician at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.


Savannah Nicole Hughes

Savannah Nicole Hughes

Savannah Nicole Hughes is receiving an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Savannah says, “I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me and standing by my side through the past two years. I would also like to give a very special shout out and thank you to the PTA program instructors, Heather, Dr. Patterson, and Kimmy. You all have poured your skills and knowledge into my education, and I cannot thank you enough for always being there to support me in not just the classroom but in life.”

Caedmon Patrick Kelley

Caedmon Patrick Kelley

Caedmon Patrick Kelly is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced his academic success, Caedmon says, “First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, who have shaped the person I strive to become. I'd like to thank all my Rapoport Dual Credit peers, especially my friends Roy Carney and Marco Cunningham, who are graduating with me and inspire me to grow every day. I also want to thank my Professors Vince Clark, Erik Emblem, Ashley Cruseturner, Reid Makowsky, and Andrew Clayton, each of whom have made a great impact on my education. Finally, I want to thank Dr. McKown for allowing me to embark on the Presidential Scholars' Washington D.C. trip in the fall, which was truly an experience of a lifetime.”

Caedmon plans to study philosophy and theology at the University of Notre Dame while pursuing a pre-medical track.

Allie Marie Kneece

Allie Marie Kneece

Allie Marie Kneece is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Allie says, “My closest loved ones, specifically those who have constantly motivated me to perform to my best potential, and above all else Jesus Christ who gave me the strength to do it.”

Allie plans to major in nursing at Texas Tech University.


Claire Catherine Kubitza

Claire Catherine Kubitza

Claire Catherine Kubitza is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics and an Associate of Arts with Field of Study in Business Administration.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Claire says, “I would like to think my family, friends, and all of my professors.”

Claire plans to study architectural civil drafting at Texas State Technical College.

Hannah Jane Alcantara Porcare

Valeria Judith Martinez Gumesindo

Valeria Judith Martinez Gumesindo is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Valeria says, “I would like to thank my friends and family for their support and encouragement. I would also like to thank La Vega High School for granting me the opportunity to take dual credit courses and get my associate’s degree.”

Valeria plans to major in criminal justice at Sam Houston State University.

Jackson Tanner Qualls

Jackson Tanner Qualls

Jackson Tanner Qualls is receiving an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant.

When asked what influenced his academic success, Jackson says, “I would like to thank Dr. Robert Patterson and Heather Davis from the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­ PTA program staff, my fellow students from the PTA program, and my mom and dad for supporting me throughout my journey.”

Jackson plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy assistant at Pima Medical Institute.


Highlander

Tara Nicole Shmuts

Tara Nicole Shmuts is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Tara says, “I would like to thank Dr. McKown and everyone else involved in the Presidential Scholars team, the Honors College heads Dr. Shelly Rogers-Sharer and Dr. Villarroel, all of my professors at Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­, especially Professor Clayton, and of course my family.”

Tara plans to major in political science at Baylor University.

Highlander

Ally Kathleen Thompson

Ally Kathleen Thompson is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Ally says, “I would like to thank my friends, family and teammates for their unwavering support.”

Ally plans to major in business and continue her softball career at Mercer University.

Hannah Elizabeth Vasser

Hannah Elizabeth Vasser

Hannah Elizabeth Vasser is receiving an Associate of Arts with Field of Study in Business Administration.

When asked what influenced her academic success, Hannah says, “I would like to thank my astounding parents, my nana and pawpaw, and my sister who were always supportive and willing to star in my school projects.”

Hannah plans to major in accounting at Stephen F. Austin State University.