Recognized for their achievements by the Ector County Independent School District Board of Trustees, Permian High School’s top 10 students were lauded by their campus Wednesday with a celebratory breakfast in the library of the school.
The annual event draws in parents, extended family and faculty.
Senior Criselle Velasco is No. 7 in her class. She plans to attend the University of North Texas in the fall to study biology. Ultimately, she plans to become a physician assistant.
“I think it’s a great honor to be here and it feels nice to have all our hard work recognized,” Velasco said.
Her advice to younger students is to do their work.
Sydnie Stewart, who is No. 4 in the senior class, said she has always worked hard. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and study computer engineering with the aim of designing software for Apple or Dell.
Her advice to younger students who want to make the top 10 is pay attention and know what their goals are.
Adela Vasquez, a student assistant services counselor at Permian, was on hand to honor her grandson, Christian Tschauner, who is No. 6 in the class.
“They all worked very, very hard to get where they’re at,” Vasquez said.
She added that they have some anxiety in getting to the top 10, but all of them were steadfast.
“They all have that true grit to stay out there all these years. I’m very proud of them,” Vasquez said.
Permian Principal Danny Gex lauded the students but also recognized the parents for their hard work and sacrifice.
“Like any top 10, they’re great kids. It’s fun to watch them. We’ve got a couple Longhorns; a couple Aggies; a Baylor Bear … I think the thing that was impressive was I think there were four or five studying medicine, which is really kind of cool,” Gex said.
He added that there were a couple of future engineers in the class, along with other professions.
“It’s fun just to see them as kids going into the adult life. That transition is huge, and of course your top 10, they do it so well … It’s a great time in their life to be able to celebrate it. You just want to wish them the best,” Gex said.
