The top graduate of the Early College High School Class of 2024 is so inspired by her teachers that she wants to follow them into the education field.
Alexis Speakman is the valedictorian and Thanh Trieu Truong is the salutatorian of Early College High School. Both graduated from Central Texas College with highest honors.
A day before the CTC graduation and two weeks before her high school graduation, Speakman considered her achievement.
“It’s exciting and really nerve racking. We’ve prepared the past four years, but thinking about it is different than actually being here.”
She has done some moving in her military family, but managed to attend Hobby, Clarke and Meadows elementary schools, Audie Murphy Middle School and Early College High School in KISD.
“I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher, she said. “I’ve been encouraged by my teachers.”
She recalled her first-grade teacher (Mrs. Ford). “She was so nice and kind. I really looked up to her. She was strict and she cared for us. I want to give back and help students like my teachers did.”
Supportive parents helped her make the decision to tackle two years of college during high school in the Early College High School.
She remembers when a group of Early College High School students visited her middle school to explain the benefits and challenges of attending the specialized high school.
“I’m happy with the decision,” she said. “I’ve made good friends. Teachers have helped me succeed and be a better person. I was shy when I got here. They helped me come out of my shell.”
Open, helpful teachers, small classes and strong connection to peers have highlighted Early College High School for the top-ranked senior about to graduate.
She’s been a part of several clubs and attended events like Friday Night Lights and a school fashion show.
“A lot of my friends are highly ranked in the class. We’ve been friends all the way through. We hang out with each other, and they push me to be a better person.”
Early College High School graduation was Wednesday, May 22 at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton.
