Top Achievers & Future Leaders

AUSTIN COUNTY AREA 2024 GRADUATING SENIORS

Austin County’s graduating seniors stand out for their diverse achievements, academic excellence, athletic distinction, and significant music and arts contributions.

TOP OF THE CLASS

For Brazos High School’s Paige Demny, being at the academic top of her senior class is not just a rank—it reflects her intense dedication and the effort she has invested throughout her high school career. “I have always been a hard worker, and the commitment that I have given to my grades all four years of high school shows,” Demny said. “It wasn’t easy, but it was all worth it in the end.”

Demny stands out for her active participation in UIL Academics, the Interact Club, and her role in the FFA program, where she serves as an officer and competes in school-representing competitions. Her commitment extends to the athletic field, showcasing her versatility in volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis and athletic training, where she helped on the sidelines at football games.

“I plan to attend Texas A&M University but am not accepted yet. Plan B is to attend Blinn College and eventually transfer to Texas A&M,” Demny said.

Bellville High School Senior Andrea Eckermann is ranked 2nd in her class and plans to pursue her studies in the pre-professional exercise science program at Schreiner University.

“At Schreiner, I will run on the cross-country team and study and play clarinet in the concert band while in the pre-professional program. I will achieve my doctorate in physical therapy and work to help those needing injury relief.”

Trinity Harding, a distinguished senior at Sealy High School, has made notable academic strides, earning her place in the National Honor Society in her junior and senior years while securing a position in the top 10 of her class. Her leadership skills are equally impressive, as she holds several key positions: president of the student council, vice president of the NHS, vice president of her class, captain of the varsity tennis team and social president of the Tigerettes.

“These roles have taught me so much about how to step up and take charge to get things done,” Harding said. “My plans after high school include attending A&M to study biomedical science and becoming an anesthesiologist after attending medical school.”

FUTURE STARS

Brazos High School’s Trey Gaston has been a dominant force in athletics, maintaining his position on the varsity squads for football and basketball since his freshman year. His athletic achievements include helping the football team reach the third-round playoffs and being honored as a firstteam all-district player in basketball, reflecting his commitment and talent in sports.

Gaston is preparing for a busy spring, attending several sports camps to sharpen his skills and aiming to walk on at Blinn College, showcasing his commitment to his athletic future.

“Last year was my first time in football to make the playoffs, and we went three rounds, which has only happened maybe the second or third time in our school’s history,” Gaston said. “That was probably one of my proudest moments.”

Cooper Hollomon, a Bellville High School senior and National Honor Society member has charted a future combining his passion for golf and academic ambition. He aims to attend Texas Lutheran University, where he will continue his golf career and delve into business studies.

Hollomon proudly contributed to his golf team’s achievement of qualifying for the state golf tournament last year, a feat not accomplished by Bellville High School since 1969.

Holloman highlights the necessity of unwavering commitment and focused practice for athletes aspiring to compete at the college level.

“Don’t just go practice without having a goal to reach. You should feel like you accomplished something after every practice,” Holloman said.

“You also have to be willing to practice independently to achieve your goal of playing collegiate-level sports.”

NEW JOURNEYS

Patrick Martinez showcases his diverse abilities at Brazos High School as drum major, saxophonist, and a key player in the One Act Play and student council. His dedication shines through his role as treasurer of the International Thespian Society, his NHS membership, and his active involvement in various UIL competitions.

“During my junior year, I participated in the All-Region band competition and was thrilled to learn that I placed third, which allowed me to advance to the area level. This achievement was a significant highlight for me. In UIL accounting, our team collectively secured third place at the regional level,” Martinez said.

“That year was also memorable for our marching band as we advanced to the area level for the first time in at least two decades. Additionally, I had the opportunity to advance to the state level in both a quartet and a trio with other saxophonists.

Achieving state recognition in these ensembles was among the year’s top moments.”

Martinez is setting his sights on furthering his education at Texas A&M University, where he plans to major in chemical engineering. “I really like math; I’m good with numbers and enjoy everything from algebra to calculus and geometry. I find it fascinating to see the stories that numbers can tell.

I’ve also always been interested in chemistry, biology, and other sciences.

Engineering combines these interests.

My brother, who studied engineering at A&M, has been a big inspiration; he dives into his passions with full commitment.”

Bellville High School senior Ruth Garcia has made a lasting impact with her leadership of the flute section in the Big Red Brahmas Band, nurturing a tight-knit group that epitomizes the spirit of camaraderie and shared passion for music. Beyond the band, her leadership skills were further honed in the Bellville Leo Club as the historian, complemented by her involvement in the Science Olympiad and FCCLA.

“During my junior year, I participated in the All-Region band competition and was thrilled to learn that I placed third, which allowed me to advance to the area level.”

— Patrick Martinez Brazos High School graduating senior I have always been interested in being creative and expressing myself through music and art.

“I have pursued and developed my flute playing through competitions and auditions. Each year of high school, I auditioned for the ATSSB event and advanced to area levels. I have also auditioned for solo and ensemble for four years, advancing to the state competition in my junior year,” Garcia said.

Garcia intends to pursue a major in Communications Design and a minor in Music, aiming to weave her love for creative expression and musical passion into a career.

“Alongside my musical talents, I enjoy letting out my artistic side. I am particularly interested in graphic design. I have designed multiple shirts, including the Bellville High School Leo Club and the 2024 class t-shirts,” Garcia said. “This year, I joined an art class and entered the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art competition, earning the Best of Show award.”

FROM SKETCHES TO SCRIPTS

Sealy High School’s Rylan Crawley, a senior with a broad range of talents, impressed judges with his monologue at the Texas Thespians competition, achieving perfect scores and qualifying for nationals. His contributions extend beyond the arts, as evidenced by the butterfly garden he created at the Gordon Memorial Library as part of his Eagle Scout project.

“I was approached by the Gordon Memorial librarian looking to improve the children’s area. Through discussion, we landed on a fairy-themed butterfly garden in a previously barren corner for the children to view from the window,” Crawley said. “It was rewarding to see all the pieces come together and the impact it had immediately after completion. Kids are excited about it.”

Crawley’s state-wide auditions have paid off, as he has secured spots in various BFA programs, affirming his potential and dedication to the performing arts.

Lina Garcia, a senior at Bellville High School, has been nurturing a passion for art since her early years. As Garcia embarks on her artistic journey, she feels deeply grateful to the support network that has fueled her passion for art, motivating her to take every opportunity to improve her skills. In collaboration with Bellville High School’s learning center, she created sketches of historical buildings. This dedication, coupled with her artistic flair, secured her a scholarship at the Western Art Academy.

“An achievement I am particularly proud of is when my “Running Wild” art piece advanced to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art auction. It was an honor to have my piece selected amongst the 72 out of the 4,000 pieces entered,” Garcia said. “The piece ended up being sold for $12,000. It was a new and surreal experience I am extremely thankful for.”

COMMUNICATION & SERVICE

At Sealy High School, senior Madison Curtis reflects on her varied experiences, especially her leadership role in color guard with Aggie, active participation in band and theater, and her teachers’ influential role in her personal and educational growth.

“I learned a lot about leadership and people,” Curtis said. “Mrs Jones, my middle school art teacher, instilled in me the importance of organization and communicating ideas through art, which carries over to my communication skills today.”

After much reflection on her future and considering the legacy of service in her family, Curtis made a significant decision about her path after graduation.

“I have decided to go into the U.S. Navy because I want to travel all over the world and set myself up for a good career,” Curtis said. “Both my father and paternal grandfather served in the navy, and it felt right to carry on the family tradition.”

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Vocational schools are crucial in preparing students for specialized careers, offering practical, hands-on training that equips them with the skills necessary for immediate employment in various trades. Bellville High School senior Oziel Andrade, affectionately known as Ozzie, plans to attend Blinn College’s Rellis campus in Bryan, where he aims to specialize as an HVAC technician. His ambition doesn’t stop there; Ozzie envisions mastering his craft and establishing and managing his own A/C service company.

Demonstrating exceptional leadership, Andrade was pivotal in steering his football team to the state game, marking Bellville’s first appearance since 1977.

“Being the starting center and the only senior on the O-line and with only one other player having true varsity experience, I had to tap into my leadership vocally and lead by example,” Andrade said. “Having to demonstrate to younger players how to hold themselves and keep them down to earth while helping them every step of the way.”