BLANKET – The Blanket High School Class of 2023 will graduate at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26 at the high school football stadium, where valedictorian Mariela Menchaca and salutatorian Brayden Day will be honored as the top two graduates.
Menchaca said of her valedictorian honor, “I worked hard to get it so I’m happy that it worked out. I did expect it because of how much work I put into it, so I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but I’m definitely happy about it.”
Regarding his salutatorian status, Day said, “There was a lot of hard work to get here and it’s finally showing.”
Menchaca, the daughter Robert and Kristal Menchaca, is first headed to Tarleton with designs on becoming a veterinarian.
“I’m part of the honors program, and I’m going to get my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary and hopefully transfer to Texas Tech after that and finish up at vet school,” she said. “I’ve wanted to be a vet since I was young. I’ve always been really into animals and taking care of them. I have a farm and take care of animals all the time. I just want to save them.”
Day, the son of Brandi and Ryan Welch, will pursue a business degree and play football at Howard Payne.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was 5 years old, it’s always been my dream,” Day said of playing football. Regarding choosing business as his major, he said, “I want to work for myself.”
Looking back on high school, Menchaca said she will miss her Ag classes most of all. Day stated his fondest memories at Blanket High were of athletics – football, basketball, and track – as well as his Economics class with Coach (Jalen) Helms.
Asked how Blanket helped prepare them for college, Menchaca said, “It’s prepared me because we had dual credit classes so I’m not so scared going into college. It’s going to be different but I don’t think it’ll too scary as opposed to other kids that haven’t done dual credit. And high school has also helped me with relationships and friendships and social skills.”
Day added, “Dual credit has been the main thing for me. It’s shown me what you have to do to be on a college level.”
Regarding the advice they would offer younger students aiming to finish at the top of their class, Menchaca said, “I’d say work hard, and don’t let other kids tell you that it’s stupid or anything like that. Don’t let anyone try and talk you out of it.”
Day added, “Don’t procrastinate.”
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VALS AND SALS/GRADUATION PAGE SCHEDULE
Monday, May 15– BCCS
Tuesday, May 16 – Early
Wednesday, May 17 – Zephyr
Thursday, May 18 – Brookesmith
Friday, May 19 – Blanket
Monday, May 22 – Brownwood
Tuesday, May 23– Bangs
Wednesday, May 24 – May
Thursday, May 25 – Premier
Friday, May 26 – Coleman