BLANKET – The Blanket High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, May 24 at the Blanket ISD Gymnasium.
Harlie Rodgers, daughter of Robert and Nicole Rogers, is the valedictorian while Lorena Morales, daughter of Marielena Chavarria, is the salutatorian.
Rodgers overcame a learning disorder to earn her spot at the top of the Blanket graduating class.
“It’s nice because I showed that I overcame my dyslexia to become what I am now,” Rodgers said.
Morales said of being named salutatorian, “It means a lot to me because my family has always been more athletic than academic, so being salutatorian is something I really appreciate.”
As for whether they expected to finish at the top of their class, Rodgers said, “We were headed this way but it wasn’t for sure, so it was a little bit of a surprise.”
Morales added, “Since our sophomore year we had an idea we would be val and sal so we started preparing for it, then there was a little complication, but we ended up on top.”
As for plans after high school, Rodgers said, “I hope to get into culinary school and do some of that. I really enjoy cooking and cooking for others and baking. I really enjoy that, and my mom always said she wanted me to go into culinary school, that I’d be good at that.”
Morales has, “applied to TSTC. I’m in a business management technology course and I’m going to be doing that for the next two years. I want to own my own business one day and I know entering into these courses will help, and honestly it’s a good way to make money.”
In terms of extracurricular activities, Morales took part in National Honor Society, Academic UIL, One-Act Play, Yearbook, and State Honor Crew.
“I’m grateful for the experience,” Morales said.
Rodgers was also part of the One-Act Play and competed in Academic UIL events.
In regard to what they will miss most about attending Blanket schools, Rodgers said, “The teachers and the feeling of being here. My teachers helped me, stood up for me and my dyslexia and helped me get through it and figure it out. Plus with how small Blanket is, it makes us feel close knit. There’s a lot of love and care for your classmates because we’re like a family. I’ve been going here since Pre-K so it’s crazy to think I won’t be coming back.”
Morales added, “It’s been great here, my family graduated from here. From kindergarten through 12th grade, we’re kind of stuck with everybody until the end, but I love the routine of this school.”
Looking 10 to 15 years down the road, Rodgers sees herself, “Baking or cooking, maybe having my own bakery.”
Morales said of her future, “I haven’t imagined that far yet, but I hope I have a degree and own my own home.”