Jefferson’s Class of 2023 will take their final walk at 8p.m. Friday night at W.F. Lockett Stadium. The last two weeks have been filled with activities for seniors as they complete their high school career. The Jimplecute will live stream the ceremonies on FaceBook and YouTube.
The Superlative Graduates, or those in the top 10 rankings, provided the Jimplecute with some insight into their school lives and plans for the future.
Charlene Allyn Moore
Charlene Allyn Moore, daughter of William and Oxana Moore, is the graduating valedictorian of Jefferson High School. Charlene has attended Jefferson ISD since Kindergarten and has strived for academic excellence ever since. She has been honored with various awards such as Texas Scholars, Honors Graduate, and football sweetheart. She has also earned her Associate’s Degree in Science from Panola College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She’s been a member of Strutters/Dance Team (Captain), DECA (President), TAFE (President), HOSA, Student Health Advisory Committee, Yearbook, National Honors Society (President), National Technical Honors Society, Spanish Club, One Act Play, UIL, and Winterguard. Charlene plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to major in biochemistry and earn her Ph.D. in Dental Surgery.
Brooklyn Marie Shelton
Brooklyn Marie Shelton is an ambitious young woman and the salutatorian of the Jefferson High School. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Panola College with an Associates of Science degree and plans to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and focus on a Human Environmental Science degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development. Brooklyn is member of the National Honor Society, helped produce high school yearbooks and has been an active volunteer in various community activities including being the Vice President of the Spanish Club, varsity cheerleader, team captain for the varsity volleyball team. Last summer she participated in the Texas Bluebonnet Girls State program and is this year’s secretary for the Marshall Junior Symphony League.
Carsyn Thomas
My name is Carsyn Thomas and I am a senior at Jefferson High School. I am being recognized as a Superlative graduate, Honor graduate, and Texas Scholar. I am the daughter of Andrew and Monica Thomas, and have three younger siblings. I am the granddaughter of Ricky & Nan (Whelan) Carter and Randy & Gail (Thompson) Thomas. I recently graduated Cum Laude from Panola College with an Associate of Science degree and was a member of the Panola College Honor Society. I will attend the Honors College at the University of North Texas in Denton this fall. I plan to major in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Political Science. I am eager to see where life takes me, and I will always cherish the people that have been by my side over the past 18 years.
Kenya Ross
My name is Kenya Ross and I am the class of 2023 president. I am graduating as a Superlative Grad and Honor Grad. I am a Texas Scholar and a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and Student Council. I have earned an OSHA certification, CPR/AED certification,my CNA and my PCT. I have participated in many school and community activities throughout the school year such as TAFE and HOSA. I also attended Girls State. Jefferson High School has definitely prepared me for my future, and I am ready to start the next chapter of my life. I am attending The University of Texas at Arlington to obtain my BSN and become a registered nurse.
Adam Mollinedo
My name is Adam Mollinedo and I am graduating as a superlative graduate as Number 5 in my class. I have already been accepted and plan to attend Baylor University to study Biochemistry. While in high school, I am a member of the National Honor Society and played Varsity Basketball. Life holds many challenges for us so we must be strong and go forward with our future.
Knox Tomlinson
My name is Knox Tomlinson I’m a senior at Jefferson high school. I’m the son of Tonya and Kevin Tomlinson my siblings are Kobin, Karter, and Kash Tomlinson and the grandson of Martha and Ken Tomlinson. I will be graduating as a superlative grad (top 10 %) and Honor Grad. I am a Texas Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. I attended American Legion Boys State and also have earned an OSHA certification. I will be attending Louisiana Tech University and majoring in nursing and I can’t wait to see what my future has in store for me.
Tawny Foster
I am Tawny Foster and I am graduating a Superlative Grad as #7 in my class. I am also a memeber of the National Honor Society. I am the daughter of Larry and Beje Foster. It was such an honor to have received Female Athlete of the Year for 2022-2023, as well as 1st Team All-District Pitcher in softball, Regional Qualifier in powerlifting, District Champion & Regional Qualifier in discus, and Academic All-District in all sports this year. I am blessed to have been a part of the Jefferson Strutters for the past two years, and will truly miss dancing under those Friday Night Lights. I am a member HOSA, NHS, and an officer in Spanish Club. Along with that, I am also CPR and OSHA certified. Outside of school, I have enjoyed working at the Jefferson General Store for the past 5 years and I am your reigning Miss East Texas. After high school, I plan on becoming a United States Marine and will eventually earn a degree in Sports Medicine. I hope to one day become a coach and inspire young student athletes like my coaches and mentors have inspired me. I would like to thank my family and friends for all of their support in my journey, and my teachers for always encouraging me and believing in me.
Luke McMullen
Hello, my name is Luke Mcmullen, son of Rodney and Becky Mcmullen, siblings of Ryan and Blaze. My future plans are right around the corner knowing that I leave on May 31st to continue my dream of playing division 1 track and football, all while getting a degree in mechanical engineering. Just recently I accomplished one of my long-term goals of winning state in the 100m and 200m, considering this is only my second year running. Also, graduating in the top 10% is another huge thing that I have accomplished. I am a member of the National Honor Society and graduating as a Superlative Grad. With that being said, may God steer me in the right direction for many years to come.
Harlie Shields
My name is Harlie Shields and I am graduating rank number nine of my senior class. I am the daughter of Blake and Nikki Shields. I have been a varsity cheerleader since freshman year and am currently Vice President of my NHS chapter, a member of HOSA, Spanish club, as well as the Kinesiology team at JHS. In addition to graduating as a Texas Scholar and as an Honors graduate, I am a dual credit student and received my Associate degree from Panola College on May 4th. I plan on attending East Texas Baptist University in the fall where I will complete my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. After that, I want to attend Optometry school, and later become an Optometrist! I am so thankful for my time in Jefferson as well as the lifelong friends and relationships that I’ve made. I wish all of my classmates the absolute best and pray we are all successful and happy!
Amiya Espinoza
I‘m Amiya Espinoza, Daughter of Samantha Jackson . I am graduating as # 10 in my class. I am a Texas Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. I am currently pursuing my career goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. I will be graduating high school with my CNA license and PCT certification. This is a huge accomplishment and step towards my future. After graduating, I will be attending UT Tyler while majoring in nursing and minoring in child development. I hope to work at CHRISTUS Mother Frances in Tyler to help expand my knowledge of nursing.