Students of the Month 2021-2022

Sofia Murra Vicario is a senior in her fourth year at NBHS and has been in NBISD since kindergarten. She is Valedictorian, an AP scholar with distinction, and a member of the National Honor Society. Sofia won second place in Individual Science at District in 2022, first place in Individual Current Issues and Events at District in 2021, and third place in Individual Current Issues and Events at District in 2022. 

Her extracurricular activities include Academic UIL (Current Issues and Events, Science), Spanish Club (Founder and Vice-President), Student Council (Vice President), Principal Student Advisory Committee and Math Club (Vice President). Sofia volunteers at the St. Peter and Paul Thrift Store, as an ESL tutor, and at the Food Bank for 2020-2021.

Sofia plans on attending the University of Pennsylvania to major in mathematics. Her parents are Isabel Vicario and Fernando Murra.

Jackson Blackburn, a senior in his fourth year at NBISD, is the National Honor Society President at NBHS, and Student Council Parliamentarian. He is the founder and president of the Dinosaur Club and a member of the German Club. He is also an active member of the NBHS Athletic Film Department and a DEIC Student Appointee.

Jackson plans on attending Texas A&M University in the fall where he will study Political Science. He aspires to attend a law school following his time at A&M, and then practice law as well as enter politics and hold office as a state representative. His parents are Chris and Sharon Blackburn.

Helah Rivera is a senior in her fourth year at NBHS and is in the top 10 percent of her class. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, and achieved over 30 hours of college credit through AP and Dual Credit Classes. Helah is a member of the Top Band/Wind Ensemble for New Braunfels High School (all four years), and is also involved in the jazz band. Additionally, she is Trombone Section Leader for the Mighty Unicorn Marching Band and Co-founder and Director of the student-led Low Brass Ensemble. Helah advanced to State in Solo & Ensemble for the trombone and euphonium for all 4 years, and was awarded a District and Region Chair in the TMEA All-State process for trombone for her junior and senior years. She is also a math tutor for the New Braunfels Transitional Living Program for At Risk Teens.  

Helah plans on attending Texas Lutheran University as a Music Education and Performance Major with a minor in Biology, and her career goal is to be a high school music educator or a pharmacist. She is currently a Pharmacy Technician in training. Her mother is Doris Patel.

Hank Boatright, a senior in his third year at NBISD, is Senior Class President, National Honor Society Vice-President, and Student Council Treasurer. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar on the PSAT and AP Scholar with Distinction. Hank is also the MCJROTC Battalion Executive Officer, a boy scout, and a member of the NBHS Golf team. Additional activities include membership in the Math Club, the Spanish Club and performing as a NBHS Mascot.

Hank plans on studying political science and public affairs at American University in Washington DC with a congressional internship, and intends to become involved in politics and eventually becoming a candidate for office. His parents are Steve and Sarah Boatright.

Kenya Frias Rodriguez is a senior in her fourth year at NBHS and Swim Team Captain for 2021-2022. During the summer, she volunteers to give children ages 5-9 swim lessons, and is a member of the Texas Interscholastic Swim Coach Association Academic All-State. The Founder and President of the Spanish club for 2021-2022, she tutors students from the English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Algebra, Chemistry, History, English.  The 2021-2022 Math Club Secretary, Kenya is also a member of the National Honor Society, an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction for 2021, and was honored by the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Kenya plans on attending Texas State University and majoring in Industrial  Engineering. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she plans on getting a master's and learning a third language. Her parents are Cesar Frias Jauregui and Nora Rodriguez Quintana.

Michael Wilson, a senior in his fourth year at NBISD, is a participant in the Special Olympics, having represented NBHS Unicorns in Bowling, Track and Basketball competitions. An amazing student who has grown tremendously as a person during his time at the high school, he is a leader amongst his peers and is always ready to help; throughout the day he is the first to volunteer to help. His interests include food and greeting people.

Michael plans on attending the Gateway Transition Program after graduation. His grandmother is Juanita Seekins.

Abigail Lawson, a member of the National Honor Society, is a senior in her fourth year at NBHS and will graduate in the top 5 of her class. She has been on the A-Honor roll throughout her education. She is a 3-year varsity volleyball letterman, 2021 season varsity volleyball team captain, and a member of First-Team All-district for the 2021 season and Second-Team All-district for the 2020 season. Abigail attained Academic All-District for all 3 varsity seasons, and the First-Team All-State Academic for the 2021 season. Additional honors include the 2021 Texas Showdown All Tournament Award,  2021 National Merit Commended Scholar, and AP Scholar with Distinction. She is a graduate of Youth Leadership New Braunfels and MVP of the 2020 & 2021 Texas Tigers Club Volleyball team.
 
Abigail enjoys participating in youth groups and bible studies, and plans to attend Wheaton College to study Business and Economics, plus play indoor volleyball. She plans on continuing her education by seeking an MBA and possibly living abroad after graduate school. She is the daughter of Rachel & Scott Lawson.

Zakariah Shannon, a senior, has attended New Braunfels High School for all 4 years. He has been the Unicorn Network Studio Producer for 2 years and has produced over 15 announcement films, and also produced a documentary for UIL State Consideration. Zakariah has also been heavily involved in UIL Academics, including his role as UIL Spelling Team Captain and winning the District Championship twice as a team and once as an individual, as well as placing 4th at regional competition. He is also a member of the UIL Headline Writing and Ready Writing Teams, has presented for the Math Club, and is a principal member of both the Spanish Club and Swingsters Swing Dancing Club. Zakariah is also the Captain of the Class of 2022 Quiz Bowl team. An AP Scholar and an accomplished Calculus Christmas Carol Writer, Zakariah is also a Student Ambassador for Career and Technical Education, and recognized as a Local Hero of the NBHS Community.

Zakariah plans on attending film school on the east coast to pursue a career in Directing, Producing or Screenwriting. His mother is Sabrina Shannon.

Senior Jensen Harvey has spent all 4 years at NBHS. An AP Scholar with Distinction and National Honor Society member, her leaderships positions include President and Chapter Founding Member of NCL (National Charity League), Student Council Vice President and LEO Club Vice President. Jensen is a member of the Math Club, Dinosaur Club, HOSA, and has participated in Cheerleading, Cross County and Track, as well as being a Unicorn Handler. She has also worked with the National Charity League (NCL) and the Debutante Program, and served as a T Bar M Camp Counselor and Personal Assistant for non-profit organization Believing for Bryleigh.

Jensen plans on studying journalism at the University of Virginia. She is the daughter of Joy and and Rick Harvey.

Ethan House, a National Honor Society member, is a senior in his fourth year at NBHS. He has served as Co-Captain of the wrestling team and is a NBHS Marine Corps JROTC Battalion Commander. Ethan is a member of the Spanish Club, Math Club, Dinosaur Club and Team Elite/ Wrestling Club. He has also served as a mascot at NBHS. Other accomplishments include being a Youth Leadership of New Braunfels Graduate,  Auxiliary member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 7110 Honor Guard member, Teen Life Leader at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 381. He is also a Texas Boys State Graduate.

Ethan plans on attending Texas A&M University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is the son of Alli House and Mark House.

Ella Venegoni has been an NBHS Unicorn all four years. She has been a member of the Unicorn Tennis Team and is a four year varsity letterman, as well as a two year team captain, and is a Unicorn Handler. She is a member of the National Honor society and is ranked fifth out of 594. Ella is also a member of the Math Club, NBHS New Student Welcoming Committee, Dinosaur Club, and Spanish Club.  Outside of school, she has volunteered with the Comal County Senior Citizens Center, New Braunfels Food Bank, and The Spring Community Church’s Big Serve, and is employed by Chick-fil-A.  Her future plans include attending Abilene Christian University in the fall of 2022 to study digital marketing and graphic design. She is the daughter of Jeff and Dannett Venegoni.

Jackson Bendele is a senior in his fourth year at NBHS.  He has served as Class Vice-President for the last three years and is a member of NBHS Student Council. He is also a member of the Blue Crew Member, Math Club, Spanish Club, Dinosaur Club and the Junior Rotary Club. Jason also served as the mascot, emceed pep rallies and played on the soccer team from 2018-2021. He has been involved with Comal County 4H since 2016 and won first place at the San Antonio Livestock Show Calf Scramble in 2020. He has participated in the Comal County Livestock Show Goat Project and Show Steer Project, San Antonio Livestock Show Breeding Heifer Project, and the Comal County Homemaking Fair. Bendele is a graduate of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership program and Mid-Texas Symphony Debutante Program. He has volunteered with several local churches to assist with youth programs, fundraisers, special events and vacation bible schools. His future plans include pursuing a degree in Engineering so that he can become an environmental engineer to help better the world.  He is the son of  Clint and Stacey Bendele.

Claire Myers has been an NBHS Unicorn all four years. She has played Varsity Girls Soccer for four years and earned Academic All District in Soccer; she is also a member of the Schertz Lions Fútbol Club. Claire is a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and is currently enrolled in the NBHS Phlebotomy Certification Course. She volunteers outside of school and has earned more than 100 Green Cord hours. She has been a Kids Leader at Epic Life Church for the past two years and is a member of the Epic Life Youth Group.  In addition, she works as a Trainer and Server at Old River City Cafe.  Claire’s  future plan is to become a Life Flight Nurse. She will begin her education at San Antonio Community College for her EMS Certification while earning an Associates degree, followed by earning her Paramedic’s License and then working for Travis County. She will then pursue a degree in nursing at Schreiner or Texas State to eventually become a Star Flight Shock and Trauma Air Rescue Life Flight Nurse. She is the daughter of Bryan and Brittany Myers.

Caleb Black is a senior in his fourth year at NBHS.  He has been a New Braunfels High School Band Section Leader for the past two years. Additionally, he has been involved with Future Farmers of America(FFA) the past four years.  Caleb has also been a member of the National Honor Society(NHS) as a junior and now as a senior. He is a member of the “Swingsters” swing dance club. Outside of school, Black is a member of Young Life youth group.  Caleb plans to attend Texas Tech University to major in Animal Science and eventually become a large animal veterinarian.  He is the son of Scott and Shannon Black.

Summer Henslee has attended NBHS for four years. She has also been a cheerleader for the last four years. She served as cheer captain her freshman year and currently as Varsity Social Officer. In addition, she has participated in competitive cheerleading winning a national title. Summer is a member of National Honor Society, in the top ten percent of her graduating class, and has been a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) for the last four years. She has been involved with LEO club and the Family, Career & Community Leaders Association (FCCLA).  Outside of school, she is a member of the First United Methodist Church where she has taught Sunday school, been a vacation bible school leader and a youth camp leader.  She enjoys serving her community by volunteering at the food bank. Summer’s future plans are to attend A&M University or Baylor University where she will pursue a degree in health care as an occupational therapist. She is the daughter of Danny and Mistey Henslee.

Ryan Reed is a senior in his fourth year at NBHS.  He is the New Braunfels High School Drumline Captain for the Marching Band and a member of the NBHS Concert Band and Jazz Band.  Ryan has been awarded as an All-State Musician, as well. In addition to his musical pursuits, he is a member of the Math Club. Reed’s future plans include attending Texas A&M University to study Engineering.  He is the son of Clint and Jodi Reed.

Summer Skye Burnett has attended NBHS for 4 years. She has been a cheerleader for five years, participated in competitive cheer for four years and  is currently the 2021-22 Cheer Co-Captain. Burnett is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council, the Principal’s Student Advisory committee, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and the organizer of Senior Sunrise. Outside of school she works for Chick-fil-A and was a volunteer with Oakwood Baptist Church’s Children’s Ministry before the COVID pandemic began. Her future plans include running her own advice column/blog to help underclassmen navigate high school. Summer plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in Business Administration while minoring in Psychology. Upon completion, she will attend graduate school to earn a masters in Family Therapy where she plans to help families navigate trauma and learn to reconnect. She is the daughter of Jovanka Burnett.

Joshua Porter  is a senior in his fourth year at NBHS.  He is the first cadet to earn the highest enlisted rank of Cadet Sergeant Major in the revised promotion system. Porter is a member of the NBHS Marine Corps JROTC Drill Team, Color Guard, Sword Arch Team, Shooting Team, and Physical fitness Team. He is also a member of the varsity wrestling team and the founder of the NBHS Living History Club. Outside of school, Joshua is involved in Medieval Reenactment (broad sword fighting) and Tang Soo Do Karate, where he earned his 1st-degree Black Belt and will be testing for his 2nd-degree in the Spring. He volunteers with his church by distributing food,  helping as a repair/handyman, and providing lawn maintenance. He volunteered with the Hurricane Harvey Response and fundraising for disaster response. Porter enlisted in the Marine Corps and will attend boot camp this coming summer. He intends to complete training and seek an overseas assignment in Asia while pursuing his goal of becoming a Marine Raider.  He also plans to take college courses through Hillsdale College. He is the son of Stephan and Juliana Porter.