Highest Honors Graduates
Spring 2026 Highest Honors Graduates
Congratulations to all of McLennan Community College’s Highest Honor graduates!
Maximilian Blank
Maximilian Blank is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Maximilian says, “Being an international student and coming to the US for the first time wasn’t easy, but I was surrounded by incredible people who supported me. Thank you to everyone who helped me at MCC, especially my teammates and Coaches Gill and Greene—you made me stronger as a player and a person. To our athletic trainers, Kristen and Randal—thank you for every time I said, 'I think I’m fine, but something hurts.' Thank you to Student Resources, the cafeteria, library, and bookstore staff. To Orlando, Valerie, Coach Carr, and his wife—you did more for me off the court than you realize, and I will not forget it. Thank you to the fans who supported us at games and to the professors who helped me gain new knowledge. I can’t name everyone, but if we had any interaction, know that I appreciate it.”
Maximilian is evaluating offers to continue his basketball and academic career, and plans to major in Business.
Carli Faye Gravitt
Carli Faye Gravitt is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Carli says,” I would like to thank MCC for the opportunity to grow during my time here as a dual credit student. I am especially grateful to my mother, who serves as the principal of La Vega Early College High School, for her constant support and encouragement. I would also like to thank my counselor, Mr. Acosta, for his guidance and dedication to my success. I am also deeply appreciative of all my professors, who challenged and supported me. Lastly, thank you to my family who have been there with me every step of the way.”
Carli plans to continue her education at Tarleton State University in Waco, majoring in Elementary Education.
Lauryn G. Haferkamp
Lauryn Gale Haferkamp is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Lauryn says, “I want to thank my parents, Billy and Kathryn, my boyfriend, Jaiden Taylor, and most importantly God for giving me the opportunity to chase my dreams each and every day.”
Lauryn plans to continue her education at Texas A&M University, majoring in Kinesiology and Motor Behavior
Sandra H. Hernandez
Sandra Hortencia Hernandez is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Sandra says, “I would like to thank my family, and my friends Joanna, Jazel, and Brandon for believing in me. I would also like to thank BTS and Kali Uchis.”
Sandra plans to continue her education at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Political Science.
Mason Kusler
Mason Lark Kusler is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics and an Associate of Arts with a Field of Study in Business Administration.
Mason says, “I would like to thank my parents and the voice music faculty for supporting me during my studies at MCC.”
Mason will be taking a gap year to work before continuing her education at Texas Tech University, majoring in Marketing.
Rachel M. Marvin
Rachel Marie Marvin is receiving an Associate of Science in General Academics.
Rachel says, “I thank God for paving the way for me and providing many miraculous blessings. I would like to thank my mother and father for their time and energy to help me, and my siblings, for their support and influence. I am grateful to all my professors who have aided me, and my friends and Honors College peers for encouraging me. I am especially grateful to the Honors College directors, Otsmar Villarroel and Shelly Rogers-Sharer, for all their guidance and support. I also want to thank Phi Theta Kappa advisors Ken Walker and Annette Bigham for helping me grow both personally and academically.”
Rachel plans to continue her education at Baylor University, majoring in Nutrition Sciences.
Kimberly Moreno
Kimberly Moreno is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Kimberly says, “Thank you to my family, friends, and my high school teachers and counselors for supporting me every step of the way.”
Kimberly plans to continue her education at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Kinesiology Applied Movement Science.
Melanie Newell
Melanie Newell is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Melanie says, “I would like to thank the Reagans, Dr. McKown, my mom, and my little sister for their support.”
Melanie plans to continue her education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, majoring in English.
Mark D. Paghi
Mark Daniel Paghi is receiving an Associate of Applied Science in Music Industry Careers-Audio.
Mark says, “I would like to thank my wife Sylvia and son Noah for their support.”
Mark is undecided on the next steps in his education.
Jackson Qualls
Jackson Tanner Qualls is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Jackson says, “I would like to thank his friends and family for their support.”
Jackson plans to continue his education at Tarleton State University, majoring in Kinesiology.
Lilly B. Rose
Lilly Belle Rose is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Lilly says, “I would like to thank Ms. Jachetta, Mrs. Jones, and Mr. Freeman for their support.”
Lilly plans to continue her education at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Environmental Science.
Alexis Routson
Alexis Joy Routson is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics.
Alexis says, “I would like to thank my parents for always believing in me and encouraging me to persevere. I am also grateful to the athletic department for helping me grow into the athlete and person I am today. Thank you to Shannon Harmsen for your constant love and encouragement. Thank you to all my professors, especially Amy Antoninka, Donald Keltner, Stephen Greathouse, and Elaine Fagner, for the impact they had on my academic journey. I would also like to thank Boyce Wilson for the laughs, advice, and community. I would not be where I am today without each of you!”
Alexis plans to continue her education at the University of Central Arkansas as a member of the dance team.
Alex Schrandt
Alexander Patton Schrandt is receiving an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration.
Alexander says, “I would like to thank my father, mother, brother, grandparents, friends, and God for their support!”
Alexander plans to continue his education at Texas Tech University, majoring in Finance.
Michaela Snyder
Michaela Rubi Snyder is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics
Michaela says, “I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through it all, and I would like to thank my family and friends who have stuck by my side!”
Michaela plans to continue her education at the University of Texas at El Paso as a member of the dance team, majoring in Kinesiology.
Melanie J. Valdez
Melanie Jade Valdez is receiving an Associate of Arts in General Academics
Melanie says, “I would love to thank my family, friends, and professors who helped me succeed in my goals, and I will always cherish their support and love. Thank you for believing in me.”
Melanie plans to continue her education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, majoring in Accounting.
Chad West
Chad Linn West is receiving an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant.
Chad says, “I would think my beautiful, supportive, patient, and loving wife, Hope West, without her, this would not be possible; my mom, Tammy, for always believing in me; Bill DeAngelo, for being a dad; and Joseph and Zoey, for bringing life to our lives.”
Chad is undecided on the next steps in his education.
The following students did not submit a bio or photo.
Melissa Naomi Cortez | General Academics (AA)
Alana Gallagher | General Academics (AA)
Cameron T. Johnson | General Academics (AA) & General Academics (AS)
Gavin McCullough | General Academics (AA)
Jocob L. Wright | Field of Study in Criminal Justice (AA)