Lexi McCoy and Lausen Ost were honored Tuesday morning as the top students at Sulphur Springs High School.
Lexi McCoy achieved the honor of valedictorian with a 4.4773 grade point average. McCoy has achieved many academic UIL honors while attending SSHS. She competed in the most events in the entire school, and was recognized as an academics medalist. McCoy was state runner-up in the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition.
Being a member of the varsity volleyball team this past fall beginning her senior year, the valedictorian was named Academic All-State. She is a member of Key Club. As well as being the Secretary of National Honor Society, McCoy is a National Merit Commended Scholar and was recognized by the National Recognition Program.
McCoy plans to attend the University of Alabama, where she’s been admitted to the Honor’s College. Alabama offered the graduate a full-ride scholarship based on her ACT score. Taking biology her freshman year, the valedictorian said cell genetics fascinated her. That, and her final two years learning under Kaley Williams who the senior thanked for fostering a great learning environment that solidified her intention to to major in biology, to potentially pursue research in plant & nutritional sciences. The valedictorian’s goal is to make better and healthier food for the world. McCoy’s parents are JD and Jennifer Carter.
Lausen Ost earned the second ranking in his class with a 4.4619 grade point average.
The salutatorian considers among his honors competing in UIL journalism and Current Events. Last year saw the then-junior be named state champion in the Latino Essay competition. Ost is National Honors Society President, as well as being a member of National Technical Honor Society.
His musical achievements include being a varsity choir member at SSHS, on top of that competing well enough to make the 2023 TMEA All-State Mixed Choir, the highest achievement possible for a choir singer at the high school level. Ost said the experience was very memorable and one he will not soon forget.
After graduating SSHS, he plans to attend Texas A&M University in College Station. He plans to study civil engineering and join the Singing Cadets at the university.
Ost is the son of Loren and Christine Ost.
