Ram Elite Finalists named

Mineral Wells High School has announced the 2024 Ram Elite finalists.

Justin Harwell has been involved in UIL activities, as well as drones and is a member of Upward Bound.

Harwell places to study math at the University of Texas at Arlington, followed by a career in engineering.

Clayton Ethridge is a multisport athlete in football and baseball, as well as a member of FFA.

After high school, he plans to attend Brag Flight School and pursue a career as a commercial pilot.

Jaden Salazar has participated in football and UIL math competition.

A student in the Upward Bound program, he plans to study aerospace engineering at UTA, and play a role in the future of aviation as an engineer at Lockheed Martin.

Kristen Riney, as an FFA member, has been involved in parliamentary procedure, poultry judging, creed speaking, treasurer of the Oil Belt District and prepared public speaking. She also served as a Texas Girls state delegate and was a member of volleyball, golf, National Honor Society, Student Council, Principal’s Advisory Committee and the MWISD Long Range Planning Committee.

After high school, she plants to study biology at Texas Tech University and pursue a career as a pediatric physician assistant.

Braden Ethridge was a multisport athlete at Mineral Wells High School, participating in football and baseball as well as FFA.

He plans on attending Tarleton State University to study ag business.

Cadence Colwell participated in softball, basketball, tennis and the National Honor Society.

She plans to major in biology at Texas Tech and pursue a career as a pediatric nurse.

Ladaria Polk has been on the Wranglerettes throughout her entire high school career, including captain her senior year. She also participated on the barbecue team.

Polk plans to attend Tarleton State studying human resources and marketing, with a future goal of working through many businesses as well as owning some of her own.

Hannah Perales played club and varsity volleyball, also coaching youth players. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.

Perales plans to get her bachelor’s degree in sports management at Oklahoma State University to pursue a career in sports managing and marketing.

The Ram Elite Reception and Ceremony will be held May 1 at the high school. To be considered a finalist for the Ram Elite, students from the senior class are nominated by faculty and staff for this honor. They are recognized for their attitude to education, school activities, peer respect, leadership, citizenship, loyalty to school, award recognition and community involvement.