We are pleased to announce the 2025 Bright Star Scholarship recipients of Hopkins County:
- Como-Pickton CISD: Jacob Connellan, Sanay Diaz, & Valaria Gonzalez
- Cumby ISD: Jack Petty
- North Hopkins ISD : Ashley Shipman
- Sulphur Springs ISD: Ian Westlund, Sharon Abrego-Rios, Ali Crump, Nathan Andrews, & Aspen Lintz
Valaria Gonzalez, Como-Pickton CISD
Valaria is the daughter of Jose Gonzalez & Guadalupe Valle. She will attend the University of North Texas and major in Biology followed by her master’s to become a physician assistant that specializes in pediatrics.
Extra-curricular activities: Cheerleading, Student Council, Class Officer, Spanish club, FFA, Floral Design, Softball manager, National Honor Society, Mini Cheer Camps, FCCLA, Hopkins County Leadership program Awards/Recognitions achieved: State FCCLA: 3rd place, Top 10: Floral Design, Varsity Cheer Captain, Student Council President, Honest & integrity award from Hopkins County, National Honor Society Secretary, Academic Top 2nd: Floral Design, Fashion Design, English Honors III, AB Honor Roll, A Honor Roll, Hopkins County Student of the Month- donated $250 to Country CASA, Como- Pickton 1st
student of the month, Floral State Certification Level 1 & 2, Fellowship of Christian Athlete: All- state 2025 Cheerleader
Hobbies and interests: My hobbies and interests are playing pickleball, hanging out with my friends and family, watching movies, and taking care of my nephew.
What do you feel is one of your greatest accomplishments in life to date? One of my greatest accomplishments has been thriving as a first-generation
achiever, overcoming challenges to earn multiple awards and honors for academics and leadership. Through extensive community service, I not only gave
back but also helped pave the way for others like me. It’s a journey that fills me with pride and purpose.
What are some personal goals in life you hope to accomplish within the next ten years?
Over the next ten years, I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree in biology, then complete a master’s program to become a certified physician assistant
specializing in pediatrics. I am passionate about working with children and hope to build my career at a leading children’s hospital, where I can make a meaningful difference in young patients’ lives. In addition to my professional goals, I look forward to getting married, starting a family, and maintaining a strong, supportive personal life.
Jacob Connellan, Como-Pickton CISD
Coming soon!
Sanay Diaz, Como-Pickton CISD
Valaria is the daughter of Jose Gonzalez & Guadalupe Valle. She will attend the University of North Texas and major in Biology followed by her master’s to become a physician assistant that specializes in pediatrics.
Planned post-secondary institution: Tarleton State University
Intended major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Career field interest after graduation/program completion: Veterinary Medicine
Extra-curricular activities: Varsity volleyball, Softball, and cheer for 4 years, Uil academics, Spanish Club, Student Council, FFA for 5 years, FCCLA
member for 2 years, and a NHS member for 3 years.
Awards/Recognitions achieved:
● Academic All District -3 years , volleyball, basketball, and Softball
● Part of the Softball state runner up team -2023
● President of NHS, member for 3 years
● FFA member for 5 years FFA President 2022-2023 & 2024-2025
● Selected for Hopkins County Leadership
● Varsity Cheer for 4 years captain for 2 years
● Qualified for finals at State UIL Cheer competition 2022 and 2025
● Second in Dual credit History 1301-1302
● Academic All State, 2nd team -volleyball
● Ron Heflin award for cheer
● Floral Design Basic Certification
● Student Council Representative
● Ranked top #1 in my senior class
Hobbies and interests: My hobbies and interests consist of watching my favorite Netflix series Greys Anatomy, spending time with friends and
family, animals, and playing sports.
What do you feel is one of your greatest accomplishments in life to date?
My greatest accomplishment in life to date would have to be finally seeing all of my hard work pay off by graduating Valedictorian of my senior class.
What are some personal goals in life you hope to accomplish within the next ten years?
I hope to graduate with my bachelors degree in pre-veterinary medicine, then apply and get accepted to veterinary school at Texas A&M College
Station. Another personal goal I hope to accomplish for myself is to successfully be almost complete with veterinary school and about to graduate with my Masters or Doctorate. One more that’s not as big, but is important to me is developing a healthy and positive work-life balance.
Cumby ISD: Jack Petty
Coming soon!
North Hopkins ISD: Ashley Shipman
Parent(s) Name: Joe and Emily Shipman
Planned post-secondary institution: Texas Tech University
Intended major or certification sought: Personal Financial Planning
Career field interest after graduation/program completion: Personal Financial Planner
Extra-curricular activities: FCCLA, BETA, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Track, Student Council
Awards/Recognitions achieved: Outstanding Student of the Year
● Honors English 2; Honors/Dual Credit English 3; Honors/Dual Credit Texas Government; Honors Spanish 4; Food Science; Graphic Design;
Forensic Science; Geometry; Pre-AP Biology
Academic Excellence Awards
● Pre-AP Biology; Dual Credit History; Pre-AP Geometry; Spanish 2; Principles of Human Services
FCCLA
● Sports Nutrition 4th place, State 24′
● Sports Nutrition 2nd place, Regionals 24′; Sports Nutrition 3rd place, Regionals 23′, Sports Nutrition 4th place, Regionals 25′
BETA
● 10th place Color Photography, Nationals 23′
Athletics
● Outstanding Runner Award; Exemplary Effort Award
● Cross Country: Regional Qualifier (9th, 11th, 12th)
● Track: Regional Qualifier (9th, 11th, 12th), Area Qualifier (9th, 11th,
12th)
UIL Academics
● UIL Accounting- 3rd place 25′, 6th place 24′
Hobbies and interests:
Running, hiking, biking, wake surfing, baking, thrifting, spending time with friends and family, reading, and just about anything creative!
What do you feel is one of your greatest accomplishments in life to date?
One of my greatest accomplishments in life was overcoming my fear of the unknowns when transferring to a new school, and even still, finding
ways to get involved, embrace new opportunities and grow my confidence.
What are some personal goals in life you hope to accomplish within the next ten years?
Over the next 10 years, I hope to study abroad for a semester, graduate from Texas Tech University with my master’s degree and earn my Certified
Financial Planner certification. After finishing college, I hope to move back to Northeast Texas where I can open my own Financial Planning Firm. In
addition to serving my clients, I hope to help break generational cycles of poverty by offering workshops for the community to help equip people with a plan to establish financial stability for themselves and their families. On a personal level, I hope to begin family life during that time, as well as embark upon as many outdoor adventures as possible.
Ian Westlund, Sulphur Springs ISD
Coming soon!
Sharon Abrego-Rios, Sulphur Springs ISD
Coming soon!
Ali Crump, Sulphur Springs ISD
Coming soon!
Nathan Andrews, Sulphur Springs ISD
Coming soon!
Aspen Lintz, Sulphur Springs ISD
Coming soon!