DHS announces 2024 Crossman nominees; Winner to be announced May 7

May 6—Recognition of the highest honor came to five high school students after the Crossman Award nominees were announced at the end of April.

The highly coveted Crossman Award is an honor designed to graduating seniors. This year's nominees include Emersen Villagrana, Caleb McFatridge, Allison Bailey, Landon Holthaus and Callen Villagrana.

The presentation of the Crossman will take place at the conclusion of the awards assembly, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on May 7 at New Hope Baptist Church.

Emersen Villagrana said she is honored to be a 2024 Crossman nominee.

A few of her extracurriculars at DHS include the girls varsity tennis team, student council, NHS President, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Superintendents Student Advisory Council, Chorale Varsity Choir and Reflections Show Choir.

E. Villagrana said she loves to be active in the community outside of school, such as participating with Hodgson Voice Studio's Studio Singers, Jolly Jill's Social Club, New Hope Baptist Church youth group, leadership and worship team.

Additionally, she is involved with the Duncan Toy Shop, Vacation Bible School, Operation Christmas Child, Gabriels House and CrossTimbers Kids Camp.

"I am a six year South West Oklahoma All region member and a Duncan letterman athlete," she said. "In 2023 I was awarded the 'I Dare You' National Leadership Award and the FCA All Star Award and in 2020 I was a member of the OKMEA All State Choir."

E. Villagrana said she plans to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall with plans earn a degree in occupational therapy so she can obtain a career in pediatric occupational therapy.

Caleb McFatridge said he's humbled to be named a finalist for the Crossman this year.

McFatridge's extracurriculars include track, cross country, student council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and more.

"Through these different clubs and organizations, I have found that I have a passion for serving others and listening to their needs," he said. "Outside of school, I am heavily involved in my youth group at New Hope Baptist where I am a part of the Student Leadership Program and the Worship Band. I am passionate about music and love playing my guitar, whether it be in the worship band or outside of it as well."

McFatridge said his plans after graduation will be to go to Oklahoma State University where he plans to major in finance. To help with his goal, McFatridge said he participated in an internship position in the marketing department at First Bank & Trust Co.

"I am very excited to be up in Stillwater next year and to discover opportunities at OSU," he said.

Allison Bailey said she appreciates being chosen as a Crossman nominee.

Bailey's extracurriculars at DHS include volleyball, being a tennis manager, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council, National Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society, Superintendent Student Advisory Council, senior class treasurer and Detective Club.

Outside of high school, Bailey is involved with Jolly Jill's Social Club, Rotary Christmas Auction and food drives, New Hope Baptist Church youth group and student leadership group, Duncan Toy Shop, Operation Christmas Child and Vacation Bible School.

Bailey said her future education plans are to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall and major in elementary education.

Landon Holthaus said he holds in high esteem being named a finalist for this year's Crossman award.

Holthaus' extracurriculars include soccer, football, student council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, leadership, Student Superintendent Advisory Council, Pathways to Future Careers and more.

"I have been named captain of both the varsity football and soccer teams," Holthaus said. "I take pride in leading others and setting the example."

Aside from school activities, Holthaus is involved with New Hope Baptist Church youth group and Student Leadership Program.

"Being a member of the Student Leadership Program has allowed me the opportunity to serve in both my church and my community through events like Vacation Bible School and Operation Christmas Child," he said. "I also enjoy helping to foster dogs for the Stephens County Humane Society."

Holthaus said he plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in animal science.

"I aspire to eventually be accepted into their veterinary program and become a veterinarian," he said. "This year I interned at Osage Animal Hospital and truly believe I have found what I want to do for the rest of my life."

Callen Villagrana said she's thankful to be a 2024 Crossman nominee.

C. Villagrana's extracurriculars include participating in DHS Student Council, state-wide student council and Oklahoma Association of Student Councils District 3 President.

"I resided over 41 school districts student councils," she said. "Our student council organized pep rallies, and various interactive events for our students."

C. Villagrana's other activities include National Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society, Special Olympics Unified Volleyball Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ladies Varsity Soccer Team, Reflections Show Choir, New Hope Baptist West youth group and leadership team, middle school girls small group, Kids Camp sponsor and Jolly Jill's Social Club.