April 24, 2023
As the 2022-23 school year comes to an end, seniors received an opportunity to be recognized for the impact they have made throughout their four years in high school.
Who’s Who is an annual award that honors and recognizes seniors for their involvement with and contributions to the Bowie community. Who’s Who honorees receive a plaque and have their portraits hung in the library for four years.
“A Who’s Who winner stands out because they have left their mark on this campus in a positive way,” History teacher and Who’s Who committee chair Wendy Uzzle said. “Many times they are campus leaders who started new programs, set higher expectations, began new initiatives or improved current ones. Faculty frequently say that their program would not have existed without the presence of the honoree.”
Out of the 174 seniors nominated for the award, 24 were selected as Who’s Who honorees. Students nominated by their teachers submitted an application consisting of a resume and an essay. After the applications have been submitted, the entries are reviewed by a committee of previous Teachers of the Year and department heads. The Who’s Who committee currently has 20 members. The members of the Who’s Who committee cast votes supporting 24 different seniors who are selected as Honorees for that year.
“My advice for the honorees is the same as for all seniors,” Uzzle said. “Don’t be afraid to take chances or make mistakes. Unplug and disconnect from social media. Make sure your actions are in line with your values. Stay true to your authentic self.”
In the following segment, you will be able to read a short feature on each of the Who’s Who Honorees for the class of 2023.
Who’s Who Honoree Abby Alsup is a team captain of varsity cross country and track, vice president at large of the Student Council, a member of NHS, Amnesty International, SOAR, the superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, and Ready Set Teach.
“I know this is probably a cliched answer, but I’m incredibly grateful and honored to be selected for this award,” Alsup said. “I feel like I’ve followed the school motto and tried my best to take pride in performance, and it feels really great to have teachers that I greatly respect recognize that.”
After graduation, Alsup will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in sociology on the pre-law track.
“It’s hard to choose just a handful because Bowie has so many amazing staff members but if I had to name just a few teachers that I’d like to thank, I would say Mr. and Mrs. Flick, Mrs. Uzzle, Ms. Whittington, Mr. Garcia, Coach Tilson, and Coach Pool for all of their contributions to my growth as a student and a person,” Alsup said.
Who’s Who Honoree Alex Luck is the team captain and defender on varsity soccer, a defender and kicker on varsity football, and a member of NHS and the Spanish Honor Society.
“I’m very appreciative and grateful to be selected because it took a lot of work and because so many people helped me to get to where I am today,” Luck said.
After graduation, Luck will be continuing his education at Texas A&M University. He will be majoring in Business.
“[I would like to thank] Coach Logan, Coach Ables and Mrs. Weissmiller,” Luck said.
Who’s Who Honoree Alison Chahda is a co-president of the Student Council, president of the 2023 Class Officers, Student Leadership officer, Key Club International president, and a member of NHS and Spanish Honor Society.
“To be selected as a Who’s Who honoree feels extraordinary, and yet still unbelievable to be part of one of Bowie’s remarkable traditions,” Chahda said.
After graduation, Chahda will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in Advertising.
“Some teachers and administration that I would like to thank include Mr. Flick, Mrs. Uzzle, Mr. Logan, Mrs. Keyes and Mr. Munoz,” Chahda said. “These incredible individuals not only guided and taught me but helped shape me into the person I am today.”
Who’s Who Honoree Avery Deithloff is a team captain and starter on the basketball team, a senior leader for shot put and discus on track, a content editor of Bowie Lone Star Yearbook and a member of Student Council and NHS.
“Of course I’m super excited and happy to be selected, but I also feel almost relieved to be selected as a Who’s Who honoree because I feel like all the work that I’ve done at this school for the past four years is being recognized,” Deithloff said. “I also feel supported, knowing that I was selected for this honor by my teachers.”
After graduation, Deithloff will be continuing her education at Trinity University. She is interested in studying psychology, graphic design and communications.
“[I would like to thank] Ms. Flick, Ms. Weidmeyer, Coach Collins, Ms. Weissmiller, Ms. McCaffrey, Coach Branyon, Ms. Davis, and Ms. Shirack,” Deithloff said. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so many supportive teachers and coaches who all believe in me. Their encouragement and kindness is what motivated me to achieve this award.”
Who’s Who Honoree Avery Mulig is a co-vice president of the French Honor Society, a member of the Silver Stars, spirit leader for the JV Star Dancers, a member of NHS, PALS, Key Club, and involved with Ready Set Teach and Floral Design.
“I feel very honored to be selected as a Who’s Who honoree,” Mulig said. “I have been very lucky to have such a supportive group of people in my life who have helped me along my journey. I couldn’t have done this without them.”
After graduation, Mulig will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in special education and minoring in speech pathology.
“I would like to thank Ms. and Mr. Flick, Ms. Langdon, Ms. Billnoski, and Ms. Gonzales,” Mulig said.
Who’s Who Honoree Bailey Alsup is co-president of NHS, a vice president at large of the Student Council, a member of Health Occupation Students of America, and involved with the health science practicum program, varsity cross country and track.
“I’m so thrilled to be a Who’s Who honoree,” Alsup said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized for the work I’ve been doing on campus throughout my four years here and I’m so thankful that I’ve been selected by my teachers to have the opportunity to serve as a role model for future Bowie students.”
After graduation, Alsup will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in biology.
“I would like to thank Mrs. Flick for teaching me that learning doesn’t have to be stressful and that grades are just a number that don’t always reflect understanding,” Alsup said. “I’d like to thank Ms. Wiedmeyer for always reminding her students not to take anything in life too seriously. I’m so grateful for Profe Cooper for always allowing her classroom to be a safe space even after I was no longer in her class and for always checking up on her students. I want to thank Mrs. Kowalik for introducing me to the incredible world of microbiology and Mr. Hooks for adding to my love of science and advocating for us without much help. I want to thank Mr. Gonzalez, Ms. Costello, and Ms. Gonzalez for being the dedicated leaders of my favorite clubs ever. All in all, I appreciate every single staff member at Bowie for creating a positive environment for us to learn in every day.”
Who’s Who Honoree Blythe Troke is a member of SOAR, Student Leadership, NHS, the Astronomy Club and is on the varsity basketball team.
“It is very validating as it means I’ve made a real impact on Bowie,” Troke said.
After graduation, Troke will be continuing her education at Texas Tech University. She will be majoring in English and will be a part of the Honors College.
“[I would like to thank] Mr. Flick, Mr. Day, and Madame Preston,” Troke said.
Who’s Who Honoree Brooke Pesses is a vice president of the Student Council, co-president of the French Honor Society, captain of varsity soccer, captain of varsity track, secretary of Key Club, and a member of PALs, NHS, SOAR, Bowie Buddies, FCA, Academy 4, Class Officers, HART, and volleyball.
“I am greatly honored to be selected for such a remarkable recognition,” Pesses said. “I am so thankful for the teachers and friends I have met during my time at Bowie. I am so excited to even have to opportunity to apply, let alone be awarded.”
After graduation, Pesses will be continuing her education at Texas A&M University. She will be majoring in Biology on track for nursing.
“[I would like to thank] Mrs. Weissmiller, Mrs. Wiedmeyer, Mrs. Gonzalez, Mr. Garcia, Mrs. Davis, Coach Torres Coach Hoffman, and Coach Gummerman,” Pesses said.
Who’s Who Honoree Daniel Cardenas is the corps commander of JROTC, president of HOSA and a member of the student council.
“I was honestly very shocked because there are a lot of really good seniors this year,” Cardenas said.
After graduation, Cardenas will be continuing his education at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He will be majoring in Biology on the pre-med track.
“I would like to thank the teachers that made an impact on my life in numerous ways: Mrs. Stiles, Mrs. Kowalik, Mrs. Lankes, Mrs. Keyes, Ms. Gonzalez, Mr. Morgan, and Mrs. Uzzle,” Cardenas said.
Who’s Who Honoree Emma Kloninger is co-captain of varsity cheer, vice president of school initiatives of the Spanish Honors Society, and a member of NHS, SOAR, Health Ambassadors for a Ready Texas and JBHS Star Dancers.
“I feel very honored to be chosen as a Who’s Who honoree by those who have contributed so much value to my experience over the past four years,” Kloninger said. “To be recognized by the amazing Bowie community is so meaningful to me and I am extremely lucky to have gone to high school with such a supportive network of individuals.”
After graduation, Kloninger will be continuing her education at the University of Richmond with an undeclared major.
“I would like to thank my cheer coaches, Coach Chavez and Coach Alex, for always supporting me in both my academic endeavors and in my extracurriculars,” Kloninger said. “You both are some of the most kind and caring people I know.”
Who’s Who Honoree Isabelle Detrich is captain of the soccer team, a varsity volleyball player, a member of Academy 4 in student leadership, Key Club, NHS, and a co-founder of the donation drive Girls S’porting Girls.
“I feel extremely honored and grateful to be recognized as a Who’s Who honoree among my fellow classmates who have worked very hard to be in this position,” Detrich said. “I feel very valued by my school and wonderful teachers that have shaped me into the person I am today.”
After graduation, Detrich will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in Advertising.
“I would like to thank my beloved teachers Ms. Davis, Mr. Flick, Ms. Feen, Ms. Stiles, Coach Hoffman, Coach McGill, and Mr. Pfeiffer for influencing my life positively and guiding me toward success throughout my four years at Bowie High School,” Detrich said.
Who’s Who Honoree Jason Forst is a co-vice president of the Starlight Theatre Company, co-team captain of the tennis team and a member of PALs.
“I feel very very honored to be receiving this recognition,” Forst said. “I am also very proud and joyous to be apart of Bowie’s legacy as a Who’s Who.”
After graduation, Forst will be continuing his education at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. He will be majoring in Acting for Film.
“[I would like to thank] Mr. G and Ms. G for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the PALS program my junior and senior year,” Forst said. “I want to thank all of my directors for giving me so many opportunities on and off the stage and preparing me for the real world of acting. I also want to thank my tennis coach coach Damman and coach Croll for believing in me on and off the court.”
Who’s Who Honoree JD Narvaiz is involved in theatre.
“I feel great,” Narvaiz said.
After graduation, Narvaiz will be continuing his education at Texas State University.
“[I would like to thank] Mr. Perry, Mr. Bazan, Mrs. Narvaiz, Ms. Graff and Ms. Maney,” Narvaiz said.
Who’s Who Honoree Juliet Ippolito is a three-year member of the varsity volleyball team, co-founder of the Biology Club, member of the UIL mathematics team, Spanish Honor Society, Track and Field, and Girl Scouts of Central Texas.
“I feel super grateful to be recognized as a Who’s Who honoree,” Ippolito said. “It makes me extremely appreciative of my peers and teachers who helped me throughout high school.”
After graduation, Ippolito will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in Chemical Engineering.
“[I would like to thank] Mrs. Flickinger and Mr. Flickinger, Mr. Lauer, Mrs. Davis, and Mr. Bobo,” Ippolito said.
Who’s Who Honoree Kira Harper is a member of SOAR and is involved in theatre.
“[It feels] really cool,” Harper said. “It is nice to know that a lot of the work I put into my extracurriculars and school was recognized by the Bowie staff.”
After graduation, Kerkar will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in Physics.
“Thank you to Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Frossard, and the Bowie English Department,” Harper said.
Who’s Who Honoree Lainey Killian is an officer, treasurer, historian and senior director of The Starlight Theatre Company, a member of PALS, NCL (National Charity League) and Amnesty International.
“It is honestly such an honor,” Killian said. “I remember seeing the pictures up in the library back when I was a freshman and hoping to become a person like them, recognized for leadership and kindness. I’m so happy that I’ve been able to leave a mark on the school and be a part of such an honored tradition.”
After graduation, Killian will be continuing her education at Baylor University. She will be majoring in Theatre and participating in the BIC Honors College.
“I would like to thank Mr. G and Mrs. G for trusting me with a position in the PALS program,” Killian said. “It has been one of the most amazing and influential parts of my high school experience. I truly love all the kids I have gotten to mentor and connect with and I will never forget how they have changed my life. Also Mr. Day, Mrs. Hayes, and Mr. Bazan for being wonderful teachers.“
Who’s Who Honoree Laura Latt is president of the Spanish Honor Society, vice president of the Student Council, an officer on the Bowie Rocketry Team, a member of NHS, the Society of Women Engineers, on the Lone Star Yearbook staff and the lacrosse team.
“I am honored that my teachers and administrators believe that I have left a mark on Bowie,” Latt said. “It makes me feel like I’ve been important to the school and to students that I lead.”
After graduation, Latt will be continuing her education at Texas A&M University. She will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
“I’m thankful for all my teachers and the faculty,” Latt said. “Every one of them helped me express my personality and show my love for Bowie. Special thanks to Profe Walsh, Mr. Garcia, Mr. Redmond, Ms. Shirack, Ms. Davis, and Ms. Gummerman for supporting me in and outside of the classroom.”
Who’s Who Honoree Lucas Bole is the captain of the basketball team and a member of PALS, NHS, the baseball team and the Spanish Honor Society.
“I’m honored to have been recognized by the teachers I respect so much and to join a selective group of students that excelled and separated themselves as leaders at Bowie,” Bole said.
After graduation, Bole will be continuing his education at Vanderbilt University. He plans on studying business and economics.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Garcia, Mr. Lauer, Ms. Gonzalez, and all my coaches,” Bole said.
Who’s Who Honoree Nadia Petru is president of the Starlight Theater Company, Speech and Debate co-captain, member of Key Club and was involved in dance.
“It feels really rewarding,” Petru said. “I put in a lot of hard work into the things I do at school because I want to achieve my goals, but it feels really validating that the hard work you put in is being recognized by teachers and people that you might not have thought were noticing.”
After graduation, Petru will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in Radio, Television and Film.
“I would like to thank all of the teachers and faculty for putting so much effort into making our school a great place to grow,” Petru said. “I would specifically like to thank Mr. Bazan, Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Perry for being amazing theater directors and giving me so many opportunities, and Mr. Flick for being the best teacher ever.”
Who’s Who Honoree Nirmiti Kerkar is a vice president of Student Council, vice president of Spanish Honor Society and a member of Student Leadership, NHS and the Astronomy club.
“I feel honored and excited,” Kerkar said.
After graduation, Kerkar will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in Biology.
“[I would like to thank] Ms. Davis, Ms. Walsh and Mr. Garcia,” Kerkar said.
Who’s Who Honoree Samantha Maldonado is an officer of the Starlight Theatre Company and a member of Student Leadership, PALS, and SOAR.
“Being selected as a Bowie Who’s Who has been a very full-circle moment for me,” Maldonado said. “I remember my freshmen year sitting in the library just admiring all of those beautiful faces on the wall and thinking to myself that I could never do that. But here I am, as a Senior who has dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort to making Bowie feel like more than just a community. I’m very proud of what my peers and I have accomplished.”
After graduation, Maldonado will be continuing her education at The University of Washington in Seattle. She will be majoring in Communications.
“I would like to thank all of my wonderful teachers throughout my time here at Bowie,” Maldonado said. “Each and every one of them has taught me something more than just academics and I’m so so so honored to have been their student at some point in their teaching career. More specifically, I would like to thank Mr. Bazan along with Mrs. McCaffrey and Ms. Gonzalez for being such great role models and educators. All of them are constantly putting in copious amounts of effort and guidance for their students and I heavily admire them for that. Thank you for all that you do.”
Who’s Who Honoree Shabbir Akhtar is the co-president of NHS and a member of the student council and astronomy club.
“[It feels] very rewarding and I feel proud of my work,” Akhtar said.
After graduation, Akhtar will be continuing his education at The University of Texas at Austin. He will be majoring in Mathematics.
“[I would like to thank] Ms. Stiles, Ms. Flick, Mr. Flick, Ms. Gummerman and Ms. Uzzle,” Akhtar said.
Who’s Who Honoree Sienna Szczesny is the president of the Society of Women Engineers, co-president of Spanish Honor Society, an officer for Amnesty International, a math tutor, and a member of NHS.
“It feels so amazing to be a Bowie Who’s Who,” Szczesny said. “My time at Bowie has been so meaningful in teaching me compassion and perseverance, and I hope that my goal of stem inclusivity has encouraged more students to stem careers. I am beyond grateful to have this honor.”
After graduation, Szczesny will be continuing her education at Vanderbilt University. She will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business.
“I would like to thank my club sponsors, specifically Ms. Beatty, Profe Walsh, and Mr. Flick, as well as my friends and family for supporting me throughout my time at Bowie,” Szczesny said.
Who’s Who Honoree Wes Warmink is the editor-in-chief of the Bowie Lone Star Yearbook, a 2023 Class Officer, a member of Key Club, Bowie Buddies, SOAR, Varsity Soccer, a mentor for Academy 4 and a co-founder of the donation drive Girls S’porting Girls.
“I feel so so honored to be recognized, all of our class is very impressive so it means a lot to be selected,” Warmink said. “I’ve tried to be involved in Bowie organizations and things so being a who’s who honoree shows it was worth it.”
After graduation, Warmink will be continuing her education at The University of Texas at Austin. She will be majoring in Journalism.
“I would like to thank Ms. Shirack for being such an influential teacher and helping grow my love for journalism,” Warmink said.
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