McKinney, Dannelley top graduates of Hughes Springs Class of 2023

Hughes Springs ISD, like all those in the area, are preparing for their upcoming commencement ceremonies. Ahead of the ceremonies, Hughes Springs High School recently announced their honor graduates for the Class of 2023. Leading the Mustang’s graduating class for 2023 are valedictorian Emma Grace McKinney and Dawson Lane Dannelley.

Valedictorian

Emma Grace McKinney is the daughter of Mechelle McKinney and the late Time McKinney of Hughes Springs and the granddaughter of Billy Wayne and Linda McKinney and Ray and Nancy Collins. McKinney earned the top spot of the Mustang’s graduating class by way of her 4.511 grade point average.

During high school, McKinney earned her certification as a Microsoft Specialist, as well as in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel. She was a first-team, academic all-district volleyball and softball player while posting the highest GPA in in the Lady Mustangs Athletics Department. She also served on the student council, spending time as both treasurer and vice-president, was class president for two years, and was vice-president of the National Honor Society. She also participated in Robotics and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

In addition to volleyball and softball, McKinney also participated in cross country, and was a regional qualifier in powerlifting (where she placed fifth) and in track.

McKinney will finish her high school career “core complete,” and earned Academic All-State in both volleyball and powerlifting. She was named “Ms. Mustang,” and was presented the “Putting People First” award.

She plans to attend Texas A&M in College Station following graduation, where she will pursue a degree in economics. She also plans to continue towards her master’s degree following completion of her Bachelor’s degree.

McKinney’s advice to lowerclassmen is simple: keep yourself first.

“Always put yourself first,” McKinney says. “Do not be a doormat to anyone. You deserve to be a priority in your own life.”

Salutatorian

With a 4.409 GPA, Dawson Lane Dannelley will be Salutatorian of the Hughes Springs Class of 2023. Dannelley is the son of William and Brooke Dannelley, and the grandson of Brenda Dannelley and the late Kenneth Dannelley and the Late Dwaine and Debbie Barthol.

While in high school, Dannelley served as student council president, secretary of the National Honor Society, and he was class secretary for four years. He was active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he served as a Huddle leader, and he earned the DAR Good Citizen Award. He also posted the highest GPSA in the Mustang’s Athletic Program.

Dannelley ends his high school career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a Certified Patient Care Technician, a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. He also earned his certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist. Dannelley scored a 30 out of a possible 36 on the ACT test.

Outside the classroom, Dannelley was active on the varsity tennis team and served as the softball manager. He was also on the Robotics team, as well as the UIL Math and science teams.

Dannelley plans to attend Texas A&M University in College station after graduation, where he plans to major in biology while participating in the honors program. After graduating college, he plans to attend medical school to pursue a career as a surgeon.

Dannelley reminds others to not be their own worst enemy.

“There are always going to be people who try to get in your way. Do not let them,” Dannelley says. “You are your own worst enemy. Only you know what you can do. Chase your goals until you reach your dreams.”

McKinney, Dannelley, and the rest of the Hughes springs Class of 2023 will participate in Commencement Ceremonies Friday, May 19 at Mustang Stadium. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m.