Raegen Hofstetter is Claremore High School's 47th Academic All-State Recipient. This prestigious honor is granted to 100 top seniors across the state of Oklahoma. This esteemed award comes with great recognition and provides each recipient with a $1,500 merit-based scholarship, an honor cord, and a medallion. Raegen scored an impressive 34 on the ACT, just two points shy of a perfect score, a 4.3 GPA, and will graduate 7th in her class. According to the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence's website, recipients are evaluated on numerous qualities such as"... their leadership abilities, motivation, academic achievement and character as maximized within each student's learning environment."
Raegen had no idea that Academic All-State existed going into High School. She "just performed her best" and later learned from the high school counselors she qualified. Once she knew the opportunity to achieve this pristine award existed, she "worked nonstop on her application for weeks" until she felt she reached near perfection.
Not only is Raegen, a bright scholar, but she is also a talented musician active in the Claremore High School marching and jazz band and a member of the robotics program since 8th grade. Her involvement in these programs has been the most rewarding part of high school, "Football games with the band, marching in parades, and spending long hours after school working in robotics have been the most fun I've ever had." She feels fortunate to have been involved in organizations that provide "such a strong feeling of community." Each group felt like its own family.
Through the last four years at Claremore High School, she has learned many things about herself and her determination. "I know that I always want to be my best, and I'm determined to achieve all the goals I set for myself." this mindset helped her achieve this newfound goal and award. She also shares how important it is to relax, "You can't always be perfect, and having fun is important."
Ragen credits several teachers, principals, and counselors for their impact and support throughout her journey, "Mr. Isenbart and Ms. Garroutte are two of the teachers who have greatly impacted me. Mr. Isenbart has been my instructor for six years and has taught me the values of hard work, creativity, and how to make terrible jokes." She is thankful to Ms. Garroutte for being "an amazing math teacher and always encouraging the best in her students. Taking calculus with her always made me excited to learn more." She thanks her teachers, principals, and counselors for all their help that has allowed her to reach her full potential.
Following her high school career, Raegen Hofstetter will attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a dual degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Mr. Isenbart, her robotics instructor, and his shared lessons and skills helped Raegen decide on her career. She hopes to use these future skills and knowledge to go into research and work in developing robotic technology.
Her advice to underclassmen and those who want to achieve this goal is to dedicate yourself and your time. She shares that "staying focused and putting time and effort into what you want to accomplish will always help you. Study a little longer, keep good notes, and ask questions. Hard work pays off!". Raegen is an excellent role model and student, Good luck to her in all future endeavors.
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