Darragh Doiron
The Port Arthur News
NEDERLAND —
Engineering or pre-med are two career options Patrick Wilson is eying. This summer, the Nederland High School valedictorian is likely to stay wet, in a transition from record-breaking swimmer to teammate on the Baylor University rowing crewe.
Before he gets to classes, Wilson, son of Pat and Lisa Wilson, will be a lifeguard at Doornbos Park.
“My parents pushed me a little,” Wilson said about the attitude that got him to the top of the class. “I’ve always worked to be the best. I realize that when you put forth the effort, you get good results.”
Cheree Bolser is a swim coach for Wilson and has supported him through breaking two school records.
“He’s the best. He’s self-motivated and disciplined. He’s a hard worker. He’s a good leader,” she said.
This valedictorian may be undecided on a career, but he said he does have a goal to be a “rich guy” and “someone people look up to,” he said.
Wilson, 18, is also a runner, who happened to badly damage his arm tumbling as a Golden Guardian. He used his phone to take a picture of the crooked arm, which is now propelling him in the pool just fine.
His activities have included Mid-County Kindness, Challenger Baseball and First Baptist Youth Camp. His grade point average is 4.0.
Brandon Michael Laird, the school’s salutatorian, is the son of Michael G. and Cynthia Laird. His grade point average is 4.0 and he plans to study music education at Lamar University. His activities have included National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, All-Region band, All-State band and All-State solo and ensemble. He plays French horn and has been involved in church youth and orchestra, Habitat for Humanity, Mission Arlington, Beaumont Youth Symphony and Horn Society of Southeast Texas. He says he would like to become a band director.
ddoiron@panews.com.
