McCoy, Ost named top SSHS Graduates in 2023

Lausen Mitchell Ost and Alexis Coralynn McCoy have been respectively designated as salutatorian and valedictorian for the 2023 graduating class of Sulphur Springs High School. 

“To perform so consistently over four years– these [students] are obviously among our best and brightest,” SSHS principal Josh Williams noted. “As a father and a principal, I would trust them with anything.”

Alexis McCoy has a 4.47 GPA and plans to attend the University of Alabama, where she hopes to concentrate in biological research and business administration. 

Alexis’s awards and honors include academic all-state volleyball, National Honor Society (secretary), UIL state academics medalist, Hopkins County High School Leadership, key club, and National Merit Scholars. 

Alexis extends her thanks to her parents JD and Jennifer McCoy, and her teachers, especially Ms. Millsap, Ms. Herman and Mr. Grafton.

“I’m probably going to be what they call a life-long learner,” McCoy said. “It has made them [parents and teachers] so proud, and it makes me so proud.” 

Lausen Ost has a GPA of 4.46 and will attend Texas A&M University at College Station, where he hopes to study civil engineering, specifically transportation. 

Lausen’s honors and activities include varsity choir, UIL journalism, UIL current events, National Honor Society (president), National Technical Honor Society, 2023 TMEA All-State mixed choir, and 2022 UIL Latino History Essay state champion.

Lausen extends his sincere gratitude to his parents Dr. Loren and Christine Ost, as well as his teachers and God. 

“My parents always taught  me to put my hardest work into it. To come to the end, it’s nice for me to know I’ve reached my potential,” Ost said. 

By Taylor Nye. Photos by Chloe Kopal