Straughn High School hosted graduation ceremonies for the 2023 class of seniors on Friday May 26, and was conducted by Carlin Bates as valedictorian, and Taj Patel as the salutatorian.
Bates is the child of Patty as well as Kyle Rountree. There are three siblings: Avery Bates, Alex Rountree Bates, and Presley Bates.
Patel is the child of Neil Patel and Binita Patel. Patel has a brother named Dhilan Patel.
Bates along with Patel were students at Straughn over 13 years and were thrilled to represent their class.
“I am incredibly happy to be representing my class this year as the Straughn High School valedictorian. The 2023 class is full of hardworking individuals that deserve to be represented well and I’m hoping that I’m able to achieve it,” Bates said.
“It is a huge honor for me to represent Straughn High School as the salutatorian. It gives me immense significance and pride, and it also gives me an assurance of recognition for my academic achievements,” Patel said.
They have decided to pursue careers within the field of medicine.
“I intend to go to Auburn University and major in Biomedical Sciences. I decided to go with this particular major since it’s an option for premed students at Auburn. I’d like to follow my mother’s footsteps, and get into the medical profession with the aim of becoming an ophthalmologist. War Eagle,” Bates declared.
“I will enroll at my first year at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I’m planning to pursue a degree in Neuroscience as well as Italian with an additional concentration in Chemistry. I decided to pursue these fields because they’re fascinating to me. I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and always thought the Italian culture beautiful,” Patel said.
The two prided themselves in their status as Tigers and were a part of the culture and traditions of Straughn.
“The most enjoyable thing about going to Straughn is the fact that each day is unique. I felt that I had an unforgettable college experience. I will always remember how accommodating the teachers were. Straughn has wonderful teachers who work hard to help everyone prepare for the future.” Bates said.
“My most memorable time in high school was when I headed students in the section. I’ll miss the inclusivity of all people the most,” Patel added.
The experiences they had in childhood and school helped them prepare for their future in the actual world.
“I am most ecstatic about my independence. I’ll be able enroll in classes that I would like to study,” Bates said.
“Growing to be a teenager has given me the ability to to think and make choices on my own. I’m aware that the consequences that will occur are because of my choices. I want to express my gratitude to my family and friends for helping me through my high school years,” Patel said.
Both men said that they’d be thriving in medical school over the next 5-10 years.
The article Bates, Patel top of their class Straughn High School graduates was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
