Recognizing the High School Seniors of Cordillera Ranch
Jared Blake
Son of Sharon and Dan Blake
Champion High School
Attending Texas A&M University
Why did you choose A&M?
I plan to study History and Business with a focus on Pre-Law studies.
What career will you pursue?
I want to work in business, perhaps as a lawyer.
What else would you like to do?
I look forward to traveling and I’d like to visit the Northeast with some friends. I recently returned from a WWII focused journey across France and Germany.
Mackenzie Collentine
Daughter of Susan and Brian Collentine
Champion High School
Attending the University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose UT?
I chose UT because of the eclectic culture of the campus and high academic standards.
What career will you pursue?
I would like to become a SpeechPathologist.
What else would you like to do?
I look forward to traveling and exploring the world!
Conner Darnell
Son of Beth and James Darnell
Boerne High School
Attending Stephen F. Austin State University
Why did you choose Stephen F. Austin?
They were one of two schools in Texas with the major I wanted — Sound Recording Technology.
What career will you pursue?
I want to record and mix music in a studio, create and apply score music to movies, and produce sound effects for movies.
What else would you like to do?
I would like to be part of a jazz combo/ensemble and play music for people.
Walker Hale
Son of Lisa and Greg Hale
Champion High School
Attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Why did you choose UTK?
I wanted to get out of the state and experience new things, and there is no better place to do that than in the SEC. Along with great location and football, UTK is an amazing place to be.
What career will you pursue?
Corporate Attorney
What else would you like to do?
I would like to successfully get through college and law school, along with keeping up with my golf game.
Lance Hanse
Son of Libby and Lee Hanse
Boerne High School
Attending the University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose UT?
I have grown up loving the University of Texas and Austin. I am pursuing a business degree and the McCombs School of Business is a highly reputable program.
What career will you pursue?
I am hoping to get into the financial or commercial side of the oil and gas industry.
What else would you like to do?
I would like to get more involved with my church and community, seek out volunteer opportunities and give back.
Ella Sierra Hirsch
Daughter of Dianne and Lance Hirsch
TMI,The Episcopal School of Texas
Attending Virginia Tech
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
I fell in love with Virginia when I was younger and I fell in love with the campus when I visited; it was very welcoming and reminded me of how Boerne was when I moved here as a toddler.
What career will you pursue?
Large animal Veterinarian, specializing in Equine Services.
What else would you like to do?
I’m already doing it! I am the Southern Region Area 3 Venturing President (which includes Virginia) and currently the President here in Boerne/San Antonio for Venturing, Troop 18 at St. Peter the Apostle, and a lifelong scouter. I will be able to mentor younger scouts and be of service to the BSA and Bechtel Summit area while I’m attending VT. I plan to pursue being President at the National Venturing level.
Lauren Jarvis
Daughter of Carol and Todd Jarvis
Geneva School of Boerne
Attending Texas A&M University
Why did you choose A&M?
I love the community at A&M!
What career will you pursue?
Something in marketing or sales.
What else would you like to do?
I would like to do a study abroad.
Avery Lemmons
Daughter of Angie and Billy Lemmons
Champion High School
Attending Texas A&M University
Why did you choose A&M?
I chose Texas A&M because, coming from an Aggie family, I was immersed in the traditions and core values of the school from a young age and always dreamed of going there when I grew up.
What career will you pursue?
I hope to pursue a career in business working for an international ministry that focuses on providing aid and education to orphans and vulnerable children.
What else would you like to do?
I hope I will have the opportunity to travel internationally, serving in ministries and photographing other places and cultures along the way.
Jaycie Moore
Daughter of Amy and Trey Moore
San Antonio Christian High School
Attending Baylor University
Why did you choose Baylor?
I chose to attend Baylor because I feel God is calling me there.
What career will you pursue?
I will enter the Pre-Med program at BU and plan to pursue a career in medicine, specifically surgery.
What else would you like to do?
I also plan to continue my work in foreign missions and worship ministry after high school.
Jennifer Owen
Granddaughter of Roberta Martin
Boerne High School
Attending Schreiner University
Why did you choose Schreiner?
I liked their Education Program.
What career will you pursue?
Education / Education Administration
What else would you like to do?
Travel
Gabriella Ramirez
Daughter of Dr. and Mrs. René Ramirez
Boerne High School
Attending the University of the Incarnate Word
Why did you choose Incarnate Word?
I felt called to attend UIW because of the way they’ve woven faith into their teachings, even in my major, theatre.
What career will you pursue?
If I don’t pursue the acting side of theatre, I would like to be a playwright or a professor.
What else would you like to do?
Aside from college, I would love to do mission trips abroad.
Benjamin Christopher Simmons
Son of Valerie and Gary Simmons
Boerne High School
Attending the University of Oklahoma
Why did you choose OU?
I chose the University of Oklahoma because my parents are alumni and it felt like a good fit.
What career will you pursue?
I plan to study Construction Science.
What else would you like to do?
I hope to work on large construction projects and run a business someday.
Micah Noel Simmons
Daughter of Valerie and Gary Simmons
Boerne High School
Attending the University of Oklahoma
Why did you choose OU?
I chose the University of Oklahoma because it felt like home when I visited.
What career will you pursue?
I hope to be a Pediatrician someday.
What else would you like to do?
I would love to work with Doctors Without Borders and travel.
Kaysen Turk
Son of Kim and Danny Turk
Bracken Christian School
Attending Trinity University
Why did you choose Trinity?
I was offered a spot on the Trinity Golf Team! Thanks to the coaches and friends within Cordillera who have encouraged, instructed and believed in me!
What career will you pursue?
I will be playing golf and studying marketing.
What else would you like to do?
I would like to pursue my passion for songwriting and playing golf.
Jack von Rosenberg
Son of Sharon and Joe von Rosenberg
Champion High School
Attending Clemson University
Why did you choose Clemson?
Clemson is a southern mid-sized school that provides a great education combined with super sports teams and a fun college environment. Plus, I’m looking forward to the outdoor activities at the nearby lakes and mountains.
What career will you pursue?
Executive for a professional sports franchise or investment banker.
What else would like to do?
Travel the world.
Cordillera Ranch resident Luke Hendry was a featured Class of 2015 graduate in Cordillera Ranch Living. Currently at UT (with a 3.97, no less), Luke is well on his way to pursuing a career in Broadcast Journalism with an impressive resume (www.lukehendry.com) showcasing his talent and drive. Internships at Golf Channel and Texas Golf Association, plus regular campus gigs and much more made us think he could have plenty of advice for upcoming classes. So, we asked him.
With such a long list of accomplishments, one would think you are naturally at ease in all situations. When and how do you step out of your comfort zone?
I try to never limit myself. Life is always presenting opportunities. I’ve strived to take advantage of those. There are certain times when making the extra phone call or sending a follow-up email may seem meaningless but it often opens a door for success. I believe you can never learn too much and I have tried to be a versatile as possible…even with things I may have not been entirely interested in at the time. Also, never say no to an opportunity even if you don’t feel completely confident.
For new freshmen, what advice can you offer for a successful college experience that will prepare them for the work force?
Strive to build relationships with people who can help you network. Professors are willing to get to know their students if they take the opportunity to engage. Get to know the professor you connect with and apply for those scholarships that are posted. All of my opportunities have been bolstered by knowing someone. Networking is key for success both during and after college. But, never lose sight of building relationships and having fun. I have made some amazing friendships and try to make time to just hang out. College is a great time to develop friendships and learn all you can.
How’s your golf game?
I have a passion for golf and will always love playing. Due to my internship at Golf Channel this summer, I haven’t had a whole lot of time to work on my game, but I understand that is something you have to adjust to as you enter the professional world. I look forward to what opportunities will come from playing the game of golf in the future.
