ETAMU, Commerce Rotary Club Honor Top 5% of Commerce High School Students
Commerce ISD students in the top 5% of their class were recognized April 1 during the annual Top 5% Luncheon, co-hosted by East Texas A&M University and the Commerce Rotary Club at the Rayburn Student Center.
The event honored high-achieving freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors from Commerce High School, celebrating their academic excellence alongside family members, educators and community leaders. Attendees gathered for a luncheon as students were recognized for their dedication and accomplishments.
University and community leaders emphasized the importance of supporting driven students and creating pathways to higher education.
“One week after this year's Top Tier Tigers celebration, we are reminded of what makes this community so special—students who strive for excellence and partners like the Rotary Club of Commerce who show up to celebrate them,” said Judy Sackfield, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “We are proud to have hosted these outstanding students on the campus of East Texas A&M University and look forward to the day many of them return as Lions.”
Commerce High School Principal Jenna O'Neal praised the students and those who support them.
“This special event provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the dedication, perseverance and achievements of some of our highest-performing students,” O'Neal said. “Their stories, commitment and success reflect not only their individual efforts but also the strong culture of excellence we are building together.”
Recognized Students
9th Grade
- Tucker Stark
- Jaylynn Emery
- Jaydy Gabarrete Melendez
- Kirsty Luckey
- Estrella Ortiz
10th Grade
- Rachel Nelle
- Jacob Shipman
- Noah Pullen
- Charley Lytle
- Breezelyn Barton
- Raegan Scaff
11th Grade
- Alexia Chastain
- Olivia Daily
- Charles Bell
- Kamdyn Mills
- Fernanda Garcia
- Brooks Clark
12th Grade
- Victor Velez
- Madeline Harrison
- Luz Ortiz
- Dixie Jones
- Brandon Nelle
The Rotary Club also highlighted its ongoing investment in student success through scholarships.
“The Commerce Rotary Club has a great sense of pride and accomplishment in our ability to continue to offer these three annual scholarships,” said Rotary President Howdy Lisenbee. “We are especially proud of the opportunity to support the youth of our veterans.”
Together, the university and Rotary Club continue to champion academic achievement, reinforcing a shared commitment to recognizing and supporting students as they pursue their educational goals.