Mineola Class of 2023 led by Jordan and Littlefield

By Phil Major
publisher@wood.cm
Posted 5/11/23

Ali Jordan and Campbell Littlefield will deliver the valedictory and salutatory addresses, respectively, at Mineola High School graduation Friday, May 26.

They will lead a class of 127 students …

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Mineola Class of 2023 led by Jordan and Littlefield

Posted

Ali Jordan and Campbell Littlefield will deliver the valedictory and salutatory addresses, respectively, at Mineola High School graduation Friday, May 26.

They will lead a class of 127 students – said to be the largest to walk the stage in MHS history.

Jordan and Littlefield joined the Class of 2023 as sophomores, Jordan to start the year after moving from Union Grove, and Littlefield at midterm coming from Elgin.

Jordan is the daughter of Debra Beck and the late Daniel Jordan. She has three older half sisters, Rachael, McKenzie and Kaelin.

She plans to attend the University of North Texas in the fall, majoring in journalism.

But the two-time all-state trumpet player also plans to take part in the renowned music school at UNT and continue playing her instrument, perhaps in a concert ensemble.

She also plans to take advantage of the school’s connections to obtain internships and study overseas.

She would like to end up in London, England, which she identified as a central location for news, perhaps in an editing position.

Jordan has already proven her journalistic skills, qualifying for the state UIL contest in feature writing to be held May 17.

Littlefield is the daughter of Polly David, a special education instructor for Texas Virtual School, and Jason Littlefield who operates an education-related non-profit.

Her six siblings range from five months to 20 years and include Liam, Sawyer and Ellie Littlefield and Hattie Mae, Charlotte and Waggoner David.

She will be heading to Nacogdoches in the fall for Stephen F. Austin University where she plans to major in criminal justice, followed by law school at the University of Texas.

A criminal justice class she took at Tyler Junior College piqued her interest in the law, and she hopes to practice family law.

Jordan listed the atmosphere and the opportunities she has had as benefits of being in Mineola 

“I love the support from the community for all the programs,” she said.

She has served as a leader in the state-championship band program, as brass captain this year.

She listed band director Jim Best as among her favorite teachers.

She has participated in the Lake Country Symphonic band, though senior year proved too busy to fit that in.

Although the school no longer has a journalism program, she served as the yearbook editor and said that gave her the opportunity to learn about another facet of journalism in graphic design.

She pointed to the beneficial open discussions among the yearbook staff where everyone’s opinions matter.

She has extended her journalism skills outside the classroom, writing articles for area publications.

Coming from a larger school, Littlefield said among the best experiences in Mineola has been the support from the teachers, knowing that if you have a question, they will find the answer.

Littlefield became involved at MHS in a short time: cheerleading, running track, serving as class officer and something that came as a surprise, FFA.

She took a floral design class to fill a slot in her schedule when she arrived, then took the advanced class recommended by ag teacher Rocio Martinez. She took on FFA leadership development events and career development events, winning at district and area levels.

Her family moved to Mineola to be closer to family, and that’s something she said she will miss.

But she is also ready to broaden her horizons.

She and Jordan each listed math teacher Julie Chappa as being especially helpful with their academics.

Graduation is scheduled Friday, May 26 at 8 p.m. at Meredith Memorial Stadium.