Conner Holland
Redwater High Schoool
After graduation from Redwater High School, Conner Holland plans to attend Texas A&M University – College Station. “Choosing the college I wanted to attend was easy. When people talk about TAMU-College Station, they always share that everyone is like family. That, alone, has always led me to be passionate about going there,” Conner says. “I also love their traditions.”
Conner is also drawn to Texas A&M University-College Station’s distinguished engineering program because he wants to pursue a degree in that field. “I chose engineering as my major because math is one of my best subjects,” Conner says. “I always want to be a problem solver, and that is what engineering is all about.”
While enrolled as a student, Conner hopes to join a fraternity and possibly the Aggie Anglers (Texas A&M Fishing Team). ‘I am currently on Redwater High School’s Fishing Team and enjoy the sport greatly,” Conner says. “Last summer, I won $4,000 during the Runnin’ WJ Ranch Fishing Tournament on Lake Wright Patman. I earned the Big Bass Award, two Bonus Hour Awards, and took 3rd Place Overall.”
The fishing team is just one of the organizations and clubs that Conner has been able to participate in while attending Redwater. He also played football for one year, basketball for three years, baseball for two years, golf for two years, and he was on the fishing team for three years. He is a National Honor Society, Key Club, and Spanish Honor Society member. In addition, Conner was a UIL Science winner. However, Conner’s proudest accomplishment is being named the RHS Valedictorian for the Class of 2024. “I set my sights on earning this distinction in the 8th grade,” Conner says. “I was watching my sister’s graduating class give their senior speeches, and I just knew then that I wanted to be the one up on stage giving the valedictorian speech for my graduating class.”
Conner is very grateful for the experiences and opportunities that Redwater has provided. “Teachers and administrators are always looking out for their students’ best interests and helping them in any way possible,” Conner says. “The biggest lesson I have learned through my high school education is to not take time, or the things you cherish, for granted. It will be gone in a heartbeat. I hope that in the future, I will “seize the moment” in all things I do. You must make the best of every opportunity you have been given.”
Conner also applies this lesson to the time he has with his family. He is the son of Mark Holland and Cassi Johnson. Mark is a manager for BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Dallas, Texas, and Cassi is a math teacher at Redwater Junior High. He also has a sister, Ashton, who is in nursing school at the University of Texas – Arlington, and a brother, Wyatt, a 7th-grade student at Redwater Junior High School. “My family is always there to help and support me,” Conner says. “During those times I go off track, they are there to get me right back on it.”
One of the biggest influences on Conner’s life is his grandpa, Larry Stinson. “He is my biggest supporter and inspiration and has always been there for me. He is like a second father to me. He is a man of God, follows the rules, and keeps me focused on being the best I can be. He is kind to others and really just a good man,” Conner says. “No matter what the situation, even when life is rough on him, he never makes it about him; instead, he does what is best for others. He never wants to lean on others, but he is always there for others to lean on him.”
As he looks to the future, Conner plans to build on the strong foundation that he has built with the support of his family, friends, and teachers to achieve his goal of graduating from engineering school. “Then, after college graduation, I want to work under a strong mentor and eventually open my own business,” Conner says. “I will need that mentorship to perfect my trade and pursue the American dream.”
FUN FACTS
1. My favorite coach is Coach Johnson because we have been able to bond over hunting and fishing, but at the same time, he truly wants to make me a better man.
2. The one piece of advice that I would give to a high school freshmen is to not take the time in high school for granted.
3. The most interesting thing about me that you wouldn’t learn from my high school resume or transcript is that I am a hard worker and am always trying to find ways that I can make money. In many ways, I am just a hustler.
4. Outside of school, I am involved with Maud Church of Christ. I enjoy giving and sharing devotionals with other members and discussing how they relate to my life.
5. In ten years, I hope to be out of college, learning under a mentor, and starting a successful life and career.