Some say they don’t hear much out of the two time CTE pathway completer and first baseman, Landon Cook, but he comes alive as a teacher and businessman, growing in confidence and strength with the support of his teachers.
Cook, fascinated by business, was a key member of the Business pathway with pathway teacher, Breanne Overton, running inventory in the student store, Crimson Closet, and making posters to hang up round campus. He extended his responsibilities by being the Business club Treasurer; the position gave him two years of experience.
Not only is he an outstanding leader in the Business Pathway, but he is also a lead teacher in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) pathway. Cook chose to work in the preschool originally to work with his younger brother, who was a student in Bearkittens. From his time spent in the preschool, he learned how to deal with children and gained the opportunity of how to become a teacher. He took on this pathway with Brenda Matthysse for four years. He has made strong connections with both the children and the program.
In his high school career, Cook also took on playing baseball, despite two knee dislocations and three surgeries. In the 13 years of baseball, the toughest part was not the sport itself, but the recovery.
“I was really down on myself and it was really hard to persevere…I had to switch positions and go to rehab,” said Cook.
Cook has cherished the connections with his teachers who helped him thrive. Matthysse and Overton supported him throughout his high school experiences.
“Brenda has helped me throughout all my highschool years, and has taught me a lot about ECE. Overton has brought joy to my day every day…They are both there for me, there is never a bad day in Mrs. Overton’s class,” said Cook.
After his packed high school life, Cook will be continuing his education at Baylor University to major in sociology and minor in business.
“I plan on becoming a lawyer… I haven’t fully decided but I feel like doing something with kids will apply to law,” Cook said.
Cook has always had his future set on becoming a lawyer, but after working with kids in the ECE Department with Matthysse, it set a new perspective of how he will apply his ability to help those in need.
Now that his adventure at PRHS comes to an end, Cook leaves his final words to his classmates and school: “I want people to remember that I was always there for my friends no matter what they needed,” said Cook.
