2026 Senior Spotlight: Bryan M. - Hollis F. Price Middle College High School
Introducing our Senior Spotlights for the Class of 2026! Through the slogan “The Future Is Ours,” our seniors are showing the public that they have autonomy over their post-secondary opportunities. Whether it’s at a university, technical school, or going into the workforce, each student deserves to be honored. As they showcase their stories, let’s celebrate their triumphs for the journeys that lie ahead. Join us in celebrating the Class of 2026 as they step boldly into the spotlight. #TheFutureIsOurs
The Class of 2026 holds a very special meaning for Hollis F. Price Middle College High School this year: one of their male students is graduating as a valedictorian. The last time the school had a male valedictorian was over 15 years ago.
According to Amber Speight, an instructional facilitator at Hollis F. Price, Bryan M. is the first male valedictorian since 2009 and the first Hispanic male to attain the title.
After realizing that Bryan was “top of his class” during his 10th-grade year, Ms. Speight checked in with him regularly to ensure he knew he could be the one to break the mold and become the next male valedictorian. “I had no hand in his achievements; I just wanted to keep the goal in the forefront of his mind,” she said.
While at Hollis F. Price, Bryan participated for two years in the National Honor Society and in the soccer club. He thinks that both activities, along with high school, helped him overcome shyness and do better academically. “I used to be very shy, but I overcame it and feel more confident now,” he said.
Born and raised in Memphis, Bryan comes from a multicultural family – his mother is from Mexico and his father is from Honduras – and is bilingual. His mother is a true role model for the whole family, he said. “My mom is the main reason why I wanted to do good at school. She always kept us motivated by telling us that the reason she came to America from Mexico was so we could be successful.”
In addition to his mother and Ms. Speight, Bryan expressed gratitude for Graduation Coach Shonkilah Malone Monroe. “Ms. Speight and Ms. Monroe kept pushing me to do good throughout high school.”
After graduation, Bryan plans to attend the University of Memphis on a full scholarship and major in Computer Science. His dream is to become a Data Analyst, something he will likely accomplish because of his determination to achieve greatness.
In the meantime, he hopes other students can follow his example in order to succeed in school.
“‘With great power comes great responsibility,’ like ‘Uncle Ben’ said in the 2002 Spider-Man movie,” Bryan said. “For other people who want to be top of the class, just stay focused. When you have an assignment, try to make that your top priority and get it done. It’s possible!”
MSCS would like to congratulate Bryan on his great accomplishments! We hope this new chapter in his life is even more promising, paving the way to greatness.
