Winter Homecoming Candidate Spotlight

Jorge Aguilar

Jorge Aguilar is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School through his involvement in athletics, academics, and service.

Aguilar has been active in several school organizations, including basketball, football, golf, track, science club, FCA, and E-Sports. Through these activities, he has balanced competition with learning while staying engaged in both school and team environments.

In his free time, Aguilar enjoys playing video games, serving meals to residents at a local care home, and spending time with his girlfriend, Anessa. He says the person he admires most is his mother, Elida Porras, whom he credits for her hard work and dedication. Aguilar says her long hours and commitment to family have left a lasting impression on him.

Among his favorite high school memories are early morning summer weight sessions during his freshman year, as well as traveling to the Goodland and Colby tournaments this season. If he could have a superpower, Aguilar says he would choose teleportation so he could travel the world.

After high school, Aguilar plans to earn his commercial driver’s license and hopes to one day open his own trucking company. The best advice he has received, he says, is that you cannot experience the good without also experiencing the bad.

Aguilar says his favorite thing about Ulysses High School is the variety of activities available outside the classroom. His favorite subjects are math and chemistry, which he enjoys for being both challenging and fun.

Julian Meraz

Julian Meraz is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School with a resume defined by leadership, dedication, and a deep love for athletics.

A multi-sport standout, Meraz has competed at the varsity level in basketball, football, and track for four years each. His commitment to athletics extends beyond the school day, having played travel basketball for more than a decade and competing with Ambush. Off the court and field, he serves as class vice president, is active in student council and National Honor Society, participates in his church youth group, and gives back to the community as a recreational boys basketball coach.

In his free time, Meraz enjoys spending time with friends and, unsurprisingly, playing basketball. He says the people who inspire him most are his parents, Mayra and Abraham Meraz. “They have always tried their best to give our family the best,” he shared. He is also grateful for the support of his siblings, Marisella and Israel.

Among his favorite high school memories are winning a state championship in track and taking part in senior sunrise, moments he says he will carry with him long after graduation. If given the chance to have a superpower, Meraz says he would choose time travel, a nod to his appreciation for both past memories and future possibilities.

After high school, Meraz plans to attend college, where he hopes to continue playing basketball while studying business. The best advice he has received, he says, is simple but powerful: don’t let your past define your future.

Meraz says his favorite thing about Ulysses High School is the wide variety of activities available to students, allowing everyone the opportunity to find their place. His favorite class is podcasting, which he enjoys for its entertaining and engaging atmosphere.

Orlando Fierro

Orlando Fierro is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School through his involvement in school activities and community groups.

Fierro has been active in HALO, Ambush, and his Catholic youth group during his time at UHS. Through these organizations, he has enjoyed building friendships and staying connected to both school and community.

In his free time, Fierro enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and meeting new people. He says the people he admires most are his parents, Yesenia and Cesar Fierro, whom he credits with shaping him into the person he is today. He is also thankful for the support of his siblings, Brandon, Diana, and Cesar.

One of Fierro’s favorite high school memories is a lighthearted moment in Mrs. Becker’s class, when he and his classmates made it to the couch and fell asleep together. If he could have a superpower, Fierro says he would choose teleportation so he could travel anywhere in the world.

After high school, Fierro plans to attend Seward County Community College, where he will work toward earning his commercial driver’s license. The best advice he has received, he says, is to enjoy life and have fun.

Fierro says his favorite thing about Ulysses High School is going to LEAD, which he considers the best part of his school experience. His favorite subject is science with Mr. Cooper, a class he enjoyed for its hands-on projects.

Treyson Wallace

Treyson Wallace is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School through his involvement in athletics, activities, and faith-based organizations.

Wallace has been active in track, football, and power lifting, and is a member of the Industrial Arts Club. He also attends Mercy, Grace, and Truth Ministries Church, where he stays involved in his faith and community. Through these activities, he has built strong relationships while challenging himself both physically and academically.

In his free time, Wallace enjoys playing Xbox, playing bass, lifting weights, and working on cars. He says the person he admires most is his mother, Tamara Carter, whom he credits for her unwavering faith and love. Wallace also values the support of his large family, including his siblings Mercedes, Mahogany, Stanley, Lindsey, Steven, Perry, and Whitney.

One of Wallace’s favorite memories at UHS is going on field trips in Ricky’s class. If he could have a superpower, Wallace says he would choose super strength, fitting with his passion for lifting and athletics.

After high school, Wallace plans to attend Kansas State University, where he hopes to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. The best advice he has received, he says, is that trying to be “cool” can cause people to miss opportunities to have fun.

Wallace says his favorite thing about Ulysses High School is the friendships he has made during his time there. His favorite subject is band, which he enjoys for the opportunity to play instruments and express himself through music.

Abi Barron

Abi Barron is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School through her involvement in athletics, service, and faith-centered activities.

Barron has been active in several school and community organizations, including HALO, Interact, golf, and softball. Through these activities, she has balanced competition with service while building strong connections with teammates and classmates.

In her free time, Barron enjoys relaxing with her cats, trying new foods, traveling with her family, and exploring her faith. She says the people she admires most are her grandparents, whom she describes as hardworking and full of strength, love, and faith—qualities that continue to inspire her daily. She is also grateful for the support of her parents, Brenda and Lionel Barron, and her siblings, Alexa, Andrea, and Allen.

One of Barron’s favorite memories at UHS is the night of her junior year prom, which she says was made special by spending time with close friends. If she could have a superpower, Barron says she would choose the ability to stop time, allowing her to fully appreciate meaningful moments.

After high school, Barron plans to further her education by studying occupational therapy while also serving in the United States Army. The best advice she has received is to trust in the Lord with all her heart and not lean on her own understanding.

Barron says her favorite thing about Ulysses High School is the opportunity to see her best friends every day. Her favorite subject is government, which she enjoys because of Mr. Unruh’s charismatic and hopeful teaching style.

Karly Pando

Karly Pando is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School through her involvement in academics, activities, and school spirit.

Pando has been active in a wide range of school and community organizations, including Scholars Bowl for four years, Science Club, Forensics, and National Honor Society for two years each. She has also participated in the school musical, HALO, and cheerleading. Through these activities, she has enjoyed staying involved while building friendships and exploring her interests.

In her free time, Pando enjoys drawing, writing, reading, playing Mario games and Roblox, and expressing her creativity through music, coloring, and makeup. She describes herself as easily entertained and finds joy in many things, including the color pink, unicorns, and humor. A fun fact she proudly shares is her love for SpongeBob.

Pando says the person she admires most is her mother, Mayra Pando, whom she describes as caring, courageous, and selfless. She says her mother consistently puts the needs of others before her own and remains positive through every challenge. Pando also values the support of her family, including her father, Oscar Pando, and her sister, Kamilia.

Rather than one single moment, Pando says her favorite memories at UHS come from meeting the people she has along the way. She says forming friendships and sharing everyday moments with classmates have been the most meaningful parts of her high school experience.

If she could have a superpower, Pando says she would choose to be fluent in every language, noting that communication is important to her—and that she enjoys talking. After high school, she plans to pursue a business-related path, though she says she prefers to live in the present and keep her future plans flexible.

The best advice Pando has received is to always be herself, no matter what. Her favorite thing about Ulysses High School is how welcoming the environment feels, saying she felt positive energy and opportunity from the moment she arrived. Her favorite subject is English, which she enjoys for the focus on literature and writing.

Rianna Wilken

Rianna Wilken is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School through her involvement in academics, service, and a wide range of school and community organizations.

Wilken has been active in numerous groups during her high school career, including HALO, FCA, FFA, FCCLA, Ambush, Interact, SADD, Student Council, Crochet Club, the Student Wellness Committee, National Honor Society, Science Club, and PTK. She is also involved with Oasis Church and volunteers with Furever Friends, reflecting her commitment to both leadership and service.

In her free time, Wilken enjoys walking her dog, taking naps with her cats, cooking, and baking with her grandma, Baeza. She also enjoys cruising and listening to music with her dad, activities she says have created some of her favorite everyday memories.

Wilken says the person she admires most is her father, Ryan Wilken, who has taught her to look for the good even during difficult times. She describes him as strong, hardworking, funny, and positive, and says he has played an important role in helping her build her relationship with God.

Her favorite memory at UHS comes from a Spanish class project, when she made empanadas with Raquelle Fry at her grandma’s house—an experience that combined learning, culture, and family. If she could have a superpower, Wilken says she would choose time travel, so she could relive childhood memories like visiting her grandparents and farming with her grandpa Baeza.

After high school, Wilken plans to pursue either dental hygiene or medical imaging, though she says she is still exploring her options. The best advice she has received comes from Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer, present your requests to God.”

Wilken says her favorite things about Ulysses High School are her friends, time spent in Lori’s classroom, and the kindness of the school’s custodians. Her favorite class is sociology with Mrs. Hayden, which she enjoys for its focus on human social behavior and engaging lectures.

Stephanie Garcia

Stephanie Garcia is one of this year’s Basketball Homecoming candidates, representing Ulysses High School through her involvement in leadership, service, and academics.

Garcia has been active in a variety of school and community organizations, including National Honor Society, Junior Leadership, Leadership in Science, Interact, SADD, Student Council, and the Catholic youth group. Through these activities, she has focused on service, teamwork, and making a positive impact within the school.

In her free time, Garcia enjoys doing her nails, making coffee, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She says the person she admires most is her mother, Berenice Garcia, whom she credits for always being there not only for her family but for others as well. Garcia says she hopes to grow into even half the woman her mother is.

One of Garcia’s favorite memories at UHS is decorating the football homecoming float all four years, an experience she says reflects the strong sense of school spirit and togetherness. If she could have a superpower, Garcia says she would choose mind reading.

After high school, Garcia plans to attend Wichita State University, where she hopes to study nursing and earn her BSN as a registered nurse. The best advice she has received, she says, is to do everything with love.

Garcia says her favorite thing about Ulysses High School is the unity shared throughout the school. Her favorite subjects are science classes—including biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and physics—which she enjoys for their hands-on learning opportunities.