Ben Nolan Gabriel, born on August 16, 2007, the son of Kate and Adam Barr. He has one sibling, Evan Barr. Ben’s favorite teachers are Ms. Page, Ms. Braswell, and Mrs. Johnson, as he believes, “These three teachers have constantly been there for me and have truly shaped me into the person I am today.” His favorite quote from staff comes from Mr. Kinder, who once shouted through the megaphone, “Ben Gabriel, you have five minutes to get to class.” In three words, Ben would describe himself as whimsical, flirtatious, and significant. If he could travel anywhere in the world, he would choose to go to the Emerald City, saying, “If you know, you know.” His favorite school memory is the trip to Louisiana for Beta with Braz and the crew. An embarrassing moment in high school occurred when he accidentally evacuated Ms. Braswell’s eighth-hour class with expired pepper spray disguised as a pen.
As a child, Ben wanted to be a biomedical engineer, but after high school, he plans to become a teacher. He is actively involved in Beta, FBLA, Pep Club, and STUCO, and he also plays basketball. His advice to underclassmen is, “Just be yourself. Don’t let anyone stop you from being who you truly are. And if they do, then they aren’t your true friends.” Ben feels both excited and apprehensive about graduation because he loves school and will miss everyone. He will miss the community and energy most about high school. He believes that Ms. Braswell has had the greatest influence on him, stating, “I don’t think I would be where I am right now if it wasn’t for her guidance and support. She is truly there for all of her students and is such an inspiration to me.” Ben feels his biggest accomplishment thus far is becoming the Missouri State Beta President.
SHOUTOUTS: Mom, Dad, Evan, Mawmaw, Pawpaw, Grandma Tina, Grandpa Rick, Zach, Zaylee, Cierra, Skyler, The Benjis, Mallary, Carrie, Hayden, Sammy, Janelle, Korbin, Nolyn, Addy, Kenna, Makayla, Mrs.Tuttleton, Ms.Page, Mrs.Gaines, Mrs.Johnson, Ms.Braswell, Mr.Kinder, Mrs.Kinder, Mr.Mills, Mrs.Hinkle, Mr.Shrum, Mrs.Pinkard, Mrs.Parks