Raaz Patel – 2022 Klein Oak Valedictorian

Klein Oak High Senior and Valedictorian Raaz Patel is breaking out of the Panther den in a big way! This high-achieving and well-rounded scholar shines inside and outside the halls of Klein Oak High School.

Besides his stellar academics, Raaz keeps busy in Chamber Orchestra, UIL (Number Sense, Calculator, Math, Science), Mu Alpha Theta Math Team, National Honor Society, and the Red Cross Club. Raaz is not without many awards and accolades, including a four-time “excellent” rating at Solo and Ensemble, IB Diploma candidate, and a National Merit Commended Scholar. 

“I have known Raaz for what feels like forever! It feels like yesterday that he was a short little sixth grader walking into the Orchestra room for the first time,” Klein Oak Orchestra Assistant Director Elizabeth Ross said. “Fast-forward to senior year – he is older, wiser, and not as vertically challenged, but is the same kind-hearted student I met many years ago. It has been a privilege watching Raaz grow up to be a caring, funny, and intelligent young man – one that I am so proud to call my student.”

On campus, Raaz serves his fellow Panthers as the Mu Alpha Theta Secretary, Red Cross Club Senior Representative, and Official College Board SAT Opportunity Ambassador.

Outside of school, Raaz enjoys helping the community as a volunteer at the Houston Food Bank and assisting his peers as an SAT tutor. 

“From my past twelve years in Klein, the support from my parents and teachers has been incredible. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for their dedication to me. Also, I want to say that Klein Oak’s legendary Mr. Rice and Mrs. Rushing are two teachers that I not only look up to for inspiration but have been the strongest cornerstone in my educational journey at Klein,” Raaz said. “Whether it be in class during labs or after school in the math team, Mrs. Rushing and Mr. Rice have launched and continued my exhilaration in Chemistry and Math.”

Although Raaz’s college of choice is undecided, he plans on majoring in Chemistry and pursuing Pre-Med with plans to attend Medical School.

We are so proud of this dynamic and accomplished scholar and know he will succeed wherever he goes. Raaz, your #KleinFamily is so proud of you for the hard work and determination you have put into your studies. We can’t wait to see all the great things you will accomplish in your future. Congratulations!