SM Academy Student Receives Exceptional Senior Award From Congressman Roy

Shelley Henry

Caleb Guenther, a member of the Class of 2020 at San Marcos Academy, was one of 33 students to receive the Exceptional Senior Award from Congressman Chip Roy (R–TX 21st District).

The Exceptional Senior Award (ESA) is presented to stellar seniors in the graduating Class of 2020 across Texas’ 21st Congressional District.

ESA winners are students who have consistently displayed high levels of character, leadership, integrity, and diligence.

These virtues were evident through their philanthropic activities, academic success, and reputations among peers and teachers.  

The son of Dr. and Mrs. Brian Guenther of San Marcos, Caleb, was captain of the baseball team and a member of the football team. He was the Executive Officer in the JROTC program and president of the Senior Class.

He received the Superior Cadet Award, the Burlsworth Character Award for football, and the Mike Kipp Christian Athlete of the Year Award, among other academic and student life honors.

During the Academy’s Commencement ceremony, Caleb received the McNiel Cup, the second-highest award given to an SMA student. In the fall, Caleb will attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to pursue a degree in music business.

Congressman Roy originally planned to present the ESAs in person to the winners. However, COVID-19 created unusual circumstances for the Class of 2020 and put students through extraordinary difficulties. Instead, the ESA certificates were mailed to winners a few weeks ago.

In July, Congressman Roy visited with the seniors virtually to offer his congratulations. He offered encouragement for them to choose optimism during this difficult time and remain proud of their achievements. With fine young people like these, Texans have reason to be optimistic about our great State’s future.

Recipients of the Exceptional Senior Awards included students from both public and private schools from San Antonio, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Austin, Boerne, Kerrville, as well as other communities in Texas District 21.