Meet Pelumi Oloyede

By Joan Frances –

Foster High School in Lamar Consolidated Independent School District prepares students to take the next step in life after graduation. Seniors leave with a rich education to empower them to meet their future goals. One senior who has excelled in academics, sports and the arts is Pelumi Oloyede.

Pelumi ranks in the top 15 percent of her class and has taken Advanced Placement classes every year of her high school career. This year, she is enrolled in calculus, biology and anatomy. Pelumi has been a member of the National Honor Society since she was a junior. She has also been a member of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) since her freshman year and has competed at state every year for marketing. An avid tennis player since beginning high school, Pelumi enjoys playing doubles and won fourth place at the district competition as a junior.

Pelumi has been involved in the African Student Association (ASA) since her sophomore year and currently serves as president. ASA is a club any Foster High School student is invited to join with the goal to spread African culture to the community and to bring awareness to Africa. They have multiple showcases every year, meeting with other schools to build public knowledge and to study the magnificent African culture.

One value Pelumi feels is important is honesty. “To be honest to others and to yourself will enable trust among friends and teachers. It builds integrity and respect. I know my peers can count on me being completely truthful with them when they ask me about something.”

The one thing that Pelumi will remember the most about her high school career is speech and debate. “I will treasure being in speech and debate of all my other subjects. The experience of going to tournaments and competing against students from the other high schools all over the state has taught me so many things and has really made a huge impact on my life,” she said. “I intend to use the skills that I have learned for the rest of my life.”

Pelumi is currently the debate team captain and has an impressive record of debate tournament awards. “As a leader, the role of debate captain this year is so fulfilling as I assist the novice students through the process of debating and what it takes to win. This is something that I am passionate about. I can help them discover themselves and even change their views on certain things. They will learn so much through going to tournaments and meeting other competitors.”

Pelumi’s favorite teacher is Kendra Willeby, her freshman debate teacher. “I can honestly say my whole attitude changed because of her. I began to do better in debate and became motivated to make higher grades in all of my other subjects as well. She is always there for me and for everyone. I admire her so much and hope to be a great person like her one day.”

In addition to her busy schedule at school, Pelumi generously gives her time to volunteering at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Since her sophomore year, Pelumi has volunteered on the stay unit, helping with paperwork and hospital administration. She also volunteers with churches and Friends of North Rosenberg building houses for the less fortunate.

After she graduates, Pelumi will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio and major in biology. Congratulations on your successes and leadership skills Pelumi, and good luck as you continue your journey to greatness.