Although he is just a student, Cooper Bortmess may be one of the most well-known names at Edmond Memorial High School. Bortmess, a senior, is involved in numerous activities in and out of school. He is currently one of the editors, the sales representative and treasurer of the EMHS yearbook committee; and the Senior Representative for student council. Bortmess is also a photographer for many sports and booster clubs. Outside of school, Bortmess is a co-president of Cleats for Kids and serves as chair of the Major Events team at his church, Henderson Hills Baptist Church. He has also taken on various leadership roles in nonprofits such as the Edmond Public Schools Foundation and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, where he holds the highest fundraising record in Oklahoma during a campaign. He also has owned and operated his personal photography business, Bortmess Photography, since the age of 10.
“Being involved in my school and in my community is incredibly important as a way to serve with my peers, building relationships and encouraging positive change for the future ahead,” Bortmess said. “I also find it to be a key aspect of my life–meeting new people and finding ways to encourage them through the different parts of their lives.”
Elanna Dobbs, the EMHS yearbook adviser, StuCo adviser and IA English I teacher, has worked with Bortmess longer than most. She has personally seen his growth as he has progressed through high school.
“When Cooper showed up as an 8th-grade student at yearbook distribution, I knew then that he was going to be a remarkable leader that would stand out in the crowd,” Dobbs said. “He has not proven me wrong. I have never encountered a student like Cooper Bortmess, and I think our school is going to have a void when he leaves. Cooper seriously helps everyone and is willing to work overtime to assist everyone while staying active and holding leadership positions in groups and organizations outside of school.”
Junior Kennedy Day works closely with Bortmess as an editor of photography alongside Bortmess for the yearbook. She has also seen the skills that Bortmess has attained as he works to benefit Memorial.
“[He is] truly dedicated,” Day said. “He’s here almost every single day after school. He’s here doing something–something that’s always to better Memorial. And, you know, all the teachers know him [and] a lot of the students know him. He is just dedicated to what he does, and it really pays off.”
Although this has not been his main goal, being so involved inside and outside of school has certainly aided Bortmess in building a resume for his future aspirations for higher education and career opportunities.
“After high school, I plan to attend Oklahoma State University and major in political science on an accelerated pre-law track to pursue a career in law and a future in public office,” Bortmess said.
Day has also observed this, noting how determined and passionate he is in everything he does. This provides for real initiative in advancing towards a future career.
“I [see him in] law,” Day said. “Maybe a politician. I think he has the grit and initiative to really become somebody who changes the world.”
Bortmess may be one of the most involved students at EMHS. After being actively engaged in many aspects of student life throughout the school and showing his dedication to multiple programs outside of school, many believe that he will go far.
Contact Esther Wood at [email protected]
