Braden Wallace has been part of Flour Bluff ISD since kindergarten. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for sharp humor, creative talent, and the most brutal honesty. Whether he's editing the yearbook, competing in Academic Decathlon, or offering a sarcastic observation in class, Braden leaves an impression.
When asked about his favorite part of attending school here, he kept it simple: “I got some buddies. Like my friend Bane, who is right in front of me,”
Braden has been involved in Academic Decathlon since sophomore year, competed in VASE art competitions, and served as the copy editor for the Yearbook. He also contributes cartoons to the student newspaper and enjoys being part of the creative process, even if he downplays it.
“I look over everyone’s writing,” he said, mocking a 1920s mob boss. “I’m also the newspaper cartoonist. I’ve only done it once, but it was cool.”
He earned first place in science and second in essay at the regional Decathlon competition, though he insists the awards don’t mean much to him.
“They mean nothing to me,” Braden said. “It’s never enough that I should succeed—others must fail for me to be satisfied.”
Outside of school, Braden enjoys gaming, especially fighting games. His first experience with video games came from discovering his dad’s PlayStation 3 as a kid. From there, he found a love for games like Mortal Kombat and later Sea of Thieves. Both games allow him to get the gracious feeling of destroying another for his personal gain.
After graduation, he plans to attend Texas A&M for a semester before transferring to Baylor University. His goal is to study animation, film production, and screenwriting.
“I want to start a new Disney Renaissance,” he said. “Drawing and storytelling are what I love most. I want to inspire future generations to create.”
While he jokes about being a “the biggest hater,” Braden also recognizes the impact of teachers like Ms. Baxter and Ms. Brandewie. He says their influence helped shape his creative interests and work ethic. His favorite subjects are government and art—one for the debate, and the other for the competitions.
His short-term goal is to get back into driving. After an instance or two, he feels the need to fix what’s been done and conquer this feat. His long-term ambition is to find a career that blends creativity, independence, and impact. Something that drives him and others to revolt against the status quo and create a better place for the people.
“I just want to do something that feels like it matters,” he said.
Braden hopes to be remembered as someone who was never satisfied with average. Only being the best, shall he be satisfied. And with being the best, he takes gratitude in the idea that he may finally become “The Biggest Hater”. His advice to underclassmen? Stay focused and think critically. Don’t slack off and fall to far out of line with school.
“Stay off social media. Do your homework. If you don’t, you’re a loser, uhu sorry” he said, lips pursed with a smirk. “Actually, I’m not sorry. That’s just the truth.”
Among his favorite high school memories is watching LowTierGod videos with his friend Bane, a moment that represents the kind of small, personal joys he values most.
He also wants people to know he enjoys Cookie Run Kingdom, taking pride in his battle prowess across the servers. He also thrives in his surprisingly large collection of hats, and has more jackets than people realize.
If he had to describe his high school experience in three words, he’d say: disappointing, misanthropical, and enlightening. All representing the observations he's made about the people around him.
“It showed me the kind of people I’ll be around for the rest of my life,” he said. “That’s something worth knowing.”