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Prax Morgan poses with his fresh degree in hand. Photo by: Flash photography
Praxedis Morgan
Praxedis Morgan
Senior Spotlight
Emily Page & Ava Carson, Staff Writer & Editor-in-ChiefSenior Spotlight
September 4, 2026
This senior has an interesting tale to tell. On May 15, one full calendar year before he graduates high school, senior Praxedis Morgan, walked the stage, as a Suma Cum Laude college graduate, earning an Associates of Arts in Foreign Language through Del Mar. Most students don't earn their Associates until, at the earliest, the year they graduate from high school, let alone earn a Suma Cum Laude status, making Morgan an exception.
“After meeting the student, I recommend that a meeting is set up with a Del Mar College representative to review the intended Associate's Degree plan requirements. I collaborated with the Del Mar rep as we look over the student's schedule and intended classes to see which courses could be taken through the Dual credit program versus courses that needed to be taken through Early Admissions,” College and Career counselor Daphne Granato said. “After this meeting, I would build a 4 year plan with the student to plan out the remaining years to ensure they meet the plan for the Associate's Degree and for High School.”
Morgan credits Granato very heavily for helping him earn his Associates degree.
“She helped me also decide kind of what I wanted to do for dual credit. I had her as a freshman for my actual counselor. So she was a big help not only getting it registered for dual credit classes, but knowing more about what the dual credit process was,” Morgan said.
Prax Morgan walking the graduation stage for Del Mar in May 2026. Photo by: Flash photography
Prax Morgan competes in the 2026 Pinto World Championship. Photo by: Jeff Kirkblade Photography
Morgan had been dedicated to his degree plan since the 8th grade, when he first started the process. Morgan said that his weekly schedule while obtaining his Associates degree was very hectic.
“I devoted about four hours a day towards my dual credit course work, depending on how hard that class was,” Morgan said.
It takes a lot of support to navigate such a full schedule, so Morgan credits his mother, Gabi Canales, as his most dedicated supporter during such a stressful time.
“She helped me pick out my classes," Morgan said, "helped me through classes that she was able to help with."
According to Canales, Morgan shines in even more ways than just his academic endeavors. He is also the founder and chief executive officer of Alas y Raíces, Inc., a 501(c)(3) youth-led nonprofit organization. The organization’s name translates to “Wings and Roots,” reflecting his belief that young leaders need both a connection to their communities and the confidence to carry their ideas beyond them.
"He spent four days in a simulation that had him experience what it feels like in a third-world countries. He was deeply moved and inspired to make a measurable change," Canales said.
To date, this foundation has now gathered 7,300 socks, 28,000 cans of food, prepared hundreds of Blessing Bags and distributed 100 reusable hydration kits to help people.
Prax Morgan competes in the 2026 Pinto World Championship. Photo by: Jeff Kirkblade Photography
Prax works hard to make blessing bags to deliver to the unhoused. Photo by: Gabi Canales
He has also received word that he is a finalist for the Bryan Cameron Scholarship, provided by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation. This is a full-ride scholarship that is competed for across the nation and speaks volumes to the academic and extra-curricular achievements that Morgan has participated in.
“While he doesn’t play traditional sports like football he has brought recognition to Flour Bluff by participating on a national and world stage with his youth led non profit, and riding, to being invited to speak on the United Nations 17 SDG, to a room full of international students,” Canales said.
4-H has been a major investment in Morgan's life thus far. Creating not only memories, but life-altering pathways to his future. Prax serves as president of the Flour Bluff–Padre Island 4-H Club and president of Flour Bluff High School’s Bring Change to Mind Mental Health Club.
“Agriculture is not controlled only by what happens in a pasture,” Prax said. “Water policy, regulations, markets and laws can determine whether an operation survives.
At the 2026 Texas 4-H Congress, he served on the statewide leadership team as Governor’s Floor Leader and Senate Chairman of Agriculture and Livestock. He authored three bills and helped guide the consideration of more than 44 pieces of youth legislation.
"I am excited to be chosen as part of the Texas Congress leadership team and water and livestock ambassador," Morgan said. "4-H has truly been a major part of my life and because of it, I am beyond ready to embark on my future. It has prepared me in every aspect from public speaking, to how to say thank you, apologize, work as a team or individually."
His involvement in agriculture began long before high school. Prax co-owns and helps manage the historic La Cabra Ranch, his family’s 3,000-acre South Texas cattle operation. He is involved in livestock care, herd management, grazing decisions and the financial challenges created by drought, feed costs and changing markets.
Prax Morgan at the national conference after presenting to the undersecretrary of education in Washington D.C. Photo by: Bryson Fanning
Prax relaxes in Puerto Vallerta Photo by: Bryan Harris
"Showing taught me that the few minutes people see in the arena are built on years of work,” Prax said. “The animal still has to be cared for whether you are tired, busy or having a bad day.
A fifth generation Texan continuing over 180 years of South Texas ranching legacy, Prax sees a brand as more than a mark of ownership. It represents the land and animals entrusted to him, the history he carries and his responsibility to leave something stronger for the next generation.
“There are days when ranch work has to be finished before I can even begin my schoolwork,” Prax said. “I have learned that being busy does not remove the responsibility. You decide what matters, organize your time and get it done.”
Morgan plans on attending Texas A&M University College Station, majoring in business, and then eventually making his way to becoming a lawyer. Noting that an Associates degree in Foreign Language could help him ensure diversity in his future law clients.
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