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2023 St. Vincent High School valedictorian Gracie McKinney (7/6/23)Parents: Sherry McKinney and Jesse McKinney Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Murray State University and major in Cybersecurity and Network Management. High school activities: National Honor Society, Ladies Sodality, Marching Band, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Art Club, Students for Life, and Students Against Destructive Decisions Favorite high school experience: Building a bonfire with my whole class for homecoming week Biggest role model: My mom, Sherry. Advice to underclassmen: High school has its ups and downs, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so try to make the most of it. Three words to describe high school: Memories, bittersweet, tradition
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2023 Bell City High School valedictorian Madison Clark (7/6/23)Parents: Valerie Arnold and Gregory Jones Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend The Ohio State University and major in Psychology. High school activities: I participated in FCCLA, FBLA, Pep Club, and Beta Club, where I served as reporter for FBLA and Beta. I was the manager of the volleyball team for all four years. And I was the captain of the Academic Team for two of my four years. I was the class Vice President for all four years. Favorite high school experience: My favorite high school experience would be our trips to Beta Convention. It provides us with so much time to bond with our friends and compete with other schools to be able to attend the National Convention. Biggest role model: My biggest role model would be my cousin, Jessica. As family, we already have a lot in common, but I think I tend to gravitate towards her the most out of everyone. I aspire to be like her. Advice to underclassmen: My advise to underclassmen would be to enjoy high school while you can. Those four years fly by and before you know it you are walking across the stage at graduation. Also, do not procrastinate. Three words to describe high school: Exciting, Memorable, and Fun
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2023 Zalma High School valedictorian William Coomer (6/24/23)William Coomer Zalma Parents: Anna and James Coomer. Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri State University and become a real estate agent, High school activities: Basketball, FCCLA president, STUCO President, BETA and FBLA. Favorite high school experience: Graduation. Biggest role model: Coach Fernnetti. Advice to underclassmen: Don’t take advantage of it. Goes by a lot quicker than you think. Three words to describe high school: Fast, boring, memories.
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2023 Cape Girardeau Central High School Valedictorian Srija Bandyopadhayay (6/24/23)Srija Bandyopadhayay Cape Central Parents: Asit Bandyopadhayay (father) and Sucharita Bandyopadhayay (mother). Post-graduation plans: Plan on attending Saint Louis University and major in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. High school activities: President of speech and debate and participated in the Robotics Club, Scholar Bowl and National Honors Society. Favorite high school experience: Some of my favorite high school experiences were the French banquets we organized during Honors French class. Another favorite memory would be the Six Flags trip we took in AP Physics for physics day. Even though I almost dropped my phone while collecting data on the roller coasters, it was a fun experience. Biggest role model: I don’t have just one role model, but it’s more like a group of people I am inspired by. I really look up to surgeons, especially pediatrics surgeons. When I was young, I met with an accident where I severely broke my ankle. I needed immediate surgery, but the nearest orthopedic pediatric surgeon was two hours away. I was transferred to the nearest pediatric surgeons and because of them I was able to walk again despite the horrible accident. I don’t remember who performed the surgery on me, but I really appreciate all the surgeons. Moreover, I want to become a surgeon one day and give people a new appreciation for life. Advice to underclassmen: Throughout the high school journey, I have made mistakes, and the biggest lesson I have learned is to not overwhelm yourself with responsibilities that you cannot put your best efforts in. Even though it’s very important for high schoolers to be involved in school, it is OK to take some breaks. At the end of the day, we are human beings, and overwhelming ourselves with tasks would only lead to less overall productivity. Additionally, I also want to emphasize the importance of having goals. In order to achieve our goals, we have to be focused and make small sacrifices. If we are unable to do that, our goals may become the sacrifice instead. Moreover, it is important to have focus and discipline if we are determined to achieve your goals. Three words to describe high school: Discipline. It’s important to maintain discipline if we want to succeed in high school. Not doing tasks on time would only cause more trouble in the future. Meaningful. High school was the time where I truly learned myself and what I looked for in the future. The experiences and the lessons learned along the way make me into the person I am today. Inspiring. High school gave me the inspiration and the motivation to do well. Surrounded by brilliant students and teachers inspired me to put my best efforts and overall turned me into a good student. Even though I have a long way to go, high school helped me persevere and inspired me to work hard.
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2023 Advance High School valedictorian Jaxon Limbaugh (6/24/23)Jaxon Limbaugh Advance Parents: Kelly Limbaugh and Victoria Pixley. Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Missouri State University and eventually become an orthopedic surgeon. High school activities: Basketball, baseball, Student Government, BETA and Pep Club. Favorite high school experience: Winning district in basketball my senior year. Biggest role model: My brother. Advice to underclassmen: Do not worry about what other people think, do what makes you happy. Three words to describe high school: Short, memorable, laid-back.
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2023 Leopold High School valedictorian Kinslee VanderMierden (6/24/23)Kinslee VanderMierden Leopold Parents: Lee and Jamie VanderMierden. Post-graduation plans: Attend Ole Miss and get a bachelor’s degree in biology and then go to optometry school. High school activities: Beta Club, Pep Club, Business Club, cross country and cheerleading. Favorite high school experience: My favorite high school experience would probably be this year’s homecoming dance. It was one that I’ll never forget. Biggest role model: My biggest role model is my older sister, Patience, because she is always there for me and gives me advice on things I need. Advice to underclassmen: My advice to underclassmen would be don’t dwell on the little things in life. Focus on the things that really matter. Three words to describe high school: Fun, short, experiences.
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2023 Jackson High School valedictorian Bailey O'Neal (6/24/23)Bailey O’Neal Jackson Parents: Mark and Joey O’Neal. Post-Graduation plans: Attending the University of Alabama, majoring in biology on the pre-med track. High school activities: Speech and drama, French Club, National Honor Society, National Honor Society and tennis team, Favorite high school experience: Going to Springfield, Missouri, for speech and drama state competition. Biggest role model: My mom, because when I grow up I want to always be right like she is. Advice to underclassmen: Everything will be all right. You have time. Three words to describe high school: Short, whirlwind, adventure.
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2023 Scott City High School valedictorian Ruth Cobb (6/24/23)Ruth Cobb Scott City Parents: Donald and Teresa Cobb. Post-graduation plans: I plan on attending Central Methodist University to double major in marine biology and chemistry. High school activities: A+ School Tutoring Scholarship, four years; Drama Club, four years; National Honor Society, three years; Science Club, two years (vice president for one year); speech and debate, two years; and Future Business Leaders of America, one year. Favorite high school experience: My favorite memory was playing the senior games with all my friends. Biggest role model: My biggest role model has always been my mom. She has accomplished so many things throughout her lifetime, and she is a constant inspiration. Advice to underclassmen: Enjoy it while you can and don’t wish it away. Three words to describe high school: Went too fast.
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2023 Oak ridge High School valedictorian Erin Urhahn (6/23/23)Erin Urhahn Oak Ridge Parents: Kerri and Tim Urhahn. Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri State University for English and creative writing. High school activities: Student Council president, National Honor Society president, class president, member of Future Teachers of America and Future Business Leaders of America vice president, cheerleading captain, cross country runner and volleyball player. Favorite high school experience: Learning to swing dance, then performing it at my high school homecoming and prom. Biggest role model: Mia Pohlman. Not only is she an amazing woman, she is also an excellent writer who has taken me under her wing. Advice to underclassmen: You only get to do high school once so make it count Three words to describe high school: Fun, challenging, worthwhile.
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2023 Meadow Heights High School valedictorian Isabella Foltz (6/17/23)Isabella Foltz Meadow Heights High School Parents: James and Traci Foltz. Post-graduation plans: I plan on attending University of Missouri-Columbia in the fall. My intended major is animal science. I hope to finish my undergraduate and then apply for the university’s veterinary program. I hope to become a large animal veterinarian and eventually open my own practice. High school activities: I have been a part of our school publications for three years and am one of the editors. I have been a member of our Beta club for four years, and I have served as secretary and vice president. I have been a member of Student Council for four years, and I have served as secretary and president. I have been a part of FCCLA for four years, and I have served as reporter and vice president. I have been involved in FFA for four years, and I have served as secretary for two years and president for one year. I have been a member of Smokebusters for four years. I also helped reform our school pep club this year. I was a cheerleader for one year. I played the alto saxophone in our high school band for two years, and I played the tenor saxophone for one year. I have been very active in all of the clubs and activities that I participate in. I have competed in multiple events, such as speaking events and showing steers in the fair for FFA. I have participated in academic competitions for Beta and went on to go to nationals. Favorite high school experience: My favorite high school experience was when the senior class planned a senior sunrise where we got up super early to go buy doughnuts at Hoeckele’s, and then we all drove to the school parking lot and watched the sunrise together. We brought chalk and drew on the concrete. It was a lot of fun. Biggest role model: My biggest role models are my parents. I admire each of them for carving out their own paths and finding careers that they love. I appreciate everything that they have done for me as well as all of my other siblings. Advice to underclassmen: My advice to underclassmen is to make the most of high school because you only have four years, and then it’s over. Join anything that you think will be fun. Just enjoy this time while it lasts. Also take all of the dual-credit classes that you can while you’re in high school. Three words to describe high school: Exciting, tiring and motivating
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2023 Woodland High School valedictorian Josy Cook (6/17/23)Josy Cook Woodland High School Parents: Jason and Holly Cook. Post-graduation plans: Attend Evangel University on a fishing scholarship and pursue a degree in business.. High school activities: baseball, basketball, fishing, FFA, FBLA, FCA, pep club and BETA. Favorite high school experience: I would have to say it was all the pranks we pulled on our principal, Mr. Kinder. Biggest role model: It’s hard for me to pick one. I’ve always looked up to my parents, and on the fishing side, Dustin Connel has shown me the true values of fishing and giving back to others. Advice to underclassmen: High school is what you make it. If you think it sucks, it will suck, but if you have a positive mentality you can make it a lot more fun — like I did. Three words to describe high school: Four influential years.
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2023 Perryville High School valedicctorian Megan Kluender (6/17/23)Megan Kluender Perryville High School Parents: Jason and Dana Kluender. Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri State University to study music education. High school activities: Marching band for four years (played flute, saxophone and marching snare drum), Chamber Choir and Silver Dagger Players (Drama Club). Favorite high school experience: Junior and senior year, band camp. It is 2 weeks out of the year when I can let loose and have a good time with my friends. Biggest role model: My parents and the teachers in the music department at Perryville High School. Advice to underclassmen: Turn in your work — nine times out of 10, you can do good in a class if you just turn in your work. Three words to describe high school: Memorable, individualized, significant.
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2023 Chaffee High School valedictorian Rayney Held (6/10/23)
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2023 Delta High School valedictorian Carter Scherer (6/10/23)CARTER SCHERER Delta High School Parents: Meredith and Kenneth Scherer Post-graduation plans: Attend the University of Missouri. High school activities: Basketball, baseball and track and field. Favorite high school experience: Hanging out with my friends. Biggest role model: Dad. Advice to underclassmen: Show up everyday. Three words to describe high school: Highs and lows.
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2023 Scott County Central valedictorian Kierstin Banks (6/10/23)KIERSTIN BANKS Scott Coutny Central High School Parents: Roger and Tashika Banks. Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Harris Stowe University and pursue a Business Degree. I want to change and touch lives. High school activities: President of my class, BETA, and National Honor Society; vice president of Student Council, FCCLA, History Club and Art Club; member of Robotics Club and FBLA; captain of basketball and track team and member of the softball team. Favorite high school experience: There are so many that I could never choose. However, hearing Dad cheer me on in the crowds at my basketball games will always be my favorite. Biggest role model: Dad. He taught me how to be independent, honest and to be brave. He taught me what loyalty is, and he is the sweetest, most kind-hearted person I know. Advice to underclassmen: Don’t over think, just do. Put yourself out there, try the sport, join the club, make new friends. I never regretted the opportunities I took — just the ones I missed out on. Three words to describe high school: Long, worth it, unforgettable.
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2023 Oran High School valedictorian Dalaini Bryant (6/10/23)DALAINI BRYANT Oran High School Parents: Dustin and Laramie Bryant. Post-graduation plans: Attend Mizzou to attain a doctorate of physical therapy and minor in psychology. High school activities: Volleyball, cheerleading, softball, Beta Club, FCA, FFA and Stuco. Favorite high school experience: Winning districts for softball two years in a row. Biggest role model: Mom. Advice to underclassmen: It really does go by fast, so don’t wish it all away. You only get to be a kid for so long. Three words to describe high school: Fast, fun, stressful.
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2023 Eagle Ridge Christian School valedictorian Neelam Patel (6/10/23)NEELAM PATEL Eagle Ridge Christian School Parents: Anissa and Andy Patel. Post-graduation plans: My post graduation plans are to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and obtain a degree in psychology. I hope to continue to further my education and one day become a professor of psychology. High school activities: Senior editor of the yearbook committee, Varsity girls soccer captain since sophomore year, manager of the boys soccer team since sophomore year, math and English tutor, member of Student Council all four years of high school, president of Student Council senior year, member of National Honor Society since sophomore year and Student Council treasurer junior year. Favorite high school experience: My favorite high school experience is winning soccer conference my senior year, then getting third place in our state tournament. Biggest role model: My older sister, Mina Yu. Advice to underclassmen: Never give up on yourself and always trust in God; He’s the only One you can always depend on. Three words to describe high school: Fast, formative and finite.
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2023 Notre Dame Regional High School valedictorian Evelyn Jones (6/10/23)EVELYN JONES Notre Dame Regional High School Parents: Bryan and Liza Jones Post-graduation plans: I will attend University of Missouri -Columbia and major in biochemistry on the pre-med track. High school activities: Clubs: National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions (vice president), Science Club (president), National Spanish Honor Society (vice president), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Friends of the Library (president), French Club and Peer Helpers; Here. Literary Magazine (member of the Editorial Board); Mizzou Mini Med School Attendee; Service: Southeast Missouri Pets, Immaculate Conception Vacation Bible School and Franciscan Brothers New York Mission Trip. Employment: Veterinary technician assistant at Bollinger County Veterinary Service for the last seven years. Favorite high school experience: My favorite high school experience was going to France last summer with my French class. Biggest role model: My biggest role model is, of course, Mom. She is everything I want to be when I grow up. Advice to underclassmen: Get involved and stay in the moment. If you have the desire to do something, do it! You don’t have time to waste on hesitation. Three words to describe high school: Chance-inducing, powerful, electric
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2022 Perryville High School valedictorian Dayton Strattman (6/25/22)DAYTON STRATTMAN High School Name: Perryville Parents: Chad and Kimberly Strattman. Post-graduation plans: I will be attending Mckendree University to study business administration. I will also be playing on their men’s soccer team. High school activities: I was a member of NHS, Student Council and the soccer team. Favorite high school experience: Going to state for soccer this past fall. Biggest role model: Both of my parents, because they push me to be the best version of myself that I can be, not only on the field or in the classroom, but in life as well. Advice to underclassmen: Work hard, but also try to have fun along the way. You’re only in high school once, and you’ll better enjoy your experience by having a good mixture of both of those things. Three words to describe high school: Enjoyed every minute.
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2022 Meadow Heights High School valedictorian Rebeka Myers (6/25/22)REBEKAH MYERS High School Name: Meadow Heights Parents: Scott and Sandy Myers. Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri University to earn a bachelor’s degree in music education. High school activities: Volleyball, Beta, Stuco, FCCLA, Smokebusters and band. Favorite high school experience: Winning volleyball district during junior year. Biggest role model: My siblings. Advice to underclassmen: High school will be over before you know it, so always give it your all. Three words to describe high school: Crazy, intense and stressful.
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2022 Chaffee High School valedictorian Kolton Spies (6/25/22)KOLTON SPIES High School Name: Chaffee Parents: Ritchie and Kelly Spies Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in wildlife biology conservation. High school activities: Football, track, Beta Club, Varsity Club, FCCLA, FBLA, Student Council, Pep Club and Industrial Arts Club. Favorite high school experience: Football and going to state in shot put. Biggest role model: My grandfather. Advice to underclassmen: Get involved, cherish the moments and have fun. Three words to describe high school: Memories, friends and laughter.
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2022 Jackson High School valedictorian Delaney Pipkin (6/25/22)DELANEY PIPKIN High School Name: Jackson Parents: Joel and Richard Pipkin Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology for architectural engineering. High school activities: Junior Rotarian Club, varsity tennis, Future Business Leaders of America, Honor Band, National Honor Society and Spanish Club. Favorite high school experience: I enjoyed taking specialized classes and meeting new people every year. Biggest role model: My mom has been my biggest role model. She has been influential in teaching me to be a strong, hard-working individual and to always help others in my community. Advice to underclassmen: Do not take everything so seriously and stress. It will all work itself out. Three words to describe high school: Developmental, gratifying and entertaining.
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2022 Kelly High School valedictorian Bryce Phelps (6/25/22)BRYCE PHELPS High School Name: Kelly Parents Names: Brent Phelps and Deanna Phelps. Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Culver-Stockton College on a baseball scholarship and major in business management. High school activities: Beta Member, Pep Club, FCCLA, FBLA, Student Council, National Honor Society, basketball, football and baseball. Favorite high school experience: Winning baseball sectionals in 2021. Biggest role model: My Grandma, because despite her disabilities she always has a smile on her face and puts others before herself. Advice to underclassmen: Be good or be good at it. Three words to describe high school: Highs and lows.
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2022 Oran High School valedictorian Lydia Tankersley (6/25/22)LYDIA TANKERSLEY High School Name: Oran Parents: Randy and Trina Tankersley Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in elementary education. High school activities: Girls basketball, softball, Senior Beta, FCCLA, Student Council and FCA. Favorite high school experience: Playing sports with my friends. Biggest role model: My Grandma. Advice to underclassmen: Enjoy your high school while you can; never take a moment for granted because before you know it it’s all over. Three words to describe high school: Fun, friends and educational.
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2022 Bell City High School valedictorian Bryson Maddox (6/18/22)BRYSON MADDOX Bell City Parents: Deanna Maddox and Daniel Maddox Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri University and major in middle school education. High school activities: Baseball, basketball, track, Academic Team, BETA Club, Pep Club, FCCLA, FBLA and Student Council, Favorite high school experience: All the state Beta Club conventions. Biggest role model: My older brother. Advice to underclassmen: Get involved in your school, play sports, join clubs — because hard work pays off. Three words to describe high school: Memorable, fun and family.
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2022 Eagle Ridge Christian School valedictorian Justice Green (6/18/22)JUSTICE GREEN Eagle Ridge Parents: Robert and Deirdre Green Post-graduation plans: Attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. and major in cybersecurity. High school activities: National Honor Society, Student Council president, soccer, track and field. Favorite high school experience: Winning two soccer games in one day to secure first place in the conference tournament. Biggest role model: My father, for showing me how to be a man. Advice to underclassmen: Keep your head high and do not wish to graduate and go to college. That time will come sooner than you think. Enjoy high school before it is over. Three words to describe high school: Interesting, memorable and over.
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2022 Notre Dame Regional High School valedictorian Vincent Klueppel (6/18/22)VINCENT KLUEPPEL Notre Dame Parents: John and Marilyn Klueppel Post-graduation plans: Attend the University of Alabama and study engineering. High school activities: Swim team, FBLA, historian of National Honor Society, [resident of French Club, Student Ambassadors, treasurer of Ag Club, Blue Crew, Peer Helpers, Athletes Give Back, Pro-Life Club, Varsity Christian Service Letter and Science Club. Favorite high school experience: Storming the court after winning the district championship my sophomore year. Biggest role model: My father. Advice to underclassmen: High school goes by faster than you think, so enjoy every moment. Three words to describe high school: Fun, busy and fast.
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2022 Cape Girardeau Central High School valedictorian Samuel Hwang (6/18/22)SAMUEL HWANG Cape Central Parents: Seong Nam Hwang (Father), Min Hi Seo (Mother) Post-graduation plans: Study computer science at Harvard University. High school activities: Research in combinatorics, Symphonic Orchestra, Missouri ARML A Team, Beta Club, Scholar Bowl, District Honors Orchestra. Favorite high school experience: Being called down to the office and receiving a detention slip for an April Fool’s prank pulled off by my teachers. Biggest role model: My brother, Michael. Advice to underclassmen: Do plenty of socializations with friends, but always make sure to turn in work on time. Three words to describe high school: Rubato, Accelerando and Marcato.
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2022 Scott County Central valedictorian Ezekial Johnson (6/18/22)EZEKIEL JOHNSON Scott County Central Parents: Brian and Crystal Johnson. Post-graduation plans: Attend Southeast Missouri University for an engineering degree. High school activities: Basketball. Favorite high school experience: Enjoying PE with friends. Biggest role model: My dad. He is hard working and good at math, like me. Advice to underclassmen: Work hard and pay attention in class. Three words to describe high school: Easy, Fun and memorable.
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2022 Woodland High School valedictorian Addie Johnson (6/18/22)ADDIE JOHNSON Woodland Parents: Patrick and Emily Johnson Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Southeast Missouri State University in the fall of 2022. My major is still undecided. High school activities: I participated in volleyball and basketball, for which I was the captain. As for clubs, I was a member of FFA, FCCLA and Beta, and I was the Pep Club president. Favorite high school experience: Making it to the state quarterfinal game during our basketball season my senior year. No one expected us to make it that far, and we made history for our school. We weren’t even supposed to win districts. Biggest role model: My dad. He has been a great Christian role model and has taught me the importance of staying true to your values. He has taught me so many things over the years that I will carry with me through life. Advice to underclassmen: Get involved and don’t wish time away. By getting involved, high school will be the best time of your life, and it is too short to dread. Three words to describe high school: Fun, short and memorable.
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2022 St. Vincent School valedictorian Addison Cates (6/11/22)ADDISON CATES St. Vincent Parents: Jason and Amy Cates Post-graduation plans: Attending Lindenwood University to obtain a degree in psychology. She will be playing soccer for the Lindenwood Lions women’s soccer team. High school activities: Cheer, basketball captain, soccer captain, National Honor Society president, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Ladies Sodality and newspaper. Favorite high school experience: Winning soccer conference my junior and senior years and being Class 3 soccer district champs my junior year. Biggest role model: My parents. Advice to underclassmen: Make friends with everyone regardless of age. You never know when you’ll need a friend. Three words to describe high school: Rewarding, exciting and busy.
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2022 Oak Ridge High School valedictorian Jiliyan Hobeck (6/11/22)JILIYAN HOBECK Oak Ridge Parents: Eric and Holly Hobeck Post-graduation plans: I plan on attending College of the Ozarks and majoring in business administration. High school activities: Volleyball, cross country, STUCO, NHS, FBLA, FCCLA, Pep Club and yearbook. Favorite high school experience: Watching our boys’ cross country team win the first state championship in Oak Ridge history. Biggest role model: There are so many people who have been role models in my life, but the biggest one has probably been my mom. Advice to underclassmen: Take life day by day. Don’t overthink and stress about things you have zero control over. If it won’t matter in the next five years, it’s not going to matter in the next five minutes. Three words to describe high school: Eye-opening, fun and challenging.
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2022 Leopold High School valedictorian Taylor Broshuis (6/11/22)TAYLOR BROSHUIS Leopold Parents: Karen and Bradley Broshuis Post-graduation plans: Attend University of Kentucky and major in nursing. High school activities: Volleyball, softball, robotics and BETA. Favorite high school experience: Spending a week in Branson, Missouri, and St. Louis for our senior trip. Biggest role model: My Aunt Debbie. Her faith in God is inspiring. She has an individualized love for every person and makes everyone feel welcomed. Advice to underclassmen: Take time to appreciate every moment. Your high school years will fly by. Three words to describe high school: Rollercoaster, formative and challenging.
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2022 Zalma High School valedictorian Melena Cato (6/11/22)MELENA CATO Zalma Parents: Scott and Stephanie Cato Post-graduation plans: Attend Three Rivers College to start my elementary education degree. High school activities: FCCLA, FCA, volleyball, basketball, book, FBLA and cheerleading. Favorite high school experience: Senior trip. Biggest role model: My teachers. They showed me the relationships you can make with your students, which led me to choose my degree. Advice to underclassmen: Never take time for granted. It goes by faster than you would think. Three words to describe high school: Hard, fun and sometimes stressful.
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2022 Delta High School valedictorian Kendall Holweg (6/11/22)KENDALL HOLWEG Delta Parents: Natasha and Jason Holweg Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend college at Southeast Missouri State University to run track and get a degree in education. High school activities: Track, cross country, softball, basketball, Student Council and Pep Club. Favorite high school experience: There’s a tie between when my basketball team won quarterfinals and went to state and when I won my first state championship this past Saturday at state for track. Biggest role model: My older sister Cassie. Advice to underclassmen: My advice would be to not sweat the little stuff because the years fly by. Have fun! Three words to describe high school: Fun, special and thrilling.
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2022 Advance High School valedictorian Drew Delay (6/11/22)DREW DELAY Advance Parents: Brett and Julie Mayo Delay Post-graduation plans: Attend Missouri University of Science and Technology for electrical engineering. High school activities: Quiz Bowl. Favorite high school experience: Sixth hour Sociology. Biggest role model: My Dad. Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be afraid of graduation. Three words to describe high school: Fun, boring and fast.
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2022 Scott City High School valedictorian Kacie Daigger (6/11/22)KACIE DAIGGER Scott City Parents: April Cavaness and Dylan Daigger Post-graduation plans: I will be attending Morton College in Cicero, Illinois, to play women’s basketball and get a degree in the education field. High school activities: Girls basketball, FCCLA, FBLA, GAS, NHS, Pep Club, Science Club, Student Council and FTA. Favorite high school experience: Every minute on the basketball court and figuring out how to overcome every hardship I was faced with. Biggest role model: My mom because she is the light in everyone’s world and always keeps pushing no matter what stands in her way. Advice to underclassmen: Get involved in as much as possible and always stay true to yourself. Don’t let anyone change the person you are. Three words to describe high school: “Haters gonna hate.”
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2021 Woodland High School Valedictorian Emma Scott (6/19/21)Emma Scott shares her high school experience.
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2017 Valedictorians (7/26/17)Meet the area's 2017 high school valedictorians.
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Kylee Newberry - Zalma High School valedictorian (7/28/16)Parents: Bobby and Phyllis Newberry Hometown: Zalma, Missouri Post-graduation plans: I'm going to Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and majoring in English. High-school activities: Beta Club, academic team, First Priority Christian group Favorite high-school experience: In ninth grade, I went to National Beta Convention in Mobile, Alabama, and that was fun...
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Maddie Brune - Saxony Lutheran High School co-valedictorian (7/14/16)Parents: Jenny and Brent Brune Post-graduation plans: I'm going to Troy University. I'm going to be playing soccer there, and I'm going to do pre-med. High-school activities: Any sort of athletics. Also, I was uber-involved in pep club, student council and National Honor Society...
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Tess Daniel - Saxony Lutheran High School co-valedictorian (7/14/16)Parents: Kim and John Daniel Hometown: Cape Girardeau Post-graduation plans: I'm going to go to Mizzou for pre-nursing and hopefully will become a nurse practitioner. High-school activities: Basketball, soccer, track, student council, pep club and more...
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Elizabeth Kiefner - Saxony Lutheran High School co-valedictorian (7/14/16)Parents: Thomas and Nancy Kiefner Hometown: Cape Girardeau Post-graduation plans: I'm going to attend Mizzou and study health science. I plan to become a dentist. High-school activities: Swim team, cheerleading, dance club and student council. Favorite high-school experience: Probably my state swim meet my senior year. It was the first time I got to go, and it was a big deal...
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Colten Winter - Scott County Central valedictorian (6/30/16)Parents: Kevin and Tiffany Winter Hometown: Morley, Missouri (lives in Oran, Missouri) Post-graduation plans: I start Aug. 17 at Coastal Carolina University. They've accepted me into their honors program, majoring in marine biology. High-school activities: I was in just about every club they offered: Future Business Leaders of America; Beta Club; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; baseball; and more...
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Darrien Boden - Kelly High School valedictorian (6/30/16)Parents: Jamie and Becky Boden Hometown: St. Joseph, Missouri Post-graduation plans: I'm pursuing a degree in civil engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. I'd like to form my own company. High-school activities: FFA chapter president, Beta Club president, student body president and other groups...
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Emily Seiler - Leopold High School co-valedictorian (6/23/16)School: Leopold High School Parents: Stan and Carol Ann Seiler Hometown: Leopold, Missouri Post-graduation plans: I am going to attend Saint Louis University in the fall, majoring in investigative and medical science on the pre-med track. High-school activities: Varsity volleyball and softball, robotics club, pep club, business club and others...
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Alexis Vandeven - Leopold High School co-valedictorian (6/23/16)School: Leopold High School Parents: Edward and Lori Vandeven Hometown: Leopold, Missouri Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Maryville University in St. Louis in the fall to study interior design. High-school activities: Softball, volleyball, Beta Club, robotics club and more...
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Bella Bowers - Scott City High School valedictorian (6/16/16)
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Hannah Seyer - Chaffee High School valedictorian (6/16/16)
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Meet Creighton Miles, Advance High School valedictorian (6/9/16)
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Lindsey Breer is Jackson High School's 2016 valedictorian (6/9/16)