They're No. 1: Kristie Thiele, Leopold High School valedictorian

Kristie Thiele

School: Leopold High School

Hometown: Leopold, Mo.

Parents: Ernie and Debbie Thiele

Post-graduation plans: I plan to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in mathematics education.

High school activities: Beta Club, Pep Club, Business Club, Concert Choir, Mathletics, Yearbook Committee, Senior Stand Manager

Honors: "A" Honor Roll, Missouri State Beta Club Scholarship, Math Field Day - second place in Analytic Geometry, Glory of Missouri Award For Education, George Washington Carver Award, President's Education Award Certificate, College Preparatory Certificate, Math Analysis Pin, Yearbook Editor Pin, Physics Pin, English IV Pin, Environmental Science Pin, Personal Finance Certificate, Health Certificate

GPA: 10.98

Favorite high school memory: My whole senior year, because I made so many great memories and had a blast!

Favorite teacher and why: Mrs. Horrell, my science teacher, because she is nice and very patient. She made science interesting to me, and I enjoyed going to class every day.

Role model: My mom because she is the person I look up to in life, and I want to grow up to be just like her.

Summer plans: Working to save up for college expenses.

What will you miss about high school? I will miss the closeness of the entire school and getting to see my classmates every day.

Advice to incoming seniors: Don't take even a second for granted because it flies by way too fast, and before you know it, high school will be over in a blink of an eye.

What your prop says about you: It shows that all the hard work I have put in all these years have paid off and I have accomplished a lot.