They're No. 1: Lucy Gage, Saxony Lutheran High School valedictorian

Lucy Gage

School: Saxony Lutheran

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Parents: Billy and Cindy Gage

Post-Graduation Plans: Attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

High School Activities: School newspaper editor; varsity swim team, track and cross country; Drama Ministries; Drama Club; National Honor Society

Honors: Third place in chemistry and first place in microbiology at Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair; two-time finalist in Congressional Art Show, Best of Show and first place in Painting at Regional High School Art Show in Sikeston; Mo., first place in Painting at the High School Art Exhibition, and recipient of the Chancellor's Scholarship at Texas Christian University.

GPA: 4.0

Favorite High School Memory: Either my trip to Europe I took with Saxony the summer before my junior year, or being a part of the 1600-meter relay team that won state my freshman year.

Favorite teacher and why: Mr. Verlin Mangels, my science teacher throughout high school, because he honestly knows everything and made me really enjoy all my science classes, which I never did before.

Role model: My grandma, because she is the most genuine, caring person I've ever known and has shown me how to live to serve other people.

Summer plans: Senior trip! And working some so I can afford some new stuff for college.

What will you miss about high school? I will miss seeing my friends every day; after this summer we all head our separate ways so it'll be tough not having people around me that have known me for so long.

Advice to incoming seniors: Senior year goes by so fast! Have fun and go to everything because you'll be glad you did when it's over. And definitely make sure to get all your college applications done early so you don't have to stress over deadlines.

How will you make the world a better place? I plan on doing more random acts of kindness. That's the easiest way to make a change.

What your prop says about you: My prop is these great cowboy boots that I'll finally get to wear more since I'll be living in Cow Town (Fort Worth).