Top of their class: Jackson and Saxony Lutheran valedictorians

Richard Stroder

High school: Jackson High School

Hometown: Gordonville

Parents: Mitchell and Teresa Stroder

Post-graduation plans: attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., major in mechanical engineering

Activities while in high school: Peer tutors (president), Spanish club (vice president), band, cross country (9-10th grade)

Honors received: Chosen for Missouri Scholars Academy 2006, Missouri Boys State 2007, received "1" rating at district and state for ensemble in band all 4 years

GPA: 12.09 on a 11.0 scale

Favorite high school memory: "When Nick won the 'sexiest walk' award."

Summer plans: "Several senior trips, camping, mow lawns to make some money, visit Vanderbilt, enjoy my last three months with all my friends."

What will you miss about high school? "All the people. I won't know anyone at Vandy, and I'll miss having those connections with everyone back in Jackson."

Jessica Erin Reisenbichler

School: Saxony Lutheran

Hometown: Jackson

Parents: Kenyon (Josh) & Mary Reisenbichler

Post-graduation plans: Drury University in Springfield, Mo., major in history

Activities while in high school: Cross country, cheerleading, drama ministries, track, National Honor Society, yearbook, choir, band, Special Olympics volunteer

Honors received: Drury Dean's Scholarship, Madre Memorial Scholarship, Wal-Mart Spirit of Community Scholarship, Cape Girardeau Evening Lion's Club Calvin R. Wells Scholarship

GPA: 3.94

Favorite high school memory: "There's just way too many memories. We made a remake of 'Romeo & Juliet,' which we called 'Azabar and Ulga.' Jake Weber finally gave me a bag of Twizzlers after two years of me bothering him about it. Actually, just being blessed to have known Jake. I was the only girl in my sophomore religion class for half the year, and it was VERY interesting."

What are your plans for the summer? Working, spending time with friends and family, going on a mission trip to New Orleans

What will you miss about high school? "Seeing friends each day because we were like family to each other."