Top of their class: Meet four local high school valedictorians

Jackson and Saxony Lutheran students will be featured next week.

David Westrich

School: Notre Dame Regional High School

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Parents: David and Mary Westrich

Post-graduation plans: Washington University in St. Louis; major in biology (premed) with a minor in mathematics

Activities while in high school: Scholar Bowl (academic team), track and cross country, Science Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters

Honors received: Missouri 100 Scholar, National Merit Scholar, 36 on ACT, Presidential Scholars Semifinalist, took third place nationally in the 2004 Discovery Channel Young Scientists Challenge, 2008 State Academic Team Champions, 2008 member of the All-State Academic Team

GPA: 4.46

Favorite high school memory: Winning the state academic team competition this year

Summer plans: Attending the five-week Freshman Summer Academic Program at Wash U.

What will you miss about high school? "All the friends I have made."

Emilee Claire Glueck

School: Scott City High School

Hometown: Scott City

Parents: Stephen and Donna Glueck

Post-graduation plans: Attending Southeast Missouri State University; majoring in integrated marketing and communications with a minor in fashion merchandising.

Activities while in high school: Future Business Leaders of America (local chapter president and District 15 reporter), pep club, Student Council (vice president), Model U.N. (secretary), Science Club (secretary) and National Honor Society.

Honors received: FBLA Business Achievement Awards: Future and Business Level; Outstanding Service in FBLA Local Chapter; Outstanding Achievement Awards in Business, Heath and EN 140; George Washington Carver Award; College Preparatory Studies Certificate; High Honor Roll Pin

GPA: 11.0 on an 11.0 scale

Favorite high school memory: "My favorite high school memory was driving my car to school for the first time, instead of having to ride the bus."

Summer plans: Working two jobs, trying to enjoy the summer before beginning college.

What will you miss about high school?: "The thing that I will miss most about high school is being able to see my friends every day."

Jenny Huo

School: Central High School, Cape Girardeau

Hometown: Born in Shanghai, China

Parents: Dr. Min Zou and Haihua Huo

Post-graduation plans: Attend Washington University in St. Louis; major in chemistry.

Activities while in high school: Cape Central Orchestra, Southeast Missouri State Symphony, cross country, track, National Honor Society (president), Student Senate, FBLA, Spanish Club

Honors received: Concertmistress of high school and all-district orchestra, Superior ratings (I) at the district and state level for Solo & Ensemble in violin solo and duets, attended Missouri Fine Arts Academy in 2007, Departmental Science (AP Chemistry) student of the year, Departmental Mathematics (AP Calculus) student of the year, Terrific Tiger Award, American Legion Award

GPA: 11.76 out of 11.00

Favorite high school memory: "I can't pick just one! Going to Colorado with my cross country team and playing as concertmistress in my high school and all-district orchestra."

Summer plans: Spending time with friends and family.

What will you miss about high school?: "I'll miss all my teachers who I have really bonded with throughout my years of high school. I'll also miss playing violin because I am not sure how involved I will be with music at Wash U."

Donielle Howell

School: Scott City High School

Hometown: Scott City

Parents: Don and Pam Howell

Post-Graduation Plans: Attend Southeast Missouri State University; major in something related to mathematics.

Activities while in high school: National Honor Society (president), FBLA, FCS, FCCLA, FTA, Model U.N., class officer, Pep Club, band, choir, basketball, softball, volleyball, student council

Honors received: Wendy's High School Heisman Award school winner, George Washington Carver Award, Missouri Bright Flight

GPA.: 11.0 on an 11.0 scale

Favorite high school memory: "The day-to-day memories with friends, just hanging out and laughing at anything and everything."

summer plans: "Work part time, attend Centrifuge and spend as much time with my friends as possible."

What will you miss about high school?: "The small-school atmosphere. I will miss seeing everyone every day."