Valedictorian: Sam Lowes, 18

Jackson High School

Birthday: Dec. 10, 1995

Birthplace: Cape Girardeau

Parents: David and Susan Lowes

Future plans: To attend Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, to major in medicine. He hopes to go into medicine, but is not sure which area yet.

Awards/extracurricular activities: Missouri Scholars Academy; Missouri Scholars 100; Boys State; Youth United Way member, where he does community service for various organizations and fundraisers; volunteer at Lutheran Home, South Elementary, Southeast Hospital each summer; this year going to offer volunteer services to Saint Francis Medical Center; plays percussion (the marimba) in the Jackson High School band and was all-state his senior year; track and swimming for three years, but not his senior year; a National Honor Society member.

Dream job: Ice cream taster, but being practical, doing medical research

Class accomplishments: Part of his class worked with the police department on a re-enactment of a drunken-driving accident. Students also raised money for volunteer organizations.

Best or worst memories over the past 12 years: "My favorite memory of high school was my second band trip to Chicago. By round two, I knew what to expect, and I was able to fully take in the experience without nervousness at being in a new location. The best part of the trip (aside from our band winning numerous trophies, of course!) was Medieval Times, when the Green Knight -- our knight -- won."