Valedictorians 2016: Riley Knight, Cape Girardeau Central High School

Parents' names: Patrick and Brandi Knight

Cape Girardeau Central High School 2016 valedictorian, Riley Knight.Glenn Landberg

Hometown: Cape Girardeau

Post-graduation plans: I will be attending Vanderbilt University (Nashville), majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering and pre-med.

High school activities: International Thespian Society (president), dance team (varsity captain), Beta Club, National Honor Society and others.

Favorite high school experience: Beating Sikeston on Senior Night during basketball season -- the same evening I got into Vanderbilt. So it was really a good day.

Role model: My mother, because she is by far the strongest and most intelligent woman I know.

Advice to underclassmen: I would say to go at high school full speed. Don't waste it. It does count.

Three words for the entire high school experience: Sleepless, worth it.