A salute to the area's top students

Southeast Missourian

All of the students featured today are the top achievers at their schools: Central High School, Jackson High School, Notre Dame Regional High School, Saxony Lutheran High School and Scott City High School. All have celebrated their honors and recognition with classmates and family during graduations recently.

But what makes these students the top in their class?

It isn't just their grade point averages. These students have worked hard during the school year, serving in school clubs, at volunteer organizations in the community and at their churches.

Here's a look at who they are and how they responded to a set of questions posed by the Southeast Missourian just before their graduations:

Notre Dame Regional High School

Students Jill Heuschobern and Amanda Wozniak shared the honor of valedictorian. No salutatorian was named.

Amanda Wozniak, co-valedictorian

PLANS: To attend Southeast Missouri State University, studying biology. After college graduation, she plans to attend the Illinois College of Optometry to become an optometrist.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Science club co-president; Peer Helpers and National Honor Society.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: Eucharistic minister at St. Vincent de Paul parish, Vacation Bible school, Friends of the Park, cleaned Route K with science club.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: I really don't have a hero or role model but I definitely look up to my critical thinking and writing teacher Mr. Cox.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The great education and teachers at Notre Dame. Also the love and support of my family.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: I've been blessed; I've had no great difficulties.

PARENTS: Michael and Mary Ellen Wozniak

Jill Heuschobern, co-valedictorian

PLANS: To attend Southeast Missouri State University

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Notre Dame musical, National Honor Society, varsity boys' soccer manager, All-district/state music competition. Sang for Masses at school.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: Humane Society of Southeast Missouri volunteer, Vincent's Vittles.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My sister, Gail.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Very hard work and dedication.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: Sticking to my morals and beliefs that were given to me by my parents, despite what others around me were doing.

PARENTS: Michael and Connie Heuschober.

Scott City High School

The school had a tie for its valedictorian slot. Co-valedictorians were Amanda Eades and Ashley Davis. Loretta Holmes was the class salutatorian.

Amanda Eades, co-valedictorian

PLANS: To attend Southeast Missouri State University, studying music education.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Choir, National Honor Society, Pep Club, class vice president, Future Teachers of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Club, Art Club.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION: Church youth group, Acteens, NHS blood drive, Impact, Meals on Wheels.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My hero has been and will always be Jesus Christ. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but I can accept Christ as my boss. The blood he shed for my sins covers me and I'm forgiven. He is in every way my hero and savior and that's why I'll praise him all my days.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The reason for my success is God's grace and my parents. They have encouraged me to do my best and been my support. I love my parents and I know if I hadn't been blessed with them I wouldn't be the person I am today.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: Deciding where to go to college and choosing a major have been difficult. Through the guidance of my parents, teachers and friends I've been able to make a decision. It took some time but I'm set on graduating from SEMO with a major in music education.

PARENTS: Terry and Valerie Eades

Ashley Davis, co-valedictorian

PLANS: To attend Abilene Christian University, studying animal science.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Future Teachers of America, Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA webmaster, National Honor Society, pep and concert band and choir, Bible Bowl.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My role models have been my parents.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents are the reason for my success. They've instilled high moral values in me and have taught me to be an honorable individual.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: My greatest difficulty was deciding whether or not to go to college. I had almost decided not to go because I had gone through a phase in which I was tired of going to school, and didn't even want to think about attending at least another four years. But my parents talked to me about college and wanted me to try at least a year, because they felt I would regret not going to college later on in life. I finally made the decision to go to college; and I feel good about my decision because I now know what I want to do and where I want to go in life.

PARENTS: Wes and Marilyn Davis

Loretta Holmes, salutatorian

PLANS: To attend the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. I will graduate in six years with a doctorate in pharmacy.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: president, Future Business Leaders of America; photo editor and business editor of yearbook; secretary of Science Club, National Honor Society, Pep Club, church youth group, NASA promotions co-director.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: Toybox, Literacy campaign, March of Dimes, NHS blood drive.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: I have always looked up to my older sister Amy. She never settles for anything less than what she wants in life and she has always known exactly what she wants out of life.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I think the reason for my success has been my determination and hard work. It has pushed me to be my best and accomplish everything I can.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: One of the most difficult things for me was changing my college and career goals in the middle of my senior year, and having to completely rearrange my plans.

PARENTS: Larry and Helen Holmes

Cape Central High School

Valedictorian was Meredith Toole. Salutatorian was Andrew Moreton.

Meredith Toole, valedictorian

PLANS: To attend Vanderbilt University.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Marching band, concert band, member of 2003 All-State Band (for clarinet), dance team, which took first place at state; National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Senate and Leadership Academy.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: Member of Lynwood Baptist Church, World Changers mission trip and member of Cape Girardeau Municipal Band.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: Adrian Toole, my father, has been my role model because I admire his intelligence and caring nature.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I have been successful because I have been dedicated to working hard and have had support from my family and friends.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: It has been difficult to balance my time between academics and extracurricular activities.

PARENTS: Adrian and Jamie Toole

Andrew Moreton, salutatorian

PLANS: To attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, studying both engineering and business. He was named a President's Scholar by the school, which awards him full tuition and fees.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Student senate co-president, swim team co-captain, cross country, Lacrosse, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Letterman's Club.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: projects through NHS and Beta club; served Thanksgiving dinner at Salvation Army, Postponing Sexual Involvement mentor for junior high students.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: James Green who leads Southeast Missouri Young Life has always been there for me and it is amazing how he truly cares for everyone.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My parents of have been extremely supportive of me the last 18 years and have encouraged me to always do my best. I am also very organized and can manage my time efficiently.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: Trying to balance all of my academics and activities and managing my time while still maintaining my grades.

PARENTS: John and Nancy Moreton

Jackson High School

Two female students shared top honors at Jackson High's graduation. Jordan Hinkle was valedictorian; Sarah Luehrs was salutatorian.

Jordan Hinkle, valedictorian

PLANS: To attend Southeast Missouri State University, studying pre-pharmacy and then transfer to pharmacy school later.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Health careers club, scholar bowl team member, chemistry bowl team, Acteens mission group through church, received national awards. Will be a page at National Women's Missionary Union convention this summer.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: participated in Relay for Life for American Cancer Society, volunteer projects through Acteens.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My close family members and teachers have greatly helped to shape me academically and emotionally, and the wonderful members of my church have aided my spiritual maturation.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My support from family and everybody pushing me to do well.

GREATEST DIFFICULTY I'VE OVERCOME: Learning how to balance a rigorous academic schedule with extracurricular activities and rest.

PARENTS: Charles Hinkle Jr. and Amy Hinkle of Jackson.

Sarah Luehrs, salutatorian

PLANS: To attend Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Band member, earned All-State honors, competed in solo and ensembles at contest; Future Business Leaders of America, and will compete in parliamentary procedure at national contest. Competed in speech and debate.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: FBLA and NHS service projects.

HERO OR ROLE MODEL: My grandpa. He served in the Navy in World War II, was an influential businessman in Jackson, and was just a really great grandpa.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Parental support.

PARENTS: Edgar and Peggy Luehrs.

Saxony Lutheran High School

Jolene Braeuner and Stephen Moore were the only graduates in the senior class at Saxony Lutheran High School because they were the only students in the class. Brauener was valedictorian and Moore salutatorian.

Jolene Braeuner, valedictorian

PLANS: To attend Southeast Missouri; studying nursing.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Yearbook staff, newspaper staff, class president, treasurer of Student Council.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS: youth group at Trinity Lutheran in Freidheim.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Think would have to been all the support that I've had from family and friends and wonderful teachers, and also my own strengths. Because I've always wanted to succeed.

PARENTS: Donald and Joy Brauener

Stephen Moore, salutatorian

PLANS: To attend college.

SENIOR YEAR ACTIVITIES: Latin club, school newspaper, student council.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Moore didn't have a specific reason but did say he enjoyed attending the smaller school -- there were only two seniors. "It made classes easier," he said.

PARENTS: Robert and Jan Moore of McClure, Ill.