AREA STUDENTS EARN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

Each year, top students in a graduating high school class are honored by earning the distinction of being named valedictorian or salutatorian. The student who has the highest grade point average in the graduating class is named the valedictorian. The student with the second highest grade point average is named the salutatorian.

Congratulations to this year's valedictorians and salutatorians.

Oak Ridge High School

Valedictorian: Jennifer Seabaugh, daughter of Roger and Bonnie Seabaugh, has been involved in Future Homemakers of America, SADD, Pep Club, Art Club and National Honor Society during her high school career. She has also played volleyball and softball and participated in the high school band.

She received a Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizen Award and is listed in "Who's Who Among High School Students." She will be attending Concordia College in Seward, Neb., this fall.

Salutatorian: Kara Rennee Grantham, daughter of Kirby and Debbie Grantham, has been involved in Pep Club, Future Homemakers of America, Business Club, SADD and National Honor Society. She has been a cheerleader for the past three years, and has played volleyball and softball.

She plans to major in business management at Southeast Missouri State University.

Notre Dame High School

Valedictorian: Katheryn Therese Wencewicz, daughter of Thomas and Dorothy Wencewicz, has been involved in SADD and National Honor Society. She played volleyball her first three years in high school, and has helped with the makeup for her high school musicals the past three years.

She plans to major in math education at Southeast Missouri State University and wants to teach at the high school or college level.

Salutatorian: Ely Setiawati, daughter of Sulaiman and Emmy Trifnawati Sulaiman, has been involved in the Projects Club, National Honor Society and the President's Education Award Program.

She has received a George Washington Carver Award, two Excellence Awards from the University of Missouri-Rolla and the Missouri House of Representatives Certificate of Recognition. She plans to major in Industrial Engineering at Iowa State University when she starts this summer.

Salutatorian: Rebecca Suzanne Roe, daughter of Mary and Jerry Roe, has been involved in SADD, Spirit Club, National Honor Society, Campus Ministries and Girl Scouts. She was also Student Council Treasurer and helped out with the school musicals.

She has received a Bausch-Lomb Science Award, a Christian Service Award, an American Businessman's Scholarship, an Orthopedic Associate's Thomas C. Otto Scholarship. She has also been awarded a Knights of Columbus Award, a Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship and a Dean's Scholarship from Saint Louis University. She plans on majoring in chemistry and art as a pre-medicine student at Saint Louis University.

Jackson High School

Valedictorian: Dean Bucher, son of Denis and Sharon Bucher, was Senior Class President this year, and has been involved with Future Business Leaders of America, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and National Honor Society. He also played football for three years.

He received a Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, and was a Hugh O'Brian Ambassador as a sophomore. He plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia before transferring to Kansas State University to major in architectural engineering.

Salutatorian: Erica McQuay, daughter of Scott and Brenda McQuay, has been involved in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Peer Tutors and the Drama Club. She has also attended the Missouri Scholars Academy.

She has received a Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship, a Sam Walton Leadership Scholarship, a Lone Star Industries Scholarship and a Curator's Scholarship for the University of Missouri-Columbia. She plans to major in secondary English education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Cape Central High School

Valedictorian: Nora Elizabeth Renka, daughter of Russell and Paula Renka, has been involved in band, National Honor Society and Student Senate. She was also captain of her school's Scholar Bowl Team.

She was a National Merit Scholar and a Missouri 100 Scholar, and has received a scholarship to attend the University of Chicago where she plans to attend.

Salutatorian: Nisha Rajanikant Shah, daughter of Rajanikant and Kalpana Shah, has been involved in National Honor Society, BETA Club, Future Business Leaders of America, National Forensics Week, and was an associate editor of her high school newspaper.

She has received a Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and the Zonta Young Woman in Public Affairs Award. She has also received a Curator's Scholarship from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Wal-Mart Community Leader Scholarship, an Earl Collins Kiwanis Scholarship, a National Service Scholarship, a Camp Enterprise Scholarship, a Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship and a Dr. Robert Ward Scholarship.

She plans to major in computer science at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Delta High School

Valedictorian: Aaron Altenthal, son of Aaron and Beverly Altenthal, is listed in the "Who's Who of High School Students." He was also on the school's basketball team.

Altenthal has received the President's Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University. He plans to major in business at Southeast.

Salutatorian: Amy Green, daughter of Rick and Dorothy Green, has been involved in several clubs in high school and was editor of the yearbook. She was also a Hugh O'Brian Ambassador as a sophomore.

She has received a Regents' Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University. She has also received a Gerald Jones Scholarship and a Delta Booster Club Scholarship. She plans to major in secondary English education at Southeast Missouri State.

Scott City High School

Valedictorian: T. Patrick Johnston, son of Tim and Linda Johnston, has been involved in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Science Club, Pep Club and Future Teachers of America. He is also on the high school football and baseball teams. He attended the Missouri Scholars Academy as a sophomore.

He has been awarded a Regents' Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University as well as a SuperValu Scholarship. He plans to major in industrial management at Southeast.

Salutatorian: Amy Heisserer, daughter of Ralph and Brenda Heisserer, has been involved with National Honor Society, Pep Club and Future Business Leaders of America. She was the manager of the girl's basketball team and played softball as well.

She has received a George Washington Carver Award and a Scholastic Leadership Award from the U.S. Navy. She plans to major in business management at Southeast Missouri State University.

Perryville High School

Valedictorian: Sarah Berkbigler, daughter of Glenn and Betty Berkbigler, has been involved in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society and Varsity Band. For the past two years, she has been a drum major. She was also a ninth-chair flutist on the All-District Band.

She plans to major in accounting at Southeast Missouri State University on her way to becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Salutatorian: Jenny M. Buchheit, daughter of Gary and Jeralyn Buchheit, has been involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Varsity Band, National Honor Society, Art Club and Friends of Education. She was fourth-chair sax on the All-District Band.

She also has received the Olene Hefflin Award from her school. She plans to major in art education at Southwest Missouri State University.

Chaffee High School

Valedictorian: Tonya Lynn, daughter of Terry and Maria Lynn, was a drum major in band and the regional president of Future Homemakers of America. She has also been involved in Future Business Leaders of America, BETA Club, Student Council and French Club.

She has been awarded a Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship, a Chaffee Parent/Teacher Good Citizen Award, and a Mary Hopkins English Award. She also received a Governor's Scholarship to attend Southeast Missouri State University where she plans to major in computer science.

Salutatorian: Danielle Morgan, daughter of Thelbert and Darcy Morgan, has been captain of her high school's cheerleading team and dance team and has been named Outstanding Senior Girl Athlete at Chaffee High School this year. She has been on the All-American Performance Team for Dance and recently earned a spot on the Sundance team at Southeast Missouri State University.

She has also been involved in the BETA Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Homemakers of America, Student Council and French Club. She plans on majoring in pre-law at Southeast Missouri State University.

Kelly High School

Valedictorian: Brandi Hamm, daughter of Theresa Siebert and Rick Hamm, has been involved in Future Farmers of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Homemakers of America, BETA Club, Student Council, Pep Club and Foreign Language Club. She also played softball and was on the cheerleading squad.

She has received a George Washington Carver Award as well as a Benton Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, a Verbalee Wills-Smeltzer Memorial Scholarship and a President's Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University. She plans to major in nursing at Southeast.

Salutatorian: Jarett Seiler, son of Bill and Karen Seiler, has been involved in Future Farmers of America, BETA Club and Foreign Language Club. He is also a member of St. Denis Church. He was selected Outstanding FFA Member, and has received several awards including the President's Education Award, the George Washington Carver Award and the State Agribusinessman Award.

He has received a Curator's Scholarship and Elyzabeth H. Schell Scholarship from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Curator's Scholarship from Central Methodist. He also received a Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship. He plans to major in pre-medicine at Central Methodist.

Leopold High School

Valedictorian: John David Vandeven, son of John and Mary Vandeven, has been involved in Pep Club, Business Club and BETA Club. He has also been the captain of the basketball team for two years and a member of the baseball team as well. He was named Mr. Baseball his senior year.

He has received two Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Awards, a U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award, a Jessica Keith Memorial BETA Scholarship, a scholarship from Mercantile Bank of Marble Hill and a Regents' Scholarship to attend Southeast Missouri State University. He plans to attend Southeast.

Salutatorian: Jennifer Debrock, daughter of Leon and Connie Debrock, has been involved in BETA Club, Pep Club and Business Club. She has received a George Washington Carver Award and a President's Education Award.

She has received a Security Bank Scholarship, a Mercantile Bank Scholarship, a Jessica Keith Memorial BETA Club Scholarship and a Regents' Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University. She plans to major in drafting at Southeast Missouri State.

Oran High School

Valedictorian: Donna Senciboy, daughter of Jim and Doris Senciboy, has been a member of Future Business Leaders of America, Future Homemakers of America, BETA Club, Student Council and her high school yearbook staff. She has received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award and the George Washington Carver Award.

She has been awarded the Darron Jansen Scholarship and the Isabell Wade Lyda Scholarship from the University of Missouri-Columbia, as well as Vision Tuition, Jesuit Education and MFA scholarships. She plans to major in pre-medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Salutatorian: Jamie Eftink, daughter of Jim and the late Pat Eftink, has been involved in cheerleading and track at her high school. She has also been a member of Future Farmers of America and Future Homemakers of America.

She has received the Myrtle E. Tanner Scholarship from the University of Missouri-Columbia as well as scholarships from the Jaycees and Union Planters Bank. She has also received a George Washington Carver Award. She plans to major in journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Meadow Heights High School

Valedictorian: Melissa Williams, daughter of Bob and Betty Williams, has been involved in the BETA Club, SOMADD, Community 2000, Drama Club and Science Club. She has received a George Washington Carver Award and a U.S. Marine Corps Outstanding Academics and Leadership Award and is listed in "Who's Who Among High School Students."

She has received a President's Scholarship to attend Southeast Missouri State University and plans to major in pre-law at the university.

Salutatorian: Valarie Friese, daughter of Danny and Debbie Friese, has been involved in SOMADD, Student Council, Science Club, BETA Club and Community 2000. She has received a George Washington Carver Award and a BETA Club Award.

She has also received a Regents' Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University, where she plans to attend.

Woodland High School

Valedictorian: Adam Baker, son of Junior and Sharon Baker, has been a member of his high school's basketball and baseball teams. He has been involved in the BETA Club and Pep Club.

He has received a Governor's Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University as well as a Missouri Bright Flight Scholarship. He plans to attend Southeast Missouri State.

Valedictorian: Herman Eckerle, son of Theresa and the late Herman Eckerle, has been involved in BETA Club, Future Homemakers of America, Drama Club, Boy Scouts and Wasted, a drug-free group at his school.

He has been selected to receive a Chancellor's Scholarship from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Regents' Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University, and he was a semi-finalist to receive a Toyota Community Scholarship. He plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and major in business.

Zalma High School

Valedictorian: Heather Riney, daughter of Nathan and Kim Riney,has been a member of her high school volleyball team and was named to the All-Conference team as a junior. She has also been involved in choir, BETA Club, Student Council, and was a Hugh O'Brian Ambassador. She is also listed in "Who's WHo Among High School Students."

She has received scholarships from the Knights of Columbus, the Community Bank of Puxico and Advance Building and Supply. She also received a Fred Emigean Scholarship. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University.

Salutatorian: Carrie Hovis, daughter of Robert and Opal Hovis, has been a member of her school's volleyball team and been named to the All-Conference, All-District and All-Tournament teams the past two years. She is also involved in choir, Student Council, BETA Club, Future Homemakers of America and her church youth group. She's also listed in "Who's Who Among High School Students."

She has been named a Scholastic Athlete by the U.S. Army and plans to major in physical therapy at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Ark.