The journey and the GPA for most of the members of the Class of 2016 started in fall 2012 when they took their first high school classes. Four years later, they celebrate their hard work with honors bestowed upon graduates in the top of their class.

  The top ten seniors include Payton Adair, Rickie Branson, Sarah Easter, Thane Henderson, Kylie McRoberts, Mary Porter, Andrew Savage, Claudia Schmitz, Melissa Scrivener, and Brian Snethen.

  In order to stay at the top of their class, these seniors have put in the work to get their assignments in and understand what they are learning.

  “Homework always comes before social or recreational activities,” Branson said. “I hardly ever complete assignments with minimal effort.”

  “I work hard to keep my grades up,” Schmitz said. “And I have made homework one of my biggest priorities.”

  “I always strive to be the best I can be,” Savage said.

  These top students have overcome challenges that came their way. Scrivener said she has had a hard time in her science classes because it is her least favorite subject and has a hard time comprehending the curriculum.

  “Dealing with these difficulties have been hard,” Scrivener said. “But I always remember to try my hardest and get help when I need it because that’s all I can really do.”

  With their high school experiences behind them, seniors have advice for younger students.

  Easter suggests that students always do their work on time so they won’t have a lot when more adds on to it.

  “My best advice for freshman is to actually attempt your homework, no matter how hard you think it is,” Schmitz said. “I see so many people who don’t turn work and then complain why their grade is so low.”

  “It’s okay to care about your grades, be the best you can be,” Branson said.

  “Stay focused and always try your best,” Scrivener said. “It may get difficult but you shouldn’t ever give up because it will pay off in the long run.”

  Academic honors include being named either valedictorian or salutatorian. Others with qualifying GPA points will also be honored with Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude honors at graduation.

  The Summa Cum Laude award is for students with a 3.90 GPA and above. Recipients of this award will receive a blue ribbon and a gold medal. To receive Magna Cum Laude students have a GPA of 3.75-3.89 and will receive a red ribbon with a silver medal. The Cum Laude award requires a GPA of 3.40-3.74 and will receive a white ribbon with a bronze medal.

  The Cum Laude system was set up by principal Randy Luebbert about three years ago because there are times when students GPA points are just a hundredth point away from the top student.

  “Some people may have lost out on Valedictorian or Salutatorian by just a few GPA points,” counselor Laura Cooke said.